Diseases were very common and had an important effect in the trenches during WWI. Remember that soldiers spent years living in there under poor hygienic conditions and exposed to constant dangers. Here are some of the most common diseases:
- Trench foot: it was caused by humidity and the damp conditions developing fungal infections. Amputation was often needed.
- Trench fever: it was caused by the lice outbreaks provoking high fever, severe headaches and serious leg and back pain. Symptoms sometimes were similar to those of typhois or influenza. Although not usually mortal, ti took several weeks to recover.
- Dysentery: caused diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and stomach aching. It is provoqued by bacterial infections in the soldiers intestines as a result of the irregular supply of water and poor sanitation. It could led to severe dehydration and death.
