Over the past year, we have all become experts on transmissible diseases. We have seen our world turned upside down from COVID-19, which has killed more than 2 million and infected more than 97 million (and counting). In the US, the disease has spiraled out of control, killing more than 400,000 and infecting more than 24 million.
Infectious diseases, which can be caused by types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, can be spread in different ways. In this blog post, we will look at five common ways of spreading disease. Preventative measures to cut down on the transmission of diseases include frequent hand washing and wearing a face mask when in public.
1. Person-to-Person
This is the common most way for infectious diseases to be spread. Transmission can occur when one infected person exchanges fluid with, or touches, another person.
As we have seen with COVID-19, this typically happens before the infected person realizes that they are carrying the disease. A host of sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through person-to-person contact, including HIV.
2. Water Droplet Spread
Alongside keeping your distance from others, wearing a face mask is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. When you speak, cough, or sneeze, you are spraying water droplets around you.
These droplets can land on other individuals if they are close by, spreading the disease in this way. Taking steps like wearing a mask is an easy and effective way to reduce this type of transmission.
3. Airborne Transmission
Some diseases, such as measles, for example, are able to stay in the air for a longer time and travel long distances. This makes it easier to become infected. It is possible to become infected with measles simply by being in a room where someone who has measles had been, even if they have already left.
4. Contaminated Objects
A number of diseases can also be transmitted if a person touches an object where they are present. Some contagious organisms are able to live for a short time on surfaces.
For example, if you open a door using a doorknob that is contaminated and then touch either your eyes, nose, or mouth, you can become infected. Washing your hands can help to reduce the chances of this occurring.
5. Food & Water
E. coli is just one example of a disease that can spread through undercooked or improperly handly foods. Likewise, if canned foods are improperly sealed, it can create an environment where dangerous bacteria spreads.
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Take Precaution to Stop Spreading Disease
Simple steps such as washing your hands, wearing a face mask, keeping your distance from strangers, and self-isolating if you feel unwell can help reduce your chances of spreading disease.
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