Subtitle: 6 Ways Communicable Diseases Can Be Spread
Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be passed from one person to another. These diseases can be spread through a variety of different ways. Knowing how communicable diseases are spread is important in order to prevent, diagnose, and treat them. Here are six ways communicable diseases can be spread:
Direct Contact: Direct contact is one of the most common ways for communicable diseases to spread. This is when disease-causing germs are passed from one person to another through physical contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual contact. Direct contact can also occur through sharing items such as utensils, cups, or clothing.
Indirect Contact: Indirect contact is when disease-causing germs are spread through an intermediate object or surface. This is commonly known as “fomite transmission.” Examples of indirect contact include touching a door handle that has been contaminated with germs or breathing in droplets that have been coughed or sneezed by an infected person.
Vector-Borne Transmission: Vector-borne transmission occurs when disease-causing germs are spread by an organism such as a mosquito, tick, or flea. These organisms are known as vectors and can transmit diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and Zika virus.
Food and Water Contamination: Food and water contamination is when disease-causing germs are spread through contaminated food or water. This can occur when food or water is not stored or prepared properly or when it is contaminated by an infected person.
Airborne Transmission: Airborne transmission is when disease-causing germs are spread through the air. This can occur when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and the germs are inhaled by another person. Airborne transmission is common for diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis.
Blood-Borne Transmission: Blood-borne transmission occurs when disease-causing germs are spread through contact with infected blood. This can occur through sharing needles or having unprotected sex. Blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B and HIV are commonly spread through this method.
By understanding how communicable diseases are spread, it is possible to take steps to prevent their spread and protect yourself and others from getting sick.