Understanding the Transmission of Airborne Diseases
The transmission of microorganisms through air may occur through a variety of methods, including dust, fine mist, and aerosols. These particles may come from the source of the infection or be generated from biological waste products. Regardless of the route of transmission, airborne particles may travel considerable distances before reaching susceptible hosts. The following information will help you understand the transmission process and the risk of contracting an airborne disease.
Indirect contact transmission
Some airborne diseases can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. For instance, the herpes simplex virus type 1 can be transferred from one person to another by touching their mouth or eyes. Sexual contact can also transmit these diseases. In addition, infected surfaces can leave behind microbes that can infect people who touch them. In addition, some of these diseases are spread through insect carriers, such as mosquitoes. For example, mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus and the malaria parasite. Deer ticks are also known to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium.
The modes of transmission for respiratory viruses vary, and each one may have a greater or lesser impact on transmission. In particular, studies should consider the relative contributions of these modes of transmission in different settings and interventions. For example, while aerosols and droplets are commonly thought of as the main mode of transmission for respiratory diseases, they may be less effective due to the variability in individual susceptibility and contagiousness.
Contagiousness
There are several factors that affect the contagiousness of airborne diseases. These include the time spent by pathogens in the air, the amount of UV light, and atmospheric pollutants. Moreover, the temperature and humidity of the air have a strong impact on the duration of the pathogens’ life. The presence of chemical pollutants also inhibits the survival of these pathogens.
Airborne diseases are transmitted through droplets of infectious material, which can cling to surfaces and travel over long distances. These droplets can also be spread by direct contact between two people. As a result, the contagiousness of airborne diseases varies depending on the conditions in the building and the preventive measures used inside. Nevertheless, only a few diseases are primarily airborne. Other forms of transmission are through smaller respiratory droplets. These droplets can be transferred to other individuals within a distance of 6 feet.
Indirect contact transmission is the most common form of transmission. Indirect contact transmission occurs when an infected person comes into contact with a susceptible person. The organisms present in the droplets multiply in the human body and shed in the feces. The risk of infection is increased when people have improper sanitation practices or improper handwashing.
Prevention
Prevention of airborne diseases involves recognizing the symptoms and avoiding the sources of exposure. Most airborne diseases are transmitted through droplets or aerosols that float in the air and infect people. These infectious vehicles remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. As a result, they are difficult to detect and can infect many people.
Public places such as airports are places of high human interaction and can become centers for the spread of airborne diseases during pandemics. Therefore, airports must integrate appropriate air-contamination control measures into their air conditioning systems. The simplest airborne infection control method is dilution ventilation, which involves the intake of fresh outdoor air into the interior, flushing out aerosolized droplets containing pathogens.
Treatment
Treatment of airborne diseases involves the use of antibiotics or antiviral drugs to treat symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization is necessary. Drugs are also used to treat tuberculosis (TB), but some strains have become drug resistant. Antitoxins are also available to treat diphtheria. The symptoms of airborne diseases often run their course within weeks, but serious complications may occur if the disease is not treated properly. To help reduce the risk of contracting these diseases, people with weakened immune systems should stay home and avoid close contact with those who are contagious. In addition, wearing face masks and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing may help cut down on germs.
Airborne diseases are often spread by dust particles, fine mist, or aerosols. These particles may be generated by the source of infection or by biological waste products. These particles can travel great distances before falling to the ground. It is vital that healthcare facilities implement interventions that prevent the transmission of these particles.
