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How Diseases are Transmitted

Germs are Spread by Many Different Modes of Transmission

May 5, 2009 A.C. Leach

Infectious diseases like H1N1(swine) flu are transmitted in various ways. Learn how germs are spread and how to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases.

The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu) has prompted top health and political officials to give advice about how to prevent contracting or spreading this disease. The public has been advised to wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay at home when ill.

However, there is still much fear and mystery about this and other illnesses. Many question whether the above mundane precautions are adequate. The information that may calm some of this fear relates to a basic understanding of how diseases are transmitted.

Modes of Transmission

Airborne Transmission—Germs are transmitted by aerosolized infectious droplets that enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Example: Influenza (causes the flu)

Direct Contact—Diseases are spread directly from someone who has the disease to another person or by being exposed to the bodily fluids (like blood, saliva, and semen) of someone with the disease.

Example: Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted infection)

Fecal-oral Transmission—Diseases can be found in feces. Food and water can become contaminated by feces. Ingestion of contaminated food and water can lead to illness.

Example: Hepatitis A (causes hepatitis outbreaks at restaurants)

Indirect Contact—Germs are able to survive on surfaces. When the surface is touched, the germs are transmitted to the body.

Example: Common Cold

Vector-borne—Germs live inside of animals such as ticks, mosquitoes, and rodents. The animals can then pass on the germs through various means such as biting, touching food, and fecal transmission.

Example: Lyme Disease, Malaria

Keep in mind that some germs are transmitted by multiple means. The common cold, for example, can be transmitted by inhaling aerosolized droplets (from someone’s cough or sneeze). It can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface with the hands and then rubbing the eyes or touching the nose.

Staying Healthy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 flu is spread directly from one person to another through coughs and sneezes. Precautions such as frequent hand washing and avoiding touching the nose and eyes help reduce the risk of exposing oneself to infection inadvertently.

For other illnesses, spread by various modes of transmission, lower the risk of infection by using precautions when necessary. For example, when engaging in outdoor activities in wooded areas use insect repellents and wear protective clothing. Check the entire body and clothing for bugs that may be carrying diseases.

To protect against direct transmission of diseases such as sexually transmitted infections, use barrier methods such as condoms. If someone is known to have the flu, avoid contact with him or her. Wear a mask, if necessary, to avoid inhaling infectious droplets of saliva.

Combat fecal-oral transmission by frequent hand washing and sanitizing environments where food or beverages are prepared. Day care centers and schools should also emphasize hygiene to decrease the chance for outbreaks.

Finally, cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces in one’s home help eliminate germs. Bathrooms, kitchens, doorknobs, computers, phones, and toys all harbor germs. It is especially important to be vigilant about cleanliness when one person in a household is sick. This will reduce the risk of other close contacts getting sick.

Stay Informed About Public Health Issues

One of the methods sited by the CDC for fighting the H1N1 influenza virus is to stay informed. The CDC places information regarding H1N1 influenza and other diseases on its website. The United States Department of Health and Human Services also shares important information on its internet site.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Department of Microbiology Website, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto Canada. Accessed May 5, 2009.

The copyright of the article How Diseases are Transmitted in General Medicine is owned by A.C. Leach. Permission to republish How Diseases are Transmitted in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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