How do infectious diseases spread? (How Diseases Spread) Let's find out exactly about this!

When someone in your house has a cold, or someone in the office has a fever, do you catch it too after a few days? How does the phrase 'the disease is contagious' that we often say actually happen? Today, we will simply talk about what these infectious diseases are, how they spread between each other, from animals, or even from the things we use. When we understand these correctly, it is much easier for us to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

What are the main types of microorganisms that cause disease?

Most infectious diseases are caused by tiny organisms that we cannot see with our eyes. We call these microorganisms. They can be divided into four main types.

How do diseases spread among people?

There are several ways that we can spread the disease to others. Imagine you are on a crowded bus. If someone there sneezes, those germs can get into the air and you can breathe them in. These are just some of the ways.

• Skin-to-skin contact: Some diseases are spread through skin-to-skin contact. Germs can be found in the dead skin cells that fall off the skin of someone who has an infection. These can enter your body through a break in your skin or through mucous membranes like your mouth and nose.
• Sexual intercourse : Diseases like AIDS and syphilis are spread through semen , vaginal fluids , and saliva. These diseases can be transmitted through kissing, oral sex , and sexual intercourse. We call these sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ).
• During childbirth: Some diseases that a pregnant mother has can be transmitted to her baby. This can happen even without the mother knowing it. Germs can be passed on to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• Through the air: As we discussed earlier, when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing germs are released into the air. When we breathe in that air, those germs enter our body through our nose, mouth, or eyes.

How animals transmit diseases to us

Some diseases live in animals and are spread by them. These diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases . The main ways in which diseases are transmitted from animals:

• Bites and scratches: Diseases like rabies are spread by the bite of an infected animal. Similarly, insects like mosquitoes (dengue), ticks, and fleas can transmit the disease when they pick up a germ from an animal and bite a human.
• Hanging out with animals:Germs can be found in animal droppings, urine, saliva, and blood. You can catch the disease from touching an animal, from fleas on its fur, or from germs on its fur.
• Eating animal products: When meat and fish are properly cooked, the heat kills germs. However, eating undercooked, raw meat and eggs can allow the bacteria in them to enter the body and cause infections.

Can we spread diseases through the things we use?

Yes, absolutely. Many germs can live on inanimate surfaces for hours, sometimes days. If we touch such a surface and then touch our mouth, nose, or eyes, we are more likely to get sick. The most common places where germs can live are:

• Door locks and handles
• Fruits and vegetables that are not washed thoroughly
• Unclean water
• Kitchen utensils (planks, knives)
• Clothes and bedding
• Medical equipment

So, how can we prevent the spread of these diseases?

This is not as difficult as you might think. With a few very simple, everyday habits, we can gain great protection from these infectious diseases.

Safe sex practices

Using a condom every time you have sex can help protect you from STIs . It's also a good idea to get tested for common STIs. You can learn more about this from your doctor .

Vaccination

Vaccines train our immune system to fight the germ that causes a disease before it even happens. Then, if the germ actually enters the body, our body will be able to fight it off. Also, if you get vaccinated, the chance of infecting someone else is reduced.

Always keep your hands clean!

We touch our faces hundreds of times a day without even realizing it. That's the easiest way for germs on our hands to get onto our bodies. So, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. Use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.

A better way to cough or sneeze than covering your mouth with your hand is to cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow. This way, germs don't get on your hands and less are released into the air. Infectious diseases, infections, germs, bacteria, viruses, disease prevention, health habits