Let's learn about diseases that are transmitted from hand to hand and through the air? (Direct Contact & Airborne Illness)

We are all surrounded by germs. Not only in the air, water, soil, but also on our bodies. Although most of these germs are harmless, some germs can enter our bodies and make us sick. Simply put, three main things must be fulfilled for a disease to develop. One is a source where the germs live. That can be a place like a doorknob or a table. The second is a susceptible person . That means a person who has not received the necessary vaccinations and has low immunity . The third is the way the germs are transmitted to that person (Transmission) . We are talking about two of those main ways of transmission today.

What is Direct Contact Illness?

Simply put, this is the most common way that diseases are spread. That is, germs are transmitted through direct contact between the body of a sick person and the body of a healthy person. Imagine, you shake hands with a friend, or you hug someone. In such cases, the chances of getting sick are high.

Skin diseases, mouth and eye infections, stomach upsets (digestive system diseases), and blood-borne infections can be spread through contact in this way.

Sometimes this can be indirect (indirect ECT contact) . That is, through things used by the sick person. For example, a wire on a bus, a doorknob in a toilet, or even a cup or comb that someone else has used can transmit a disease.

Some common diseases transmitted by contact

• Scabies: This is very common in our country.
• Head Lice: Commonly seen, especially among school-going children.
• Ringworm : A fungal infection of the skin.
• Impetigo: A bacterial infection of the skin.
• Norovirus: A virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.

How can you protect yourself from diseases transmitted through contact?

• Wash your hands often: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, such as before eating, after using the bathroom, when you return home from a trip, and after touching animals. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stop touching your face with your hands: We often unconsciously touch our eyes, nose, and mouth with our hands. This can easily introduce germs into the body. So try to break this habit.
• Do not share personal items with others: Never share items such as razors, toothbrushes, combs, makeup products, or towels with others.
• Keep it clean: Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and phones, with disinfectant.
• Practice safe sex : Always use condoms correctly. Talk to your doctor for more information about this.
• Get vaccinated: Getting all your vaccines and booster doses on time is the best way to protect yourself from infectious diseases.

What is Airborne Illness?

This refers to diseases that can be spread by breathing in tiny particles of germs that are released into the air when an infected person exhales, talks, coughs, or sneezes. You don't have to be in close proximity to the infected person. Some germs can stay in the air for hours and travel long distances.

The difference between airborne particles and droplets

Although both are airborne, there are clear differences between the two. Understanding this makes it easier to protect yourself from the disease.

Some common airborne diseases

• Common Cold
• Covid-19 (COVID-19)
• Influenza/Flu
• Whooping Cough/Pertussis
• Measles
• Chickenpox

How to protect yourself from airborne diseases?

• Keep your distance: If you are sick, or if you are going to a place where someone is sick, stay away from other people.
• Cover your mouth and nose: When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow. Then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Maintain good ventilation: Keep windows and doors open at home and in the office to allow good air circulation. This will reduce the amount of germs that accumulate indoors.
• Get vaccinated: There are highly effective vaccines against many of these diseases. Getting these vaccines at the right age and on time will protect you and society from you.

Some common questions you may have about this

Can the same disease be transmitted by both contact and air?

Yes, you can. Take influenza and measles, for example. When an infected person coughs or talks, the virus can be spread by breathing it into the air and then inhaling it. It can also be spread by touching a surface that has been contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose or mouth with the same hand.

Can vaccines protect against these diseases?

Absolutely yes. A vaccine teaches our body to fight against a particular pathogen. When we get the vaccine, our body recognizes that pathogen and makes antibodies against it. Then, if that pathogen actually enters the body, these antibodies attack it and prevent us from getting sick.

Do diseases caused by air pollution also fall into the category of airborne diseases?

No. Airborne diseases are those caused by germs like bacteria and viruses. Diseases like asthma caused by air pollution, smoke, and dust do not fall into this category. They are not contagious diseases.