{"id":29206,"date":"2021-12-23T14:34:51","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T14:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=29206"},"modified":"2021-12-23T14:34:51","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T14:34:51","slug":"5-different-ways-infections-can-spread","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/online-courses\/5-different-ways-infections-can-spread\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Different Ways Infections Can Spread"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Humans have dealt with all manner of infections throughout history. From plagues and pandemics to flu and viruses, we have had to adapt and change our ways to better prevent the spread of infectious agents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we learn more about infection prevention and control, increased globalisation makes it more of a challenge to keep on top of the spread as there are so many more modes of transmission to consider. Should an outbreak of a serious infection or disease occur, it can literally be around the world in a matter of days.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are a host of infection control methods that help us maintain a minimal infection rate. UK residents themselves are practising better hygiene as the modes of infection transmission are more publicly documented, and health professionals adhere to strict guidance from authorities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/strong><\/a> (no follow)<\/strong> <\/strong>to keep us safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germs\u00a0are an unavoidable part of life, but if\u00a0we take the\u00a0time to learn more about\u00a0disease prevention, we can help keep\u00a0ourselves and others safe from illness.\u00a0If you\u2019re asking yourself \u2018What is infection control?\u2019 or\u00a0\u2018How is infection spread?\u2019 keep reading. We have detailed the\u00a05 different ways infections can spread and what you can do to prevent them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever\u00a0Wondered\u00a0How\u00a0 Infections\u00a0Spread?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you can reduce your risk of contracting infections it is vital to know how they can spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An infection is caused by bacteria and viruses, that wouldn\u2019t normally be present in the body, invading the body. These bacteria and viruses are found in the environment (air, soil, water) as well as on and in humans, from body secretions to the little, tiny droplets that are formed from sneezing, coughing and breathing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three things need to take place for an infection to manifest<\/strong><\/a>, these are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Source <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person or environment harbouring an infectious agent or germ. Human sources often include healthcare patients and workers, whereas environments can be dry or wet surfaces, moist environments, medical devices, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Susceptible Person <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An individual who isn\u2019t vaccinated or has none or limited immunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Mode of Transmission <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The way germs are transported to the susceptible person.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep UK infection rates\u00a0at their lowest, the best practice approach is to target each aspect that leads to\u00a0infections spreading.\u00a0Scientists,\u00a0medicine\u00a0and healthcare professionals all do their bit to\u00a0eliminate the source of infection and boost the immunity of susceptible people. However, we can\u00a0all\u00a0play a part in minimising the mode of\u00a0transmission.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering \u2018How can infection spread?\u2019, transmission occurs through: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Physical\u00a0Contact\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Infections, especially skin contagions, are commonly spread by direct physical contact. Direct contact means that infections are passed on from one person to another when their bodies touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Infections like ringworm are spread when children play together, and the infected area of a child is touched by another. Other infections like chickenpox, cold sores and HIV can be passed on by kissing, touching and sexual intercourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is why practising good hygiene is the most basic, yet incredibly important disease prevention method for both adults and children, as it kills the microorganisms that carry infections and disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Droplet\u00a0Spreading\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Colds, strep throat\u202fetc. are caused by germs found in saliva and excretions of the nose.\u202fSneezing, runny noses, coughing or other modes of projecting droplets of secretions are a common way of spreading germs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Young children experience colds and other non-major viruses, such as\u202feye infections and those occurring in the nose and throat, more frequently than adults. This is why following thorough infection control practices with children is very important because the respiratory viruses in the throat and nose of children can be present\u202ffor days before they start to\u202fshow any symptoms of illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Another common occurrence of droplet spreading in healthcare is in dentistry when rotating medical devices are used during procedures. These cause droplets to spray out of the patient’s mouth and become airborne.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When projected, these germ-filled droplets can land in another person\u2019s mouth, eye or nose and can also be inhaled. They can also land on nearby surfaces that can be touched by others in the vicinity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This is why there are standard precautions for infection control<\/strong><\/a> within healthcare facilities and other workplace environments. Though as individuals, we should also be mindful of covering our mouths and nose when we sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Contaminated\u00a0Items\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        People can also be infected by contaminated everyday items like bedsheets, toys, even water and food. In healthcare facilities, this is amplified as medical devices and equipment more frequently come into contact with infected bodily fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Because of this, all these objects and appliances must be correctly disinfected, sterilised and cleaned. In addition to all food, water and other consumables being stored and prepared safely and hygienically<\/strong><\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Bowel\u00a0Movements\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          The germs that cause diarrhoea and other more serious excreta-related diseases like cholera, typhoid and polio are found in faeces. Water, hands, food, surfaces and other objects can be contaminated by faeces quite easily, as a result of bad personal hygiene.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Why intestinal contagions\u202fare so easily spread is because some germs can live on objects and surfaces for prolonged periods of\u202ftime. As such, the most effective way of preventing the spread of these germs is by\u202fcorrect\u202fhand washing<\/strong><\/a>(no follow) in addition to a daily personal hygiene routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Exposure to\u00a0Blood\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Skin acts as a barrier to prevent contact with blood. However, when skin is broken, or blood-like bodily fluids are passed on, infections can spread by blood-to-blood direct contact or direct contact with the eyes or mouth.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The smallest amount of blood can cause the spread of infections. So, it is important that whenever any blood or blood-like bodily fluids are present, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during the time of exposure and within the cleaning process. Should encounters be of a sexual nature, participants should use appropriate STI protection.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Ways to Reduce the Spread of Infections <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            There are several ways you can help to reduce the risk of spreading infections and lowering UK infection rates: <\/p>\n\n\n\n