Airborne diseases are caused byvirusesand bacteria that are capable of becoming suspended in the air.
They typically spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
They can then be inhaled, resulting in new infections.
Airborne diseases can affect both animals and humans.
This article looks at some of the airborne viruses and bacteria that cause disease in humans.
It also discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these illnesses.
Airborne transmission is not the same as droplet transmission.
Droplet diseases travel on larger respiratory droplets that can only travel short distances.
These diseases spread through close contact or on surfaces and aren’t as easy to catch.
There are many different types of airborne diseases.
How Airborne Diseases Are Transmitted
Airborne viruses and bacteria are small enough to become aerosolized.
An infected individual can spread them through coughing, sneezing, breathing, and talking.
Can Airborne Diseases Live on Surfaces?
Some airborne viruses can live on surfaces for an hour or two after leaving the body.
Then, infections can be transmitted by touching the surface and rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth.
In general, most airborne viruses are pretty unstable once they leave the body of their host.
This is why many of these diseases have a season.
They may also do a procedure called abronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) to collect a sample from your lungs.
Blood tests, or the analysis of other bodily fluids, are sometimes helpful in diagnosing airborne diseases.
Treatment
Generally, airborne viruses cannot be treated with medication.
Managing Symptoms
Many over-the-counter medications are used tomanage the symptomscaused by airborne viruses.
They should not be given to children under 2.
Your body needs adequate rest to recover from an airborne virus.
Stay at home and get plenty of sleep.
Do not go to work or to school.
Prescription Medications
In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed.
Secondary infections can occur because your immune system is already weakened from the viral infection.
Secondary infections can sometimes be more dangerous than the initial airborne viral infection.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization may be required if dehydration or breathing problems occur.
The age and underlying health of an individual also plays an important role in how seriously ill someone becomes.
Preventing Airborne Diseases
Many causes of airborne diseases are preventable.
Vaccines
Vaccinations exist for airborne diseases such as COVID-19, measles, and varicella.
Vaccines have been vital in reducing the number of infections and deaths from these diseases.
The best way to protect yourself or others from vaccine-preventable airborne diseases is to get vaccinated.
It’s a good idea to maintain a healthy distance from anyone known to be infected with these viruses.
Good Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential in preventing the spread of airborne viruses.
In 1918, the world experienced the most deadly pandemic in modern history.
Known as the Spanish flu, it was resulting from an influenza virus,H1N1.
COVID-19 caused approximately 7 million deaths between January 2020 and June 2023. you could get an airborne disease by inhaling air that contains these particles.
Some examples of airborne diseases include COVID-19, chickenpox, and measles.
Many airborne diseases are preventable with vaccination.
Taking precautions such as hand washing and wearing a mask can also help prevent the spread of airborne diseases.
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