Table of Contents
Introduction
Airborne diseases are mostly bacterial or viral infections that are commonly transmitted through small respiratory droplets in the air. These droplets are usually expelled when an infected person sneezes, coughs, laughs, or otherwise exhales the droplets in some way.
How are Airborne Diseases Transmitted?
These infectious droplets carrying the disease can travel over air currents, stay in the air, or stick to surfaces, where they will eventually be inhaled by someone else.
An airborne disease spreads when infected persons either cough, sneeze, or talk, expelling nasal or throat secretions into the air. The droplets containing the viruses or bacteria go into the air and hangs in the air or cling to other people and surfaces.
When someone breathes in airborne pathogenic organisms, they take up residence inside them. Someone can also pick up the germs when they touch a surface containing them and then introduce them by touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose.
What are the Most Common Airborne Diseases?
Most airborne diseases are also contagious through larger respiratory droplet transmission.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 that the world is currently fighting as a pandemic is a highly contagious disease resulting from an infection caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, which is a type of coronavirus. In many cases, COVID-19 occurs without any symptoms. For other cases, it causes symptoms that are severe and complications that can be fatal. Asymptomatic persons can still pass the infection to others.
The Common Cold
The common cold is an infectious disease brought about by a virus, and that affects the upper respiratory system. The common cold is virtually the most common infectious disease among humans. It is transmitted by virus-infected airborne droplets or by direct contact with infected secretions.
Influenza (The flu)
Influenza, or the flu, is an airborne viral infection that infects the respiratory system — your nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza is different from the common cold.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease affecting the lungs, although it can affect any organ in the body. It can develop when bacteria spread through droplets in the air. TB can be fatal, but in many cases, it is preventable and treatable.
Measles
Measles is another infectious illness that is caused by the rubeola virus. Measles spread either through direct contact with a person who has the virus or through droplets in the air. It is a highly contagious disease that could lead to life-threatening complications. According to the CDC, around 20% of people in the United States who get infected with measles spend time in the hospital, and it is fatal in 1–3 of every 1,000 cases.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox, also referred to as varicella, is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Although it may present uncomfortable symptoms, most people recover within 1-2 weeks. There is a blister-like rash, which first appears on the face and trunk, and then spreads throughout the body. Although not life-threatening, complications can arise.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infectious respiratory illness that causes the swelling of the airways, resulting in a persistent hacking cough.
How would you protect yourself and your family from airborne diseases?
Although it is impossible to avoid airborne diseases in the form of pathogens completely, there are some measures you can do to reduce your chances of getting infected:
- Avoiding close contact with people who have active symptoms of airborne disease.
- Staying at home if you are sick. Staying away from vulnerable people so that they do not come in close contact with you.
- If you must be around people, wear a face mask to cover your nose and mouth to prevent spreading or breathing in germs.
- Washing your hands thoroughly and very often, most importantly after touching surfaces, sneezing, or coughing.
- Avoiding touching your face or other people with unwashed hands.
Protection against airborne diseases using vaccines
Vaccines are also a measure to reduce your chances of getting some airborne diseases. Vaccines also lower the risk for others in the community. Airborne diseases that have vaccines include; chickenpox, diphtheria, influenza, MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, TB, and Whooping cough.
When to see a Doctor
For most people, the symptoms of most airborne diseases will go by themselves. However, for some diseases like TB, and whooping cough, you will need to see a doctor before the symptoms worsen. For the rest of the diseases, you might want to see your doctor if the symptoms persist or if they get worse.
You may want to prevent infecting other people by exploring options such as telehealth. With telehealth, you will talk to your doctor in the comfort and safety of your home without putting anyone at the risk of getting infected. The doctor will advise you if you will need an in-person visit or may recommend follow-up procedures or medication.
Takeaway
Airborne diseases are present all around the world and affect virtually all persons. These diseases spread easily in close quarters, such as crowded spaces, schools, and nursing homes. Large outbreaks may occur under crowded conditions and in places where hygiene and sanitation systems are poor. For most airborne diseases, they run their course within a few weeks, while others, like whooping cough, can last for months. This article talks about some of the most common airborne diseases, how to protect yourself and your family and when to see a doctor.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/background/air.html#c1
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17888-w
https://www.pnas.org/content/115/5/1081
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/
