Infectious diseases have long been one of the biggest challenges of mankind. These diseases, which are transmitted from one person to another, can have devastating effects on individual and community health. From the plague and smallpox of the past to emerging infectious diseases such as Covid-19, this threat has always been present. However, dramatic advances in medicine and public health have given us powerful tools to protect ourselves and society from these threats.
Prevention of infectious diseases is not only an individual responsibility, but also a social responsibility. By observing some simple and effective principles, it is possible to break the chain of disease transmission and prevent the widespread spread of diseases. Vaccination, observing personal hygiene, maintaining social distance and using a mask when necessary are among the most important prevention strategies. Also, raising the level of public awareness about infectious diseases and the ways of their transmission plays a very important role in controlling these diseases. In this article, we will examine the prevention methods of these diseases.
What are infectious diseases?
Infectious diseases are diseases that are transmitted from person to person, animal to human or through the environment. These diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. When these microscopic organisms enter the human body, they multiply and cause disease.
Types of infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are divided into different groups based on the causative agents, transmission routes and clinical symptoms. Some of the most important types of these diseases are:
• Bacterial diseases: These diseases are caused by bacteria and include diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, bacterial meningitis, urinary tract infections, etc.
• Viral diseases: viruses are the cause of many infectious diseases. Influenza, measles, chicken pox, AIDS, hepatitis and Covid-19 are common viral diseases.
• Fungal diseases: Fungi can also cause infection in humans. Fungal infections of the skin, nails and respiratory system are among these diseases.
• Parasitic diseases: Parasites are living organisms that live in the human body and feed on it. Malaria, giardiasis and hookworm are common parasitic diseases.
Ways of transmission of infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are transmitted through various methods, some of the most important of which are:
• Direct contact: direct contact with an infected person or his body secretions (such as blood, saliva, nasal secretions) can cause disease transmission.
• Indirect contact: contact with contaminated objects such as doorknobs, personal items and contaminated surfaces can cause disease transmission.
• Airborne transmission: Some diseases are transmitted through respiratory droplets that are released when coughing or sneezing.
• Transmission through food and water: consumption of water and food contaminated with microbes can cause disease.
• Transmission through vectors: insects such as mosquitoes, flies and ticks can act as disease vectors.
Ways to prevent infectious diseases
Healthy habits prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases. Learn, practice and teach others healthy habits.
Safely handle and prepare food:
Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces frequently when preparing any food, especially raw meat. Always wash fruits and vegetables. Cook and store food at the right temperature. Do not leave food out, refrigerate immediately.
Wash your hands often:
Washing hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases. Our hands are in contact with many surfaces and people throughout the day that may contain germs and viruses. These germs can easily be transferred through the hands to the mouth, nose or eyes and cause illness.
Use warm water and soap. Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails, for at least 20 seconds. Wash hands thoroughly under running water. Dry hands with a clean or disposable towel or allow to air dry.
Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces:
Microbes can live on surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient. However, you should regularly disinfect your bathroom and kitchen. If someone is sick in the house, disinfect other areas as well. You can use an EPA-approved disinfectant (look for the EPA registration number on the label), bleach solution, or rubbing alcohol.
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve:
When we cough or sneeze, thousands of tiny droplets containing viruses and bacteria leave our mouths and noses at high speed. These droplets can spread up to several meters in the air and settle on surfaces, objects and even other people. If another person inhales these contaminated droplets or touches his mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands, he may contract the same disease. Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of these germs. The best way is to use disposable paper towels. But if tissue is not available, covering the mouth and nose with the inner sleeve (elbow part) is the next best option.
Do not share personal items:
Avoid sharing personal items that cannot be disinfected, such as toothbrushes and razors, or sharing towels between washes. Needles should never be shared, they should be used only once and then disposed of properly.
Get vaccinated:
Vaccines can prevent many infectious diseases. You should get some vaccines as a child, some as an adult, and some for special situations like pregnancy and travel. Make sure you and your family are up to date on vaccines.
Avoid touching wild animals:
You and your pets should avoid touching wild animals that can carry germs that cause infectious diseases. If bitten, talk to your doctor. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Stay at home:
When you are sick, stay home and rest. You’ll heal faster and won’t spread germs.
Additional notes
• Education of children: Education of children about health and disease prevention is very important. Encourage them to wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing personal items.
• Environmental health: maintaining environmental health also plays a role in preventing infectious diseases. Make sure to clean and disinfect public surfaces and high-traffic areas.
• Elderly care: The elderly and people with weak immune systems are more at risk of contracting infectious diseases. Make sure they get the necessary vaccinations and ensure hygiene is followed.
• Travel: When traveling to areas with high rates of infectious diseases, take the necessary preventive measures, such as vaccinations and good personal hygiene.
By following these tips and teaching them to others, you can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and keep yourself and the community healthy. Healthy habits prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases. Learn, practice and teach others healthy habits.
Frequently asked questions about the prevention of infectious diseases
1. Why is the prevention of infectious diseases important?
Infectious diseases can have serious consequences for individual and community health. These consequences include death, long-term disability, high treatment costs, and disruption of social and economic activities. Timely and effective prevention of these diseases can prevent these consequences.
2. What factors play a role in the spread of infectious diseases?
Several factors play a role in the spread of infectious diseases, including the type of pathogen, ways of disease transmission, environmental conditions, health status of society, population density, safety status of people and the presence of carriers.
3. Are all infectious diseases preventable?
Currently, there are vaccines and effective prevention methods for many infectious diseases. However, some diseases remain challenging due to causative genetic mutations or other factors.
4. How does vaccination prevent diseases?
Vaccination provides immunity against certain diseases. By injecting a vaccine, the body gets acquainted with a weak or inactive version of the pathogen and produces antibodies. In case of encountering the real pathogenic agent, the body responds quickly and protects the person against the disease.
5. How to prevent waterborne diseases?
To prevent water-borne diseases, one should use safe drinking water, wash food well and avoid swimming in contaminated water.
Summary
As we have seen, prevention of infectious diseases requires collective effort and cooperation of all members of the society. By observing personal hygiene, timely vaccination, and paying attention to health recommendations, we can break the chain of disease transmission and have a healthier society. Let’s make a pledge to prioritize our health and that of others and help create a safe society with awareness and responsibility.
