Q: Here’s what you need to know about preventative measures against airborne diseases
There are some infectious diseases that you can contract by simply breathing. These are known as airborne diseases. They can be caught when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes and nasal and throat secretions are spread in the air. Such pathogens can hover in the air and settle on people or surfaces. Controlling the spread of such diseases is more challenging because they travel in the air. Regardless, preventing airborne diseases is essential to ensure the health of the elderly and people with weaker immunities. Read on to know more about the types, symptoms, and preventive measures that can be taken against an airborne disease.
What are some examples of airborne diseases?
The common cold, flu, mumps, measles, whooping cough, and tuberculosis are some common forms of airborne diseases. On the other hand, diphtheria, anthrax, and meningitis are some uncommon types of airborne diseases. The uncommon ones might require extra medical care due to their serious symptoms.
What are the symptoms of airborne diseases?
Most airborne diseases can share common systems such as cough, sneezing, fatigue, chills, muscle and body aches, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and fever. Generally, the symptoms for cold and flu are mild. However, in case of severe symptoms such as high fever or breathlessness, a doctor should be immediately notified.
Which airborne diseases can’t be treated?
Airborne diseases like chickenpox, common cold, and flu can’t be cured, but they can be successfully treated. Most people don’t even seek medical attention for such conditions as they can be managed with the help of home remedies, plenty of hydrating fluids, and rest. Serious conditions like whooping cough or meningitis need immediate medical attention which involves the use of a combination of medicines such as antibiotics.
What precautions can be taken to prevent airborne diseases?
To prevent airborne diseases, your first task is to follow immaculate hygiene habits. Always wash your hands before you eat or touch your face. Likewise, carry a sanitizer, especially if you frequent crowded areas, and keep a distance from people who exhibit active symptoms of a disease, like coughing and sneezing. Similarly, stay home if you’re sick and keep away from susceptible individuals. Also, wear a mask or cover your mouth when your sneeze or cough.
How can children be protected from airborne diseases?
It’s a good idea to get your baby vaccinated right after they are born. At the moment, there are several vaccinations available for chickenpox, diphtheria, flu, measles, mumps, and whooping cough. If your kid has missed a couple of shots, then talk to your healthcare provider to know if your kid is eligible for another round of vaccinations.
Does the flu shot protect you from all flu strains?
The flu vaccine is updated every year to include flu strains that are expected to spread in the upcoming flu season. While the vaccine might not protect against all strains, according to the CDC, flu vaccinations can reduce the risk of illness by 40% to 60%.
Can ventilation prevent airborne diseases?
Increasing ventilation according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can help improve the quality of indoor air. An unventilated area may further contribute to the accumulation of pathogens, moisture, and pollutants. Air filters, UV purification, HEPA filters, and ion generators can help to curb contaminated air.
Do facemasks help in the prevention of airborne diseases?
Facemasks are recommended only to the ones who are showing symptoms of the airborne disease, and for those who are nursing the affected person like a family member or a healthcare worker. To ensure that they are highly effective, masks should be used in combination with frequent hand sanitizing/washing.
What’s better for preventing an airborne disease, hand washing or hand sanitizer?
Ideally, washing hands with soap and water is a more effective way to disinfect yourself. However, an alcohol-based sanitizer is the next best thing when you don’t have access to proper soap and water. So, it is wise to step out with a sanitizer and stick to the good old soap when you’re at home or work.
How can the COVID-19 be prevented?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can be prevented with the same precautionary methods used for airborne diseases. These include washing or sanitizing hands, staying away for people with symptoms, and avoiding touching objects in public places. Likewise, if you want to cough or sneeze, wear a mask or use something to cover your mouth. If you feel unwell, then ensure that you stay back home and monitor your symptoms.