How is infection transmitted

In healthcare settings, germs are found in many places. People are one source of germs including:. People can be sick with symptoms of an infection or colonized with germs not have symptoms of an infection but able to pass the germs to others. Germs are also found in the healthcare environment. Examples of environmental sources of germs include:. A susceptible person is someone who is not vaccinated or otherwise immune, or a person with a weakened immune system who has a way for the germs to enter the body.

Devices like IV catheters and surgical incisions can provide an entryway, whereas a healthy immune system helps fight infection. When patients are sick and receive medical treatment in healthcare facilities, the following factors can increase their susceptibility to infection.

Transmission refers to the way germs are moved to the susceptible person. There are a few general ways that germs travel in healthcare settings — through contact i. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Infection Control. Section Navigation.

Some infections spread to people from an animal or insect, but are not contagious from another human. Lyme disease is an example: You can't catch it from someone you're hanging out with or pass in the street. It comes from the bite of an infected tick. Contagious diseases such as the flu, colds, or strep throat spread from person to person in several ways.

Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should take extra care disposable gloves and good hand washing when changing cat litter, or avoid it altogether. Animal-to-animal disease transmission can sometimes transfer to humans. Zoonosis occurs when diseases are transferred from animals to people.

Zoonotic diseases include:. Some zoonotic infectious agents are transmitted by insects, especially those that suck blood. These include mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. The insects become infected when they feed on infected hosts, such as birds, animals, and humans.

The disease is then transmitted when the insect bites a new host. Malaria , West Nile virus, and Lyme disease are all spread this way. Soil, water, and vegetation containing infectious organisms can also be transferred to people. Hookworm, for example, is transmitted through contaminated soil. Because infectious diseases can spread through direct or indirect contact, everyone is at risk of illness.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can prevent some disease transmission. For example, make sure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use soap and warm water and vigorously rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Washing your hands is the gold standard though! Dangerous organisms can thrive in improperly prepared food. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats and produce separate. Use different preparation surfaces for raw meats and wash surfaces and utensils thoroughly.

Freeze or refrigerate perishable foods and leftovers promptly. When camping or enjoying wooded areas, wear long pants and long sleeves. Use insect repellent and mosquito netting. Stay up to date on vaccinations, especially when traveling. Vaccinations can drastically reduce your risk of becoming ill with some infectious diseases. If you can avoid a particular disease, you can also prevent the spread of the disease.

There are different types of vaccinations, such as those to prevent:. Infectious diseases are caused by types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi around us. If you understand the transmission process, you can use this knowledge to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of illnesses.

A noncommunicable disease is a noninfectious health condition lasting for a long period of time.