Sheila M. Martin-Corbin
Infectious diseases tend to spread more rapidly through direct versus indirect contact.
Three different ways in which infectious diseases can be spread directly are described below.
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Person to person
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The most common way for infectious disease to spread is through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. This can occur when an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, coughs on or kisses someone who is not infected. These germs can also spread through the exchange of body fluids from sexual contact or a blood transfusion.
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Animal to person.
An animal or pet infected with a disease can make one sick if scratched or bitten by that animal or pet.
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Mother to unborn child
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A pregnant woman may pass germs that cause infectious diseases on to her unborn baby. Germs can pass through the placenta, as is the case of the AIDS virus and the toxoplasmosis parasite. Pregnant women with the HIV virus may also receive the drug, Retrovir by intravenous injection to help block transmission of the aids virus to her unborn child.
Sexual activity is another mode of transmission of infectious diseases. Transmission is either directly between surfaces in contact during intercourse, or from secretions which carry infectious agents that get into the partner's blood stream.
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Genital warts
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Gonorrhea
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Hepatitis B
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Syphilis
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Herpes
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HIV/AIDS
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Chlamydia
Some ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and decrease the risk of infecting oneself or others:
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Wash your hands thoroughly when preparing foods, before eating
and after using the toilet.
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Get vaccinated
and keep a record of your immunizations.
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Avoid going to work when you have a fever, and or feeling sick.
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Refrigerate leftovers immediately
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Practice safe sex at all times.
Non-infectious diseases are not caused by a pathogen and cannot be shared from one person to another. It may be caused by factors such as the environment, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle choices, or genetic inheritances. Unlike infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases are not communicable or contagious, although some kinds can be passed down genetically to the children of a carrier. Examples of such diseases include cancer, muscle & joint disease, diabetes and kidney disease to name a few.
Some ways to prevent noninfectious diseases are:
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indulge in a healthy lifestyle - exercise regularly, and eat balanced meals
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avoid smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke
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avoid tanning beds, and prolonged sun's rays as this can lower one's risk of getting cancer
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annual visit to the doctor, screening examinations for people at high risk for cancer
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avoid foods and substances that cause allergic reactions
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watch for and manage any noticeable symptoms of genetic disorders