Question

Name how one disease can be transmitted,Consider the differences between direct and indirect transmission. Provide a scenario for each. As a health educator, how would you work to educate one individual in each scenario to prevent disease transmission in the future?

Answer 1

Infectious diseases are caused by the organisms like bacteria, virus, fungus or parasites. There are some organisms that live in our body which is helpful to human but in certain conditions they can cause disease.

There are two types of transmission:

- Direct transmissions:

person to person: it can spread through direct transfer of organisms from one person to another. Exchange of fluids through sexual contact in case of STDs is one of the example.

Animal to person: being bitten or scratched by animal can sometimes cause infection which may be fatal. It can also spread by animal wastes. Eg: Toxoplasmosis infection

Mother to foetus: some germs can pass through placenta and mother milk.

- Indirect transmission:

Many germs can be linger on a holding objects, table top, door knob etc. If a person touches those objects handled by person with flu, cold or other infections the germs left on them and then if they touch mouth nose or eyes with the same hand they may become infected.

Insect bites: some insects act as carriers to move infection from host to host. Example for such insects are mosquitoes, fleas, lice etc. Mosquito can carry malaria parasites.

patient education:

For the prevention of STDs which is from direct contact, practice safe sex. Always use contraceptives which is a physical barrier if you or your partner has STDs or high risk behaviour. Take proper vaccination which can reduce chance of gett Infected. Make sure to keep up date of recommended vaccination as well as your children’s.

For the prevention of indirectly transmitted infections,

wash your hands properly. Don’t try to touch face, nose, mouth and your eyes.

Stay home when you are ill.

Prepare your foods safely. Ensure the cleanliness of working place.

Don’t share your personal items like comb, tooth brush or razor with others.