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Airborne Diseases

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15 views21 pages

Airborne Diseases

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everexxt16
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DUFUHS-RIC 113

CONTEMPORARY HEALTH ISSUES

AIRBORNE DISEASES

ESTHER O. NGWU
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UBUERU.
INTRODUCTION
• Airborne diseases refer to illnesses that are caused by microorganisms spread
through the air.
• Airborne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi, or protozoa) that can spread through the air when an infected person
coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes.
• These infectious agents become suspended in tiny respiratory droplets and can
remain airborne for varying durations.
INTRODUCTION

• they are diseases that can be contracted merely by breathing


• airborne diseases pass from one person to another when microorganisms travel
through the air.
• while the diseases can land on and contaminate surfaces, they can also hang in
the air, so that others nearby (including both humans and animals) can inhale
them and become infected.
• airborne diseases can affect both animals and humans.
• These diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria that are capable of becoming
suspended in the air. they typically spread when an infected individual coughs or
sneezes. they can then be inhaled, resulting in new infections.
• they spread faster than other types of diseases, hence more difficult to control.
• They come in various forms and also have a huge severity range.
SYMPTOMS OF AIRBORNE DISEASES

• respiratory symptoms: many airborne diseases affect the respiratory system. symptoms may
include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and chest
congestion.
• fever: elevated body temperature is a common symptom of many infections. it can range from
mild to high-grade depending on the illness
• fatigue: feeling excessively tired or fatigued is often associated with various infections, including
airborne diseases.
• body aches: muscle and body aches are common with certain respiratory infections like the flu
or some viral infections.
• headaches: some airborne diseases can cause headaches, often due to the body's immune
response to the infection.
TYPES OF AIRBORNE DISEASES CAUSING
AGENTS
• VIRUSES
• BACTERIA
• FUNGI
• PROTOZOA
SOME COMMON AIRBORNE DISEASES
• Covid-19: the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, covid-19 first appeared at the
end of 2019 and soon caused a global pandemic. Common symptoms of covid-
19 include shortness of breath, cough, fever, and fatigue.

• Influenza: most people have had the flu at one point or another, as it spreads
easily and becomes contagious before symptoms are even apparent. Potentially
longer if you have a weakened immune system. the many different strains of the
flu and its ability to mutate make it difficult for people to develop immunity,
necessitating annual flu vaccinations.
• Common cold: most adults get a cold two or three times a year, and children get
them even more often the majority of these cases are caused by a rhinovirus,
although many different viruses can cause colds.

• Mumps: mumps are very contagious and can be spread before symptoms
appear and for as long as five days afterward. It occurs mostly in densely
populated areas.
• Chickenpox: caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox takes up to 21 days
to develop after exposure and can be spread for one to two days before a rash
appears. Most people can only get the chickenpox once.

• Measles: measles is highly contagious, as the virus that causes it can remain
active on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours, and it’s transmissible for up
to four days before and four days after a rash appears.
• Tuberculosis (tb): TB is an airborne bacterial infection but doesn’t spread easily.
It requires long periods of close contact with an infected person. It’s possible to
contract tb without giving it to other people or becoming ill: symptoms may
appear within days or take as long as months or years to appear, but once the
disease activates, the bacteria rapidly multiply, attack the lungs, and spread to
other organs, bones, and skin through the bloodstream and lymph nodes.
• whooping cough: pertussis, commonly known as the whooping cough, causes
the airways to swell and manifests as a relentless hacking cough. it’s most
contagious during the first two weeks after the cough appears.

• Diphtheria: diphtheria injures the respiratory system and can cause damage to
the nerves, kidneys, and heart. it was once a leading cause of sickness and death
in children but it is now rare especially in developed countries due to
widespread vaccination.
MODES OF SPREAD

• airborne diseases can be transmitted through:


• breathing, talking, coughs or sneezes, spraying liquid, or dust.
• the microorganisms may come from a person or animal who has a disease or
from soil, garbage, or other sources
SYMPTOMS OF AIRBORNE DISEASES

• sneezing
• coughing
• stuffy or runny nose
• sore throat
• congestion
• sinus pressure
• fatigue
• chills
• body and muscle aches
• headaches
• low fever
• general sluggishness
DIAGNOSIS

• diagnosing an airborne disease is usually accomplished through a saliva sample,


involving a throat swab.
• The doctor may also want to take blood tests or analyze other bodily fluids.
PREVENTION

• it is impossible to totally prevent airborne diseases but exposure to the


causative organisms can be reduced.
• ways of preventing transmission include the use of personal protective
equipment and effective ventilation systems.
• Depending on the disease, an individual can help prevent transmission by
avoiding close contact with others or wearing a face covering
• vaccines: vaccinations exist for the measles, chickenpox, mumps, the flu and
covid-19.
• hygiene: good hygiene is important to prevent the spread of all infectious
diseases, including practices such as washing your hands often, sneezing and
coughing into your mouth or a tissue, and staying home when you’re sick.
• Social distancing: maintain at least 6 feet from others anytime you’re in a public
place.
• ventilation: proper ventilation is key to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.
always ensure proper ventilation of dwelling areas.
• masks: CDC does not recommend that people routinely wear masks outside of
the healthcare setting to avoid contracting the seasonal flu, but their guidelines
was changed because of the recent covid-19 outbreak.
• people should wear masks or face coverings in public places where other social
distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• Avoiding crowded places.
• Constant disinfection.
TREATMENT

• Treatment may include the following depending on the type of disease:


• symptom management
• rest.
• prescription medications
• isolation
SUMMARY

• Airborne diseases pose significant challenges to Global Health. However, with


awareness, education, and the implementation of preventive measures, the
spread of these diseases can be mitigated. vigilance, timely vaccinations, and
adherence to hygiene protocols are essential in controlling and preventing the
transmission of airborne diseases.
THANK YOU!

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