Droplet infection & airborne transmission:
Invisible dangers in the air
Droplet infections and airborne germs are among the most common transmission routes. They occur when infected people release tiny droplets containing pathogens into the air when coughing, sneezing, speaking or breathing. These droplets can then be inhaled by other people or absorbed through the mucous membranes (such as the nose or mouth). So-called aerosols – tiny droplets that can float in the air for hours and fly long distances – pose a particular danger.
This type of transmission is often observed in diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, influenza or COVID-19.
How can you protect yourself?
- Keep your safety distance
- Wear a face mask
- Ventilate regularly
- Wash your hands properly
Contact & smear infection:
Germs on surfaces and through direct contact
Germs can be transmitted through direct physical contact, but also through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g. door handles, handrails or cell phones). This type of transmission often occurs unconsciously: if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face, the germs get directly onto the mucous membranes (e.g. in the eye, nose or mouth).
This type of transmission is particularly common with pathogens such as noroviruses or influenza viruses.
How can you protect yourself?
- Frequently wash your hands with soap
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect surfaces
- Use disinfectants
Blood & tissue infections:
Transmission through bodily fluids
Pathogens such as viruses or bacteria can enter the body through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids. This can happen through unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with infected blood or through the exchange of bodily fluids such as saliva or sweat. Pathogens can also be transmitted through insect bites – for example by mosquitoes that transmit malaria or the Zika virus.
Diseases such as hepatitis B&C, HIV or syphilis can be transmitted this way.
How can you protect yourself?
- Wear protective clothing (in case of contact with blood or body fluids)
- Use clean piercing and tattooing tools / needles
- Use insect repellent (especially in risk areas)
Contaminated food and water:
Dangers in the kitchen
Germs such as salmonella, E. coli or hepatitis A can enter the body through contaminated food or water and cause gastrointestinal illnesses. This type of transmission is often referred to as fecal-oral transmission and occurs primarily in regions with poor hygienic conditions or inadequate water treatment. However, outbreaks can also occur in Western countries with good hygiene standards due to improperly stored food or a lack of hygiene during preparation.
Contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hepatitis A, typhoid fever or listeriosis.
How can you protect yourself?
- Food:
prepare hygienically, wash well, store properly, cook completely - Drinking water:
fresh, clean, reliable sources - Avoid undercooked food:
raw meat, eggs, seafood - The following rule has proven itself in unsafe hygiene conditions:
Cook it, peel it or forget it!
Conclusion
As pathogens are transmitted in many different ways, it is important to know the right protective measures. Good hygiene, conscious handling of food, wearing protective masks and avoiding close contact in risk situations are important measures for staying healthy.
Prevention is the most effective protection against infection – be vigilant and take care of your body and the environment!