Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Infectious Diseases

Airborne and Direct Contact Diseases

Airborne diseases are spread through coughing, sneezing, laughing and close contact. Contact Diseases are transmitted when a person with the disease has direct contact with a person who doesn't have the disease, and the microbe is passed from one to the other.  Presently, prevention of new cases is based on following infection control measures. Recommendations for precautions include:

• 
  Wash your hands frequently,


• 
  Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze( use the bend of your elbow, rather of your hands, or a towel),


• 
  Avoid close contact( i.e. kissing, hugging, participating eating implements or mugs) with people who are sick, and when you're sick,


• 
  Clean and disinfect regularly touched shells( doorknobs, countertops, toys,etc.), especially if someone is sick, and


• 
  Stay home when you're sick.