How do we get infections?
By understanding when and where there is potential for germs to spread, we can take steps to help avoid infection. To cause disease, germs need to get inside the body. Since germs do not jump or walk, they have to be transported into the body by other means:
- Inhalation of small particles, dust and water droplets into the respiratory tract via the nose and mouth. Influenza, Measles, and TB are transmitted this way.
- Ingestion of contaminated food and water. Salmonella is transmitted this way.
- Inoculation via injury, injection, bites and wounds to the skin and mucous membranes. Hepatitis B, STAPH, and Tetanus are transmitted this way.
- Sexual contact between partners. Gonorrhea, Herpes simplex type 2 and HIV are transmitted this way.
- Many infections spread by indirect contact when germs are transferred from a contaminated item (cutting board, cleaning cloth, door handle, telephones, TV remote, etc.) by our hands to our body.
Key fact
Washing hands is the key to significantly reducing the spread of germs. Because our hands touch many surfaces in the course of a day, they are prime vehicles for transferring germs to our nose, mouth and eyes—or to other surfaces where they can find their way into another person. That's why it's so important to wash our hands thoroughly and frequently.
