Hila Ismael
20212347
Assignment 12B
Examine the transmission of infectious diseases and how this can be prevented.
The charity I volunteer for helps victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts, and epidemics. Among the
foundation's long-term initiatives is addressing global health crises. My role includes collecting data
related to the causes and transmission of infectious diseases, as well as how to stop their spread. This
assignment aims to educate you about how diseases spread and how to prevent their spread. My task
will be to evaluate the different approaches and interventions used to prevent the spread of infectious
diseases.
What are infectious diseases and how are they transmitted.
infectious diseases are infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi,
parasites, or other pathogens. These microorganisms have the capacity to invade and infect the body,
which may cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Several factors contribute to the
spread of infectious diseases. These include contact with an infected individual, airborne transmission,
intake of tainted food, and animal or insect bites. Among the most common examples are flu, TB,
HIV/AIDS, malaria, and COVID-19. Preventing and treating infectious diseases is achieved through good
hygiene practices, vaccinations, and the use of antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Modes of transmission of disease: There are many modes of transmission as shown below.
Routes Diseases
Foodborne and waterborne Cholera, Typhoid fever
Air borne Mumps, SARS
Animal borne Leptospirosis
Victor borne Yellow fever, Dengue, Malaria
Blood borne HIV / AIDS
Sexually transmitted Fungal infections, Ascariasis
Recreational water CLM, Tinea, Legionellosis
Different protocols to prevent diseases.
There are many ways diseases could be prevented via specific protocols. Some of these protocols are
having or wearing the appropriate equipment, the person’s attitude towards adhering to the rules, the
environment in which people are surrounded by, isolating when knowing you have an infectious disease,
vaccines, and various drug programs - anti-malarial, anti-viral and anti-bacterial available from the
government.
PPE: By using personal protective equipment (PPE), one can physically distinguish themselves from an
infectious pathogen. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, the physical barrier collects the
droplets; if these droplets land in the mouth, nose, or lungs, the virus is transmitted to another person.
The mask stops people from breathing them in while preventing the droplets from spreading into the
surrounding air by capturing them. PPE can be worn by healthcare workers and anyone who might come
into contact with contagious individuals or hazardous objects. Here are some situations where various
PPE can reduce transmission:
,Hila Ismael
20212347
Assignment 12B
Here are several situations where various PPE can reduce transmission:
Using a mask is a good way to avoid spreading the virus to another person. It creates a physical barrier
that catches coughs and sneezes from an infected person. The droplets that land in the mouth, nose, or
are inhaled can spread the virus to another person. Droplets are caught by the mask, preventing them
from spreading into the air, but they are also prevented from being breathed in by other people.
Likewise, gloves can prevent infectious agents from being transmitted through contact with
contaminated surfaces. By wearing gloves, individuals can prevent the transfer of bacteria or viruses
from their hands to other surfaces or people. This is particularly important for healthcare workers who
encounter patients and may be exposed to infectious agents. For maximum effectiveness, masks and
gloves should be used in conjunction with other infection control measures, including hand hygiene and
social distance. Additionally, it is important to use masks and gloves properly and to dispose of them
appropriately to prevent further spread of infection.
Goggles: Wearing goggles or face shields can help stop the spread of infectious agents by coming into
contact with the eyes, which is a possible entry point for many infectious diseases.
Biohazard suits is crucial for halting the spread of infectious diseases. These outfits are made specially to
protect the wearer from potentially dangerous elements including bacteria, viruses, and other
infections. They are designed to cover the full body, including the head, hands, and feet, and are
fashioned from materials that are impenetrable to these chemicals. The fact that biohazard suits stop
the transmission of infectious diseases is one of their main advantages. These suits serve as a barrier to
stop viruses from spreading from one person to another when worn appropriately. This is crucial in
hospital settings because patient care exposes healthcare personnel to infectious diseases frequently.
Compliance of PPE: Because masks and gloves can be bothersome or uncomfortable, some people may
choose not to wear them. It could be uncomfortable to wear masks and gloves for a lengthy period of
time when it's hot and humid outside. Additionally, they might make it difficult to speak, breathe, and
perform particular tasks. Gloves can also limit flexibility and sensation of touch, which makes it harder to
grab objects and perform challenging motor activities. In some cases, people may choose their
convenience or comfort over the benefits of wearing gloves and masks. Some people can choose not to
use masks and gloves because they don't trust the authorities or organisations that recommend or
demand their use. They may believe that masks and gloves are unnecessary or superfluous, or they may
believe that the risks associated with their jobs are overstated. Sometimes people may also have a
general suspicion of institutions in the public health, science, or government, which might make them
skeptical of directives or recommendations.
Cost: Gloves and masks are two of the PPE gear that government workers use the most frequently. PPE
costs, such those for gloves and masks, are crucial for minimising transmission because they guarantee
workers' safety while doing their duties. Accidents and injuries could cost the government a lot of
money, but they can be prevented by investing in high-quality PPE.PPE helps prevent the spread of
illnesses and infections while also protecting workers from harm. When it comes to limiting the
transmission of dangerous diseases at work, gloves and masks are crucial. By protecting workers from
hazardous substances, PPE serves to lower the risk of disease transmission, which can lead to expensive
healthcare costs for the government. The expense of PPE, such as masks and gloves used in the
government to limit transmission, also includes the cost of training staff on how to use and maintain it.
, Hila Ismael
20212347
Assignment 12B
Workers who have received the necessary training are more likely to successfully use PPE, which can
reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. It also helps to make sure that PPE is maintained correctly,
which can lengthen the equipment's lifespan and reduce the cost of replacement.
Side effects: It is critical to comprehend that wearing a mask may have certain drawbacks. First off,
wearing a mask for an extended amount of time might be uncomfortable. They may irritate the skin,
itch, and result in facial pressure sores. Second, masks can hinder communication, especially for those
who rely on lipreading due to hearing difficulties. Masks can also muddle voices, making it challenging to
communicate subtleties and emotions in speech. Thirdly, wearing a mask can offer people a false sense
of security, making them forget to use hand sanitizer and keep a physical distance. Fourthly, masks may
increase waste production and litter, especially if they are not properly disposed of. Finally, not
everyone should wear masks, especially those who have certain medical conditions. Gloves have a
reputation for aggravating skin allergies, decreasing touch sensitivity, and irritating the skin. Wearing
gloves made of latex, vinyl, or nitrile may cause allergic reactions in some people, causing itching,
redness, or swelling. Long-term glove use may also reduce tactile sensitivity, making it more difficult to
do tasks that require fine motor skills or touch sensitivity.
Vaccination programs available: The respiratory disease influenza, more generally referred to as the flu,
is brought on by influenza viruses. It could be prevented through the use of PP. The symptoms of the flu
can range from moderate to severe and include fever, coughing, sore throats, runny or stuffy noses,
body aches, headaches, chills, and lethargy. It occasionally can result in side effects like pneumonia,
bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, among others.
The flu vaccination contains minute quantities of weakened or inactivated influenza viruses that are
intended to trigger the immune system and cause an immunological response without actually making
you sick. Depending on the strains of the virus that are most likely to be prevalent throughout the
upcoming flu season, the precise makeup of the flu vaccination varies from year to year. The trivalent
vaccination and the quadrivalent vaccine are the two primary forms of flu vaccines. Three different
influenza virus strains—two influenza A and one influenza B—are included in the trivalent vaccine. Two
influenza A strains and two influenza B strains, totaling four viral strains, are included in the quadrivalent
vaccine. Both vaccine types are accessible in a variety of ways, including injectable vaccines, nasal
sprays, and high-dose vaccines for people over 65.
The flu vaccination may include other components, such as adjuvants, preservatives, and stabilisers, in
addition to the inactivated or weakened virus. These components help to increase the vaccine's potency
and ensure its safety. Methylmercury-containing thimerosal is a frequently employed preservative.
Additionally, certain vaccinations could contain egg proteins, which are utilised to expand the virus while
they are being made.
Due to the fact that the virus in the vaccine is inactivated or weakened and cannot replicate in the body,
it is crucial to highlight that receiving the flu shot cannot actually cause the illness. The vaccine may,
however, cause moderate adverse effects in some people, including as fever, body aches, and
discomfort at the injection site.
