List Some Ways That People Contract Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are illnesses that are spread from person, animal or insect to person. They might be a bacteria, virus or fungus. Communicable diseases come in many varieties. The important thing to recognize is that communicable diseases are preventable.

Not Washing Hands

Hand washing is one of the most powerful tools in prevention of communicable disease. Some diseases, such as hepatitis A or ringworm, can be transmitted through direct contact with skin or feces. Some diseases can be transmitted because of food handling with dirty hands. The flu, colds and other viruses can be transmitted from person to person after sneezing on a hand and touching someone else. Washing hands after contact with someone who is ill, after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers and after touching dirty objects is an important way of preventing disease transmission.

Respiratory Droplets

Many illnesses can be transmitted through coughing or sneezing. Some examples are tuberculosis, the flu and colds. Covering a cough means the person should cough into their own elbow. Sneezing should be done into a tissue if possible. When one is coughing or sneezing frequently, it is important they avoid social situations or work, because the probability of infecting someone else is high.

Unsafe Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, are transmitted by sexual contact without a condom. Using a condom during all forms of sex, including vaginal, anal or oral, is important. Delaying sex until one is in a monogamous relationship where they know their partner's disease status is also another way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Insect or Mosquito Bite

Some communicable diseases are spread by bites from certain insects. An example is lyme disease, which is spread by a deer tick. Avoiding areas where insects and mosquitos abound is recommended. Wearing long sleeves and long pants, not going into these areas in the evening and, using insect repellent are all ways to help prevent these illnesses. If one is traveling to a country where mosquito-borne illnesses are common, a mosquito net is recommended.

Not Getting Vaccinated

Vaccines are available for many communicable diseases, including measles, mumps, chickenpox or hepatitis A and B. It is important that everyone discuss with their doctor which vaccines are appropriate for them. While traveling, it is especially important to speak with a health care provider about diseases they might be susceptible to in the area they are traveling.