Droplet infection

definition

The transmission of pathogens, i.e. bacteria or viruses, through secretion droplets is referred to as droplet infection. These secretion droplets come from the human respiratory tract and can find their way to other people through the air. Many pathogens are secreted, especially through the nasal mucous membrane. In addition, the pathogens can also be transmitted via the oral mucosa.

With droplet infection, a distance between people of one to a maximum of 3 meters can be overcome. By sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing or speaking, the viruses and bacteria can get into the air in the form of small droplets and be inhaled by other people. The pathogens can also be passed on to other people through direct contact with the mucous membranes of the airways, for example when kissing. This can, but need not necessarily, lead to an infection in the other person.

causes

The cause of the transmission of viruses or bacteria through a droplet infection is the transmission of the pathogen through small drops of secretion that fly through the air. The drops are transferred to the air by the lining of the mouth or nose of a person who carries the pathogen. This is done by sneezing, coughing, or speaking. Other people who are in the immediate vicinity (about one to three meters) of this person can inhale the secreted secretion drops and absorb them into their body.

If the bacteria or viruses multiply, an infection can occur. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case and depends, among other things, on the Immunity the person.

The viral diseases that are transmitted by droplet infections are significantly more common than the bacterial infections. Especially in the colder seasons There is an increased risk of getting infections such as the flu from a droplet infection. This is because at this time many people carry the pathogen and the risk of spreading is increased as a result.

What diseases are transmitted by droplet infections?

Especially viral infections are transmitted through the droplet infection. The occurrence of bacterial diseases is comparatively less common.

In the case of viral infections, the flu is the most common illness. But also the real flu, the so-called Influenza is spread through secretion droplets in the air. As older people and people with previous illnesses have an increased risk of contracting influenza, they are recommended to be vaccinated against the flu. That too Herpes simplex virus is transmitted by droplets. It triggers the well-known cold sore, but it can also affect the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis. That also works Glandular Pfeiffer fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), through droplet infection into the body.

Many childhood diseases are spread primarily through droplet infections. These include measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in particular. Since these diseases can be serious, it is advisable to take children in time vaccinate against it.

The transmission of droplet infections caused by bacteria is particularly important Streptococci the common infections. These bacteria often lead to one Tonsillitis, but can also Sinus infections, Otitis media or in the worst case Pneumonia or Meningitis condition. Also Pneumococci as a trigger of pneumonia are transmitted through droplet infections.

Also count tuberculosis, whooping cough, Diphtheria and the pest the less common bacterial infections. Since infections are carried by droplets, epidemics are favored by large crowds.

A very dreaded type of bacteria that is transmitted by droplet infection is the Meningococci. These lead to a purulent Meningitis and can also lead to complications, such as one Blood poisoning to lead. The disease is mainly noticeable as a stiff neck and vomiting.

How can I avoid a droplet infection?

Avoiding infection through a droplet infection is often very difficult. It is possible to wear a face mask to prevent pathogens from coming into contact with the nasal and oral mucosa via the air. In everyday life, however, this measure is not very easy to implement. Regular Wash your hands and Disinfect hands Although they are an important and decisive measure to reduce the risk of infection, they do not help protect against the diseases that enter the body via droplet infection.

It is very important to keep enough distance from people who are sick with a bacterial or viral infection. It must be remembered that the pathogen has a way of up to 3 meters can travel in the air. For the sick, always sneeze and cough into a handkerchief to prevent the pathogens from being passed into the air.

Against some serious illnesses, especially childhood diseases, there are effective vaccines. This prevents illness and thus also protects people in the vicinity from infection. Infections that can be vaccinated against include measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, and whooping cough.There is one here urgent recommendationTo have children vaccinated in good time, as the diseases can take a very serious course. There is also a vaccine against influenza, i.e. the real flu, which is updated regularly, depending on which subspecies of the virus are currently in circulation. Here, however, the vaccination recommendation is only for older people (aged 60 and over) and for people with previous illnesses.

In addition, people with a strong immune system have a lower risk of infection from the pathogens in the body. Healthy eating and sufficient exercise help to strengthen the immune system.

The droplet infection from kissing

Especially when kissing, there is contact with mucous membranes, which can contain pathogens. This is also one of the droplet infections, whereby the pathogens do not swirl through the air in the form of droplets.

However, it has been found that "cold viruses" very rarely be transferred when kissing. Much more common is a droplet infection from sneezing, coughing, or speaking. It is believed that when kissing, the pathogens enter the stomach via the saliva and there from the Stomach acid be destroyed. In addition, there have been studies showing that kissing is the immune system strengthens and thus reduces the risk of an outbreak of disease. In addition, when kissing, adrenaline and other happiness hormones are released, which affect the metabolism and the immune system strengthen and prevent a viral or bacterial disease.

Duration / how long?

How long it takes for a droplet infection to lead to symptoms varies depending on the type of pathogen. The length of time between the pathogen being absorbed into the body and the onset of the disease is called incubation period designated. In the case of a flu-like infection, the incubation time is about two to five days. However, the carriers of the pathogen are usually contagious a day before the first symptoms appear.

How long the illness itself lasts depends on the illness in question. A flu-like infection should be cured after about one to two weeks.

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