One thing no human can live without is air, but did you know the air can also contain harmful bacteria and viruses that will make someone sick? While not all air is contaminated with diseases, it can be if you are in the same area as someone who is currently ill.

               Airborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microbes small enough to be discharged from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, laughing, and close personal contact. The bacteria or virus attaches to a dust particle or water droplet floating in the air, which you breathe in. Once it is in your body, the disease takes root and makes you sick and makes it possible to infect others too.

               Some of the diseases spread by airborne transmission are enterovirus, influenza, COVID-19, measles, RSV, whooping cough, SARS, and tuberculosis. Some of these diseases are common and most can cause severe symptoms, so keeping your family safe from these viruses and bacteria is so important. 

               Transmission of airborne diseases can be greatly reduced by practicing social and respiratory etiquette. Staying home when ill, keeping close contact with an ill person to a minimum, allowing a few feet distance from others while ill, wearing a mask, and covering coughs and sneezes with elbow or tissue can greatly reduce transmission.

Another good way to reduce transmission rates is through hand washing. Routine hand washing can decrease the spread of germ-containing droplets that could be picked up on hands from surfaces or hand contact with secretions. If you are around someone who is sick, washing your hands before touching something or someone else is so important.

Although getting sick is sometimes inevitable, it is important to take preventative measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. Simple things like covering a cough or sneeze and washing your hands regularly can dramatically impact the rate of transmission throughout your household and community.