Air transmission refers to the spread of infectious diseases through tiny particles, known as aerosols, which are suspended in the air. This transmission mode is especially worrying, since it can lead to generalized outbreaks and is usually difficult to control. Understanding the mechanisms and factors that contribute to air transmission is crucial to apply effective preventive measures.
1. How does air transmission occur?
- Respiratory droplets: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or breathes, he releases respiratory droplets that contain the infectious agent. These droplets, of variable size, can travel short distances and infect nearby individuals.
- Aerosols: Unlike respiratory droplets, aerosols are smaller and can remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time. They can be generated during certain medical procedures, such as intubation or ventilation, and can also be the result of activities such as singing, shouting or doing vigorous exercise.
It is important to note that, although respiratory droplets and aerosols are different entities, the distinction of size between them is not always clear. In some cases, the largest respiratory droplets can quickly evaporate, giving rise to the formation of smaller aerosols.
“Air transmission can occur in various environments, such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and even in outdoor spaces with limited ventilation. Factors such as crowded environments, poor ventilation and narrow contact with infected individuals can increase the risk ofAir transmission. “
2. What diseases can be transmitted through the air?
| Disease | Transmission Mode |
|---|---|
| Tuberculosis | Droplets in the air |
| Measles | Gotitas/Aerosols in the air |
| Flu | Gotitas/Aerosols in the air |
| COVID-19 | Gotitas/Aerosols in the air |
The previous table provides examples of diseases that can spread through the air. These diseases vary in their transmission mode, but have the potential to transmit through respiratory droplets, aerosols or both.
The Role of Particles: How Tiny Droplets can Carry Disease-Causing Agents
One of the main causes of airborne transmission is respiratory droplets. These droplets are generated when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes heavily. Within these droplets, there can be a variety of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses. The size of these particles varies from large respiratory droplets to microscopic aerosols, which can float in the air for a long period of time.
- Respiratory droplets: They are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or breathes with difficulty.
- Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses or fungi that can cause disease.
- Aerosols: Microscopic particles that can remain in the air for a long period of time.
“Airborne transmission occurs through inhalation of these respiratory droplets or aerosols that contain the disease-causing agents. This can occur when an infected person is close to susceptible individuals, or even in indoor environments where particles can remain suspendedin the air. It is important to note that different diseases have different particle sizes and remain infectious for varying periods of time.”
Understanding airborne transmission has led to preventative measures such as wearing masks, practicing respiratory hygiene, and ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces. The goal of these measures is to minimize inhalation of infectious particles and reduce the risk of transmission, especially in crowded and closed environments.
- Preventive measures: Use of masks, respiratory hygiene and adequate ventilation.
- Risk reduction: Minimize inhalation of infectious particles and reduce the possibility of transmission.
By recognizing the role of tiny droplets as carriers of pathogens, both healthcare professionals and individuals can take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, effectively slowing the spread of airborne diseases.
Airborne Diseases: An Extensive List of Illnesses Transmitted Through the Air
Below is a comprehensive list of some common airborne diseases:
- Tuberculosis (TB):
- Flu:
- Measles:
- Guarantee the periodic maintenance and cleaning of ventilation systems.
- Consider updating ventilation systems to meet the recommended standards.
- Promote the use of natural ventilation, whenever possible, opening windows and doors.
- Use high efficiency air particles (HEPA) in areas with inappropriate ventilation.
- Encourage people to cover their mouths and nose with a handkerchief or with the elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Promote regular hand washing with soap and water, or the use of disinfectants from alcoho l-based hands.
- Advise people to avoid touching their face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.
- Guarantee the availability of paper scarves, bins for safe elimination and facilities for hand hygiene in public places.
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mainly affects the lungs. It spreads through the release of droplets containing bacteria when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Transmission requires close and prolonged contact with an infected person.
The flu is a very contagious viral respiratory infection. It spreads through the respiratory droplets that occur when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The virus can also survive on the surfaces for a limited time. The flu viruses have the ability to mutate, giving rise to different strains and periodic outbreaks.
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that is characterized by a characteristic cutaneous eruption. It spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person. The virus remains in the air and on the surfaces up to two hours after an infected person has abandoned the area.
Ai r-transmitted diseases can also be transmitted by inhalation of aerosols or dust particles containing pathogens. It is important to follow adequate hygienic practices, such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently and staying away from crowded places during shoots. The application of vaccination programs and the maintenance of good ventilation in closed spaces are effective measures to prevent the transmission of air diseases.
| Disease | Causal agent | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| Tuberculosis (TB) | Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Droplets in the air of infected people |
| Flu | Flu virus | Respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces |
| Measles | Measles virus | Respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected people |
Minimizing Risks: Strategies for preventing and controlling air borne transmission
1. Promote adequate ventilation:
Inadequate ventilation contributes greatly to the air spread of infectious diseases. Good ventilation systems that introduce fresh air and eliminate vitiated air can dilute and eliminate pollutants transported by air. The application of adequate ventilation strategies is crucial in closed spaces, such as hospitals, schools, offices and public transport.
A proper ventilation plays a fundamental role in minimizing the risk of air transmission. It helps eliminate and dilute infectious particles, reducing the possibilities of spreading the disease. The application of effective ventilation strategies is essential in various environments to guarantee a safe and healthy environment.
2. Practice respiratory hygiene:
Respiratory hygiene practices can significantly reduce the air release from infectious respiratory droplets. These droplets can contain viruses or bacteria and can be expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, speaks or breathes with difficulty. Simple measures that promote respiratory hygiene can contribute greatly to prevent the air transmission of infectious diseases.
Practicing respiratory hygiene is a simple but effective way to minimize the risk of air transmission. Adopting an adequate protocol when coughing and sneezing and maintaining good hands, people can help prevent the liberation and spread of infectious respiratory droplets.
