Train Clinic: Do you understand infectious diseases? Transmission routes of common diseases

Train Clinic

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Do you know anything about infectious diseases?

Some people worry about catching a cold from using restroom cups; others worry about developing rashes around their mouths from frequent use of public telephones. But have you ever considered that those hard, chewing gums stuck to theater seats might harbor countless tiny killers, lurking and waiting for you?

Our environment is surrounded by thousands of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. While most are harmless, a small fraction can cause illness. In this environment teeming with bacteria, pathogens, and other microorganisms, the key to human survival lies in avoiding harmful germs and coexisting peacefully with harmless ones. Doctors make new discoveries about disease transmission every day. Below are some of the latest facts about infectious diseases, which we hope will help readers gain a better understanding of the transmissibility and prevention methods of various diseases.

AIDS

We all know that AIDS is contagious, but many people suffer from excessive panic, believing that the disease can be contracted through casual contact. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse between an infected person and their sexual partner, or through sharing injection needles with an infected person. Therefore, high-risk groups include intravenous drug users and those who have had sexual relations with multiple partners-including homosexuals and heterosexuals. The higher the rate of promiscuity, the greater the chance of infection. So, should medical personnel worry about performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? Should barbers discard their razors and combs? There is no clear evidence that AIDS can be transmitted through inanimate objects. Although small amounts of the virus have been found in the saliva of AIDS patients, other sources such as saliva, sweat, and tears do not pose a danger, except for blood. You will not get AIDS from a kiss; you will not be infected even by a mosquito bite.

People worried about contracting HIV through blood transfusions should know that this risk has been greatly reduced. Blood donors are screened, and donated blood is tested for HIV antibodies; therefore, you will not be infected when you receive a blood transfusion.

The safest way to avoid contracting AIDS is to limit sexual intercourse to a single, uninfected person of the opposite sex. In addition, using latex condoms containing nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, is the most effective preventative measure.

athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is contagious, but for some unknown reasons, some people cannot resist the intense itching, burning, and peeling symptoms caused by the bacteria. Bacteria are also one of the factors that cause peeling and pustules in athlete's foot. The bacteria causing athlete's foot thrive in damp environments. This is why bathroom floors and non-breathable shoes are breeding grounds for athlete's foot bacteria. Popular over-the-counter antibacterial ointments are very effective in eliminating bacteria on the toes.

oral ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be contagious. The cause of mouth ulcers is currently unknown. Experts speculate that it may be transmitted through kissing or sharing a cup with someone who has mouth ulcers.

cold

The common cold is highly contagious. How does the cold virus get to you through someone else's red nose? It's because when the cold virus attacks a person's respiratory tract, they sneeze or cough, spreading extremely small particles of mucus and saliva carrying the virus into their surroundings. There is no such thing as a dry sneeze. The smaller the particles, the wider their range of movement and the longer they remain suspended in the air. Because there are many types of viruses that cause the cold, some people may catch a cold several times a year. For example, if someone catches a cold from a virus A, their body produces antibodies against that virus after they recover. However, these antibodies only protect against virus A and don't last long. Therefore, when the patient is reinfected with a cold caused by a virus B, their antibodies are ineffective.

The most effective way to prevent colds is to keep your distance from people who have colds. As for effective cold medicines, although some people are skeptical and pessimistic about them, there are always people who persevere in their research.

Among all the studies, interferon is one of the cold medicines proposed by experts. Interferon is an antibody produced by the body when attacked by bacteria, and experts are currently conducting a test to mass-produce this antibody in the laboratory.

skin

The infection is contagious through the skin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the full name of the bacteria that causes this disease. This bacterium thrives in hot water pools that haven't been properly chlorinated. Infection causes a red rash on the skin. If infection occurs while swimming, it can also lead to ear or urinary tract infections. If the bacteria are inhaled through the nose while swimming, it can potentially cause pneumonia. However, the chances of developing pneumonia are generally low.

eczema

It is not contagious. The cause of this itchy skin condition remains a mystery, but eczema is not transmitted from person to person. Treatment (but not a cure) includes topical steroids, dietary therapy, wearing loose clothing, and moving to a drier environment. Sometimes cold compresses can also relieve discomfort.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is contagious. Commonly, it is transmitted through the hands and mouth. For example, if someone with hepatitis A doesn't wash their hands before preparing food, the bacteria can spread to others. To avoid this possibility of transmission, when dining in restaurants, try to order food that has been heated. Furthermore, it's best to develop a habit of washing your hands frequently to reduce the chance of infection through handshakes.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is highly contagious. It is generally more prevalent and more serious than hepatitis A. Infection usually occurs through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood transfusions, kissing, or sexual intercourse via the buttocks, mouth, or genitals. Symptoms typically include joint pain and jaundice. Once infected, there is a possibility of developing chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

herpes simplex

Herpes simplex can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact, such as oral, gluteal, or genital intercourse or kissing. Infection is most likely to occur when there are open wounds on the skin. A clinical trial found that men using condoms during intercourse can prevent the transmission of genital herpes simplex. However, doctors generally still recommend abstinence as the best course of action for those with herpes simplex, as condoms offer limited protection.

Can using a sit-down public toilet cause herpes simplex? Experts believe the possibility of transmission is very small. The herpes simplex virus can only survive for about an hour on a plastic toilet seat. Within that hour, the user's skin must have a wound for bacteria to enter. Currently, there are no reported cases of herpes simplex infection through toilet seats, public telephones, bathhouses, or swimming pools.

Currently, there is no cure for herpes simplex in the medical field. However, oral acyclovir is quite effective in reducing the pain and duration of the illness. Meanwhile, experts are also researching a herpes simplex vaccine, hoping that once successful, it will have both preventative and therapeutic effects.

Tinea cruris

It is contagious, and the bacteria that causes this disease can also cause athlete's foot, so it is most easily contracted in warm environments. Treatment usually involves keeping the infected area dry. Applying ointment to the infected area can help cure it.

Streptococcal pharyngitis

It is contagious. Transmission mostly occurs through direct or indirect person-to-person contact (such as sneezing). Improper handling of refrigerated food can also lead to infection. Some contact sports, such as wrestling or rugby, often result in infection among participating athletes. Symptoms include a sore throat, redness and swelling, and a high fever. Sometimes this infection can develop into rheumatic fever.

syphilis

It is contagious. This infectious disease remains very prevalent. Symptoms generally progress through four stages: In the first stage, patients will find painless ulcers on the genitals or lips. In the second stage, the patient may develop a measles-like rash all over the body. First and second stage syphilis are highly contagious. Infection can occur through sexual intercourse, kissing, or contact with symptomatic areas of the patient's body. If syphilis infects the eyes, it can cause blindness. The third stage of syphilis is the incubation period. This incubation period can sometimes last for several years. It is generally accepted that syphilis is not contagious during the incubation period. When symptoms reappear, the patient has entered the fourth stage of syphilis. Sometimes, the progression from the first to the fourth stage can take up to fifteen years. Although the infectivity of fourth-stage syphilis is reduced, it can be fatal. During this period, the virus may invade the heart, brain, or nervous system, causing irreversible damage. From the first to the third stage, syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics (such as penicillin). By the fourth stage, the effectiveness of antibiotics decreases, and the infection cannot be cured. Although condoms may prevent infection, it is best to avoid sexual intercourse during syphilis infection.

Stomatitis

It is not contagious. The medical community generally believes that many people are carriers of the bacteria causing stomatitis, but only a small percentage of carriers develop the disease. The onset of the disease is usually related to physical weakness or excessive mental stress.

wart

It is contagious. While people don't get warts from touching a toad, they are a medium for transmission. The bacteria that cause warts usually enter the body through wounds or cracks in the skin. Most people with warts are those who are physically weak or have low immunity. Warts can be contracted through direct contact or exposure to moist environments. Therefore, swimming and showering can both lead to warts.