Did you know that there are diseases that are transmitted through the air?

How many diseases do you know of that are airborne?

One of the infections or illnesses we know of that are airborne is the flu or the common cold. But in reality there are several such infections.

An airborne infection is very difficult to transmit because the microorganisms that cause them cannot survive for long because the air does not have enough nutrients and moisture for this. Most pathogens, or bacteria, are transmitted when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The presence of dust greatly helps pathogens survive because it helps them stay in the air longer, making it easier for them to gain entry to a host.

These types of infections are classified into two types: bacterial and viral. The first type, as can be inferred, is transmitted by bacteria and the second by a virus.

The following are the bacterial diseases transmitted through the air:

• Tuberculosis
• Pertussis
• Pharyngitis
• Pneumonia
• Diphtheria

What is pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is when the back of the throat (pharynx) between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx) becomes inflamed.

One of the main symptoms of pharyngitis is a sore throat. Other symptoms usually include headache, fever, muscle aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs. In the case of pneumonia, various germs such as bacteria, viruses or fungi can cause it. Similarly, pneumonia can develop if someone swallows or inhales a chemical.

People who are most at risk are children under the age of two, people over the age of 65, and those who often have other lung infections.

What is diphtheria?

It is an infection that usually damages mainly the nose and throat. When someone has diphtheria, their throat can produce a kind of dark membrane that blocks the airway. In some cases, diphtheria can cause skin lesions or infections.

Symptoms of diphtheria include bluish skin, difficulty breathing, runny nose sometimes with blood, painful swallowing, drooling, and sore throat.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is highly contagious. This is a violent, uncontrollable cough that can cause breathing problems. If not taken care of in time, it can cause serious problems, especially for young children.

Diseases that can be transmitted by an airborne virus include the following:

• Chickenpox
• Rubella
• Measles
• Flu or common cold

What is chickenpox?

It is a viral infection that causes thousands of blisters all over the person’s body. Generally, blisters first appear on the face, middle of the body and scalp.

As time passes, the blisters turn grayish and crust over.

In addition to blisters, people with chickenpox may experience headaches, fever, constant itching, and stomach pain.

As it is an easily transmissible infection, it is necessary for the infected person to stay at home, otherwise he or she may infect others.

What is rubella?

Rubella is an infection very similar to measles. When someone has this infection, the person has a rash. Other symptoms include headaches, fever, malaise, and runny nose. They may also have bruising on various parts of the body and swelling of the eyes.

What is measles?

Like chickenpox, measles is highly contagious. If a person has this infection and comes into contact with several people, 90% of those people will also be infected.

Initial symptoms usually appear 8 to 12 days after the person was infected. These usually include skin rashes, red eyes, fever, itchy skin, muscle pain and sore throat.

It is recommended that the person with measles stay home so that he or she does not spread the infection to others.

As you can see, there are several diseases that can be transmitted by air.

We recommend that you always take your due precautions when exposing yourself for long periods of time outdoors and more in times that are very cold or dry. Remember that even if these conditions are not serious, all of these infections can be prevented and you can avoid having a bad time.

Come to us and ask which of our supplements can help you fight some of these ailments.