Microorganisms and spread & Illness and exposure opportunities

Microorganisms and spread

Germs occur in air, soil, water, and on or within the body. Many are harmless or helpful; others cause disease. Groups include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Spread can occur by close contact, respiratory particles, contaminated food or water, or touching a contaminated surface and then the face. Animal or insect bites and transmission during pregnancy or birth are additional routes for some infections. Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea create situations that require particular attention to hygiene.

Illness and exposure opportunities

Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea create situations that require particular attention to hygiene. Staying home when sick reduces contact and opportunities for spread. The presence of microorganisms alone does not prove infection because many normally live in the body. Prevention focuses on routes and exposure opportunities, rather than assuming all microbes are harmful or applying one disease symptom checklist to every infection. Food preparation, toilet use, diaper changes, wound care, animal handling, and contact with garbage are important times to clean hands.

Key concepts

Microorganisms and spread

Germs occur in air, soil, water, and on or within the body.

Illness and exposure opportunities

Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea create situations that require particular attention to hygiene.

When hand cleaning matters

Food preparation, toilet use, diaper changes, wound care, animal handling, and contact with garbage are important times to clean hands.

Handwashing and respiratory etiquette

Scrub hands for at least twenty seconds.

References

• MedlinePlus en español — Germs, Hygiene, and Infection Prevention