Skip to main content. How Are Germs Spread? In this article. Summary Germs can be spread through contact or through the air. Germs Can Be Spread Through Contact Germs can spread from one person to another through direct contact when people shake hands, hug, or kiss.
Germs Can Be Spread in the Air Droplets containing germs are released into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Share this article. Certain medications used to treat medical conditions, such as antibiotics, steroids, and certain cancer fighting medications increase the risk of some types of infections.
Lifesaving medical treatments and procedures used in healthcare such as urinary catheters, tubes, and surgery increase the risk of infection by providing additional ways that germs can enter the body. For example, healthcare provider hands become contaminated by touching germs present on medical equipment or high touch surfaces and then carry the germs on their hands and spread to a susceptible person when proper hand hygiene is not performed before touching the susceptible person.
Sprays and splashes occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes, creating droplets which carry germs short distances within approximately 6 feet. Close range inhalation occurs when a droplet containing germs is small enough to breathe in but not durable over distance.
Inhalation occurs when germs are aerosolized in tiny particles that survive on air currents over great distances and time and reach a susceptible person. Airborne transmission can occur when infected patients cough, talk, or sneeze germs into the air example: TB or measles , or when germs are aerosolized by medical equipment or by dust from a construction zone example: Nontuberculous mycobacteria or aspergillus.
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Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Food — Germs from raw foods can be transferred to uncooked foods, such as salads. While the raw food is cooked, killing the germs, the salad is not and can make you sick. Animals — We love them, but animals are very germy creatures.
Dirty hands — You can become sick when someone is preparing food with dirty hands, typically from not washing them after using the restroom. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps: Wet your hands with running water and soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub well for 20 seconds.
Remember to clean your wrists, backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails. Rinse your hands well under running water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
It is recommended that you should always: Wash your hands often during cold and flu season.
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