Viral Infections

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Viral Infections

• How they spread and how to stop them
• By Holly Wright, MS, MFT
• Office of Health Promotions

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How are viral infections spread

• Direct Contact
• Indirect Contact
• Through Air
• Food Contamination

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Direct Contact

• Person to person is the most common way for
  infectious diseases to spread.
• This is the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses,
  and other germs from one person to another.
• Examples of transmission
• A person with a virus touches, coughs, or kisses
  someone who is infected
• Exchange of body fluids from sexual contact or a
  blood transfusion

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continuing Direct Contact

• Animal to person Pets carry many germs, being
  bitten or scratched by an infected animal can
  make you sick
• Mother to unborn child A pregnant woman may pass
  germs that cause infectious diseases to her
  unborn child.

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Indirect Contact

• Germs can linger on inanimate objects such as
  tabletops, faucet handles, and doorknobs
• If you touch an object that has been contaminated
  by germs and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose
  before washing your hands, you may become
  infected

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Through Air

• Droplet transmission when you cough or sneeze
  you expel droplets into the air when you are
  sick these droplets contain germs that caused
  your sickness
• Droplets travel about 3ft, however if a droplet
  from an infected person comes in contact with
  your eyes, nose, or mouth you may become sick
• Crowded indoor environments such as residence
  halls, bars, classrooms may promote the chances
  of this type of transmission

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Food Contamination

• Food can spread germs and causes illness
• Examples E.coli is a bacterium present in
  certain foods, such as undercooked hamburger meat
  or unwashed fruits or vegetables
• Another name for this is Food Poisoning

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How To Prevent The Spread

• Wash your hands often
• Get vaccinated
• Stay at home if you have signs and symptoms of an
  infection
• Be smart about food preparation
• Practice safe sex
• Do not share personal objects (toothbrush, razor
  blade, drinking glass)
• Keep your pets healthy

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Where to go for more info

• Office of Health Promotions
• www.valdosta.edu/studentaffairs/healthpromotions
• Farber Health Center
• http//services.valdosta.edu/health