Direct and indirect transmission

Direct and Indirect Transmission

Direct Transmission Methods

• Person-to-person contact, commonly known as transmission through direct touch. This may involve shaking hands, kissing, or sexual contact.

• Droplet spread occurs when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes and spreads droplets which may contain the pathogen; these droplets can come into contact with a nearby person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Vertical transmission takes place when a disease is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

• Bite transmissions, such as those from an infected insect or animal, are also a form of direct transmission where the carrier physically administers the disease to a host.

Indirect Transmission Methods

• Airborne transmission occurs when infected droplets mix with air, and are subsequently inhaled by another person.

• Fomite transmission involves inanimate objects or materials which can carry infection, such as clothes, surfaces, and pieces of equipment.

• Food and waterborne transmission is the spread of diseases through consumption of contaminated food or drink.

• Vector-borne transmission happens when a living host like a mosquito or tick carries diseases from an infected person (or animal) and transmits it to another person.

Key Differences

• The fundamental difference between direct and indirect transmission is physical contact; direct transmission typically involves physical or close proximity contact, while indirect transmission does not.

• Prevention methods vary based on the type of transmission. For example, direct transmission can typically be prevented through good personal hygiene, while preventing indirect transmission might involve disinfecting surfaces, controlling vectors, or ensuring safe food and water sources.