The common cold is the No. 1 reason for missing school or work. One reason that the common cold is so common is how it spreads from person to person. A cold is caused by a virus, usually a rhinovirus, which is an airborne disease. Breathing in one of these airborne pathogens causes the illness that follows.
Limiting or preventing airborne pathogens requires certain measures to be made. For those who do not want to be sick, they will want to keep their distance from those that are sick and frequently wash their hands. Those that are sick and want to prevent others from getting sick will do the same and cover their coughs and sneezes.
When germs or viruses end up on a surface, we can more easily clean and control their spread. Airborne diseases, because they travel through the air, are much harder to control. Many of the recommendations and guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic should also apply to many other diseases.
Influenza is another one of these airborne pathogens that spreads quickly. It can infect others easily because it is contagious about a day before you notice any symptoms, and you don’t expect to infect others when you don’t feel sick in the first place. The flu then remains contagious for then another five to seven days, but sometimes longer for those with a weakened immune system.
Chickenpox is another virus that spreads easily through the air. Those with chickenpox can spread it for a day or two before they show signs, but it could also take up to three weeks after exposure for the disease to develop. The uncertainty and timeline of chickenpox makes it tough to prevent, but most people will get it only once before the virus goes dormant. If it reactivates later in life, it becomes shingles.
Common symptoms of airborne diseases usually include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, swollen glands, headaches, body aches, fatigue and fever. Showing these signs should signal you to keep a safe distance from others before getting well again,
Because there are so many airborne pathogens, there aren’t many specific remedies for a quick recovery. Rest and fluids will help most, and sometimes you just need to wait them out.
The best way to stop the spread of airborne diseases is to be responsible with your own health and respect the personal space of others. In more populated spaces, diseases can spread more easily, and a professional cleaning service can help keep you and your workplace safe. Progressive Building Services’ team provides the professional cleaning services that can help stop the spread of viruses and other healthcare associated infections. For more information on why your facility needs a certified health care cleaning company, call Progressive Building Services today at 616-241-1096.
