Apart from direct splashing of saliva, there are many ways of transmitting pneumonia. In order to avoid this infection, it is important for you to recognize how pneumonia can be transmitted from one person to another.
The mode of transmission of pneumonia can be through the air and objects around us. Everyone has the potential to get this disease. Therefore, as a preventive measure, you should be aware of the spread of this disease.
Pneumonia is generally caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that enter the respiratory tract. Symptoms that can be caused include high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. If not treated properly, pneumonia can be fatal.
Various Ways of Transmission of Pneumonia
There are 2 ways of transmission of pneumonia, namely direct and indirect transmission. Here is the explanation:
How to spread pneumonia directly
The most common way of transmitting pneumonia is through small droplets of saliva that are released from the mouth into the air when someone with pneumonia sneezes or coughs. It is this tiny spark that carries the germs that cause pneumonia. If this splash of saliva is inhaled by other people who are around the sufferer, that person can become infected.
How to transmit pneumonia indirectly
Pneumonia can also be transmitted indirectly. The mode of transmission of pneumonia can vary, for example when a person with pneumonia sneezes or coughs without covering his mouth and splashes of saliva on surrounding objects.
Splashes of saliva that stick to this object can transfer to the hands of other people who touch the object, and enter the respiratory tract when they touch their nose or mouth before washing their hands.
Contamination can also occur when someone with pneumonia sneezes or coughs and covers it with a tissue, but does not immediately throw the tissue in the trash. These wipes can be a source of germs for other items, or can directly contaminate the hands of other people who accidentally touch them.
If contaminated hands touch the mouth and nose, transmission of pneumonia can occur. Research shows that a person can touch the mouth and nose area at least once every 10 minutes. Therefore, it is very important to diligently wash your hands before eating or touching the face area.
In addition, other indirect ways of transmitting pneumonia are by sharing food and drinks or using eating and drinking utensils with people with pneumonia.
Even so, not everyone who is exposed will immediately develop pneumonia. People who are more at risk of infection with this disease are children under 2 years of age, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes.
How to Prevent Pneumonia Transmission
After knowing the various ways of transmitting pneumonia, there are several things that can be concluded as ways to prevent contracting this disease, namely:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially if you are caring for someone who has pneumonia.
- Do not share the use of eating and drinking utensils with others.
- Keep your immune system strong by exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and getting enough rest.
- Limit contact with sick people.
Pneumonia vaccine is also very necessary to prevent the transmission of pneumonia. The type of vaccine given to children and adults is different. Talk to your doctor about what vaccines you can get to prevent pneumonia.
In addition, people with pneumonia also have an important role in preventing the transmission of pneumonia to others, namely by:
- Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then immediately throw it in the trash and wash your hands
- Limiting contact with other people
- Stay at home until he recovers and the doctor has stated that he is no longer susceptible to transmitting pneumonia to others
You must pay attention to the above method of transmission of pneumonia in order to stop the spread of germs that cause pneumonia. This disease should not be underestimated, because in severe cases of pneumonia, germs can spread to other organs of the body and cause complications that can be life-threatening.
If you are a person at high risk of pneumonia and have a cough that has lasted more than a week, difficulty breathing, fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius for more than 3 days, you should immediately consult a doctor so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.