Transmission via aerosols (airborne particles <5µm) that contain organisms in droplet nuclei or in dusts. Droplets are relatively large (>5 µm) and can be projected up to about one metre.Examples: Meningococcus influenza (though there is some debate) respiratory viruses.Precautions: Masks cover mouth stand clear. Via coughing or sneezing, or (in health care) during suctioning.

Infectious agent deposited onto an object or surface ( fomite) and survives long enough to transfer to another person who subsequently touches the object.Examples: RSV Norwalk rhinovirus perhaps influenza.Precautions: Sterilizing instruments disinfecting surfaces and toys in school. Contactĭirect physical contact (body surface to body surface) between infected individual and susceptible host.Examples: Influenza virus Infectious mononucleosis chlamydia.Precautions: Hand hygiene masks condoms. Note that the precautions to be taken vary with the microorganism and the context of the illness. Modes of transmission of infections and corresponding ways of controlling spread. Outside hospitals, the local public health authority can be consulted. In hospitals, the infection control team can be a source of advice on which precautions to use. For instance a case of influenza in a normal household setting does not require strict precautions, where as one in a long term care home might. Precautions will vary according to the microorganism involved and the context of the case. (See Table) If the mode of transmission is known, precautions can be put in place to prevent outbreaks. There are six common modes of transmission of infection. Wear gloves, mask, and apron when needed.īy doing these things, you may stop an infection either to you or your care. Keep clothing clean by holding things away from you. Portal of exit: Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.You can stop the process by ‘breaking’ the chain and removing one of the links. Elderly people are more susceptible due to aging changes. Susceptible Host: Someone more likely to become infected.Examples – cuts, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).

Portal of Entry: How pathogen enters new place or host.Examples – hands, food, mouth, and clothing. Transmission: How pathogen is carried from portal of exit to portal of entry.

Examples – drainage & secretions, urine, stool, blood, breathing, sneezing, or coughing.

Portal of exit: How pathogen leaves one place or host.

Examples – cut or open area, bladder, and lungs.

Reservoir: Where the pathogen lives and grows usually in warm, moist, dark places.

Pathogen: Microorganism that causes disease.

It is best explained by looking at the ‘chain of infection’ which consists of six ‘links’ that have to be present for an infection to happen. Whether or not an infection happens will depend on a number of things.

Examples of surgical asepsis