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Airborne pathogens or allergens typically enter the body via the nose, throat, sinuses and lungs. Inhalation of these pathogens affects the respiratory system and can then spread to the rest of the body. Sinus congestion, coughing and sore throats are examples of inflammation of the upper respiratory airway.
An infectious disease agent can be transmitted in two ways: as horizontal disease agent transmission from one individual to another in the same generation (peers in the same age group) [3] by either direct contact (licking, touching, biting), or indirect contact through air – cough or sneeze (vectors or fomites that allow the transmission of the agent causing the disease without physical ...
The symptoms are mostly due to the body's immune response to the infection rather than to tissue destruction by the viruses themselves. [15] The symptoms of influenza are similar to those of a cold, although usually more severe and less likely to include a runny nose. [6] [16] There is no vaccine for the common cold. [3]
Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. [1] Most infections show no symptoms, in which case it is known as latent tuberculosis. [1] Around 10% of latent infections progress to active disease that, if left untreated, kill about half of those affected. [1]
Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by other microorganisms. [a] Identifying the responsible pathogen can be difficult. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and physical examination. [8] Chest X-rays, blood tests, and culture of the sputum may help confirm the diagnosis. [8]
The CDC has so far been reluctant to press for such measures, as it updates foundational guidelines on curbing airborne infections in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and other facilities that ...
Bacteria typically enter the lung with inhalation, though they can reach the lung through the bloodstream if other parts of the body are infected. Often, bacteria live in parts of the upper respiratory tract and are continuously being inhaled into the alveoli , the cavities deep in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.
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