Droplet infection – causes, complaints & therapy

In a droplet infection, pathogens are transmitted by secretion droplets originating from the respiratory tract of humans. The transmission of these pathogens, which are often located in the oral or nasal mucosa of the person concerned, takes place via the air. Epidemics and pandemics can also be caused by droplet infections.

Viruses or bacteria are decisive for the development of diseases transmitted by droplet infection – but viruses are the more common cause. They mainly cause flu-like infections and influenza.

Causes

Often coughing or sneezing is the cause of a droplet infection. The droplets that dissolve in this way enter the air and are thus inhaled by people who are at a distance of one to three meters from the person concerned. If these get into the nasal or oral mucosa, there is a possibility that they multiply. The result: an infection. Transmission can also occur by blowing the nose and speaking.Caution is advised especially in the colder seasons. Since many people are affected during this time, the risk of infection and spread is correspondingly high. Many childhood diseases, including mumps, are also spread by viral droplet infections.

Among the diseases caused by bacteria is the form of meningitis (meningitis), which is caused by meningococci. Pneumococci can also be transmitted by droplet infection and cause pneumonia when the respiratory organs are affected.

Diseases

• Meningitis

• Pneumonia

• Common cold

• Influenza

• Mumps

• Rubella

• Herpes

• Chickenpox

• Diphtheria

• Whooping cough

• Tuberculosis

• Measles

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of droplet infection:

• Cough

• Vomit

• Body aches

• Fever

• Headache

• Sputum

• Shortness of breath

• Rash

The exact incubation period of a disease caused by droplet infection depends on the particular disease. This also applies to the specific symptoms. In the case of a flu-like infection, the first signs appear after two to eight days.

Cough, runny nose, sore throat and increased temperature or fever are typical. At the same time, headaches and body aches as well as fatigue occur. Influenza has similar symptoms, plus high fever and often circulatory problems. In contrast to the common cold, influenza is characterized by sudden onset of acute symptoms. Influenza infections usually last one to a maximum of two weeks.

The symptoms of influenza also disappear after a maximum of 14 days. Childhood diseases transmitted by viral droplet infection are each subject to their own specifics. Skin rashes in particular are characteristic of measles, rubella and chickenpox. Most childhood illnesses are associated with a mild to high fever.

Illnesses based on bacterial droplet infection are also associated with fever. Typical symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include neck stiffness, vomiting and confusion. In addition to coughing and shortness of breath, the pneumonia caused by pneumococci is also characterized by chest pain and sputum production.

Diagnosis

In addition to the common cold, influenza and the childhood diseases measles, rubella, chickenpox and mumps, herpes simplex type 1 is also transmitted by viral droplet infection. The infection can be recognized by the formation of blisters on the skin. Herpes simplex type 2, on the other hand, is not transmitted by droplet infection, but by sexual contact.

treatment and therapy

The use of home remedies, especially against coughs and colds, is also possible. If you are sick with influenza, you should be on bed rest. Appropriate medication and home remedies can also be used to alleviate side effects such as coughs and colds . Those affected should also take antiviral drugs. In the case of viral childhood diseases, on the other hand, only the symptoms that occur are treated.

In the case of measles, chickenpox and rubella, ointments and lotions can also be used to relieve the itching. Ebola requires patient quarantine. However, the disease itself cannot be treated, only the symptoms. Among other things, blood coagulation must be restored with appropriate medication. So far, no special therapy method has been developed for SARS.

The main focus is on treating the relevant symptoms, quarantine is also required. In addition to antibiotics, cough suppressants and antitussives are also used for pneumonia caused by bacteria.

In the case of an illness with scarlet fever, in addition to penicillin , antipyretic drugs as well as gargle solutions and lozenges help to relieve swallowing difficulties. If meningitis is transmitted by droplet infection, immediate treatment is vital. Among other things, penicillin G is administered. With all diseases transmitted by droplet infection, care should always be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake.

Prevention

There is hardly any 100% protection against droplet infections. Nevertheless, individual measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.Droplet infections can be avoided, for example, by maintaining a sufficient distance from people who are already ill. You should also pay attention to washing your hands regularly. Another way to protect yourself from droplet infection is to wear a face mask. However, this can hardly be realized in everyday life.

People who are sick with a cold, for example, should always be careful not to sneeze or cough on people who have come into contact with them. Disposable handkerchiefs should also be used. Another option is vaccinations, for example against influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.