Microbes have been with us from our birth, and perhaps during our conception according to Nature journal. Some are beneficial for our well being, and indeed we could not make bread, wine or cheese without them. However, a few of these micro-organisms are harmful to us. So today we explore the popular pathways of microbes into our bodies.
The Most Popular Pathways of Microbes When They Invade
Most micro-organisms capable of causing diseases in humans enter our bodies through our eyes, mouths, and noses. Other infections find their way through bites in our skin, or via our urogenital openings. Popular pathways of microbes include:
1… Direct contact with infected skin as occurs with herpes simplex
2… Through sexual transmission for example hiv / aids syndrome
3… Indirectly, via frequently touched objects such as door handles
4… In droplets that people expel when they cough, sneeze, and talk
COVID-19 transmission is therefore not something new. Humans have been infecting each other via these well-established routes for a very long time. However, for some reason lying deep in our genome, we seem unable to kick the habit.
Other Well-Established Routes Microbes Follow to Spread
Some micro-organisms can enter our digestive system through infected food, and cause diseases like e.coli and salmonella. Others travel on fleas, mites, ticks, rats, snails, and dogs. Mosquitoes are the commonest vector, and can transmit malaria, west nile virus, and yellow fever.
COVID-19 is not the only disease that spreads through airborne transmission. Measles and hantavirus pulmonary system can travel in residue of evaporated droplets, or dust particles and survive for a long time.
Medical professionals have known of these popular pathways of microbes for over a century. They formed the basis of hygiene precautions our mothers taught us when we were little children. Let’s be honest, did we really listen. Are our young people any worse, or do we have a blind spot in our collective thinking?
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Preview Image: Potential Breeding Ground
