Bacteria are too small for us to see with our naked eyes, but that doesn’t mean it’s not all around us. Bacteria exist everywhere and while many of them are harmless, even beneficial, other bacteria can cause infectious disease if you come into contact with it. Bacteria spreads a number of ways, including touch, respiration, and bodily fluids. Click To Tweet
How Bacteria Spreads
Bacteria can be transmitted through our food, other people, and even our pets. Bad bacteria can spread illness and will lower your immune system. Here are some fast facts about how bacteria spreads and how to avoid infection.
The most common way bacteria spreads is through direct or indirect contact with another person. Shaking someone’s hand when they have a cold, opening a door with a contaminated knob, or touching the stair rail at work where germs and bacteria linger are just a few examples of how easily bacteria can spread.
Exchanging Bodily Fluids
The exchange of bodily fluids is another way in which bacteria spread. Saliva, blood, semen, and other bodily fluids can contain infection-causing bacteria. Anytime bacteria might be present–like if your significant other or friends is ill–try to keep your distance until they are better to avoid the exchange of body fluids.
Bacteria is quickly and easily passed through the air. Sneezing and coughing are essentially sharing bodily fluids with those around you, so make sure to avoid people who are sick–especially if they don’t cover their mouths to do so!
Improper hygiene is a sure way to come in to contact with harmful bacteria. Poor hygiene is certain to spread bacteria. Without proper hygiene, you can pick up and spread bacteria that is on foods, door handles, and other items bustling with bacteria.
There are easy ways to help avoid infection and the spread of bacteria. First off–wash your hands! Also, make sure to keep and use hand sanitizer on you for after you touch stair rails, or shake someone’s hand. Make sure your foods are cooked to proper temperatures and wash all fruits and vegetables well before consuming. Also, make sure to keep your distance from sick people if at all possible. Lastly, bacterial testing at your home or office can prove vital in stopping the spread of bad bacteria.