Preventing Infection
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.1.3
Preventing Infection Spread
The spread of infections can be prevented by being hygienic, by isolating infected individuals, by protecting against vectors and by vaccination.
Hygiene
- By being hygienic, we can destroy pathogens or wash them away so that they are not spread.
- Using antibacterial products to clean surfaces, washing our hands and sneezing into a handkerchief are all hygienic measures to prevent the spread of infection.
Isolation
- By isolating infected individuals, we prevent contact with other organisms. This stops the infection from spreading.
Disease vectors
- Some protist diseases are carried by vectors.
- A vector is an organism that carries pathogens without being infected.
- For example, we can protect against mosquitos carrying malaria using mosquito nets.
Vaccination
- Vaccination can make people immune to (resistant to) infection.
- The more individuals that are vaccinated, the less likely the disease is to spread.
Test yourself on Preventing Infection
Why does isolating an infected person help stop a disease spreading?