Preventing Infection
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 10.1.3
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.
- Hygienic food preparation and waste disposal is also important.
- We can also ensure good hygiene by making sure drinking water and food is clean and waste and sewage are disposed of properly.
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
Which of these is caused by pathogens?