Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are infections (opens new window) that can be passed from one person to another. Infections can also be passed on to humans from birds, insects and animals. Malaria (opens new window) is an example of this, as is E. coli (opens new window).

How infections diseases are caught

Infectious diseases are caught in a number of ways, depending on the type of bug it is and how they survive in the environment. For example:

tiny droplets of mucous in the air (measles (opens new window) or flu (opens new window))
directly from a surface or object touched by an infected person, such as a door handle (MRSA (opens new window))
eating or drinking something that is contaminated or infected (Salmonella (opens new window))
breathing in germs from another person who is breathing them out (tuberculosis of the lung (opens new window))
through infected blood and blood products (HIV (opens new window))

There are some simple measures that you can take to reduce the risk of getting an infection:

make sure you and your family are up to date with your jabs/vaccinations (opens new window) and if travelling abroad get advice well in advance from your GP regarding any tablets or injections that may be needed for protection
always wash and dry your hands (opens new window) thoroughly
catch it, Bin it, Kill it - stop the spread of flu and cold germs by using a tissue
follow simple food safety guidance (opens new window)
if you are caring for someone who has diarrhoea, use disposable gloves and apron if possible and wash your hands thoroughly after removing them. Ensure the toilet is cleaned and disinfected with bleach after each use
if you develop diarrhoea and vomiting and it is likely to be norovirus (opens new window), you need to stay off work/ school for 48 hours after the last symptom. This depends on what the cause of the diarrhoea is. If you are in any doubt, contact your GP by phone rather than visit the GP as you may pass the disease on to others
if you have diarrhoea, vomiting, a cold or flu or feel unwell- do not visit relatives who are in hospital or care homes, as this will help to prevent the spread in this settings