Differentiate between environmentally spread diseases and diseases that are spread from person to person.

A: Environmentally spread diseases are spread by physical contact of objects in the environment, such as the telephone, doorknobs, and soil, in which are covered with pathogens from those who are ill. Diseases that are spread from person to person, however, are spread through the air and by kissing, drinking from the same glass, engaging in sexual contact, and by touching objects the person who is ill has touched, sneezed, coughed upon?

Your first answer is wrong. Read about environmentally spread diseases here.

http://www.who.int/environmental_health_emergencies/disease_outbreaks/communicable_diseases/en/

Your second answer is right.

By "environmentally," is it referring to food, water, and the environment or merely the environment?

That's correct!

Environmentally spread diseases are caused by pathogens that are present in the environment and can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Examples of environmentally spread diseases include food poisoning (caused by ingesting contaminated food or water), tetanus (caused by exposure to bacteria in soil or rusty objects), or Legionnaires' disease (caused by inhaling bacteria present in air conditioning systems or water droplets).

On the other hand, diseases that are spread from person to person are caused by pathogens that can be transmitted from one individual to another through various means. This can happen through respiratory droplets (such as coughing or sneezing), physical contact (such as shaking hands or hugging), or exposure to bodily fluids (such as blood or saliva). Examples of diseases that are spread from person to person include the common cold, influenza, measles, HIV/AIDS, or sexually transmitted infections.

It's important to note that some diseases can have both modes of transmission. For instance, while the flu can be spread through respiratory droplets from person to person, it can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces.

That's a good question! To differentiate between environmentally spread diseases and diseases that are spread from person to person, we need to understand their primary modes of transmission and the sources of infection.

Environmentally spread diseases, also known as vector-borne or fomite-borne diseases, are caused by microorganisms or pathogens that can survive on inanimate objects or in the environment. These pathogens can be transferred to humans through physical contact or exposure to contaminated surfaces or substances. Examples of environmentally spread diseases include foodborne illnesses (e.g., salmonella), waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera), and diseases transmitted by insects (e.g., malaria transmitted by mosquitoes). The primary route of transmission is indirect contact with contaminated objects, food, water, or vectors.

On the other hand, diseases that are spread from person to person primarily rely on direct contact or respiratory droplets exchanged between individuals. These diseases can be transmitted through close physical contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sexual activities, as well as through respiratory droplets released by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Examples of diseases that are typically spread from person to person include common colds, influenza, COVID-19, measles, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

To differentiate between these two types of diseases, you can consider the following factors:

1. Mode of transmission: Environmentally spread diseases are mainly transmitted through indirect contact with contaminated objects, food, water, or vectors. Diseases spread from person to person are predominantly transmitted through direct contact or respiratory droplets.

2. Source of infection: Environmentally spread diseases are often associated with contaminated environmental sources, while person-to-person diseases are associated with infected individuals.

3. Preventive measures: Controlling environmentally spread diseases usually involves proper sanitation and hygiene practices, such as washing hands, cleaning surfaces, treating water, or using insect repellents. Preventing person-to-person transmission often involves measures like practicing respiratory hygiene, maintaining physical distance, and using protection barriers, such as condoms or masks.

It is important to note that some diseases can have both environmental and person-to-person transmission routes, depending on various factors. Understanding the mode of transmission is crucial for implementing appropriate preventive measures and managing the spread of diseases effectively.