Question

What precautions can you take in school to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases?

Answer 1

Hint: Infectious diseases are caused by various infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc, and can be reduced by preventing microbial contamination and growth.

Complete answer: Microorganisms are capable of causing diseases in the host. These infectious agents are known as pathogens. The five major types of infectious agents are as follows: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. Another class of infectious agents has been discovered which are known as prions. These agents can cause emerging and reemerging diseases in the host organisms. Bacteria such as Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Salmonella typhi, Yersinia, and Staphylococcus can cause some severe infectious diseases. Various viruses can cause disease in humans such as HIV, hepatitis B, poxvirus, etc. Many fungi can infect plants and animals such as Candida. Protozoa are eukaryotic heterotrophs that can be acquired through contaminated food and water or by the bite of infected arthropods. Plasmodium and Giardia are two common protozoan parasites. To reduce the chance of infectious diseases in schools, the following precautions can be taken:
a) Managing hygiene and drinking clean water.
b) Water accumulation should be prevented in the surroundings.
c) Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in toilets.
d) Avoid consumption of uncovered food and other food commodities.
e) Cover the mouth during sneezing and coughing by using a handkerchief.
f) Vaccination should be taken at specific times to prevent infectious diseases.
g) Proper sanitization of schools.
h) Washing or sanitization of hands before eating.
i) Water purifiers should be cleaned properly.

Note: Most common infectious agents are contracted and transmitted through infested hands, so it can be prevented by the washing of hands regularly. Common cold and gastroenteritis can be prevented by the washing of hands.