communicable diseases

• Infectious agents can be transmitted by direct contact, indirect contact (fomites), or droplet nuclei.
• Droplets are small particles that contain infectious agents and can travel up to six feet from the source.
• Vector-borne transmission involves an intermediate host such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, lice, flies, mites, and snails.
• Airborne transmission occurs when infectious agents become suspended in air currents and can remain viable for long periods of time.
• Direct contact involves physical contact with an infected person's body fluids or secretions.
• Sexually transmitted infections involve sexual intercourse with infected individuals.
• Communicability refers to how easily a disease spreads from one individual to another.