Page 145 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

7.8 Major Communicable Diseases

A. Air-borne Diseases

The diseases which are transmitted through air are called air-borne diseases. For example:
common cold, eye-infection, SARS, etc.

Common cold
Common cold is an air-borne viral disease. It spreads
rapidly and occurs throughout the world. This disease
affects the people of all ages.
The causative agent of common cold is rhino virus. There
are variety of viruses that cause common cold. Rhino
virus attacks nose, throat, respiratory tract and chest.
Fig: 5
Causative agent: Rhino virus

Modes of Transmission
i. Direct contact with the patient
ii. Droplet infection
iii. Use of personal articles of the patient

iv. Sleeping in the same bed
v. Sharing the same spoon while eating food Fig: 6

Major Symptoms
i. Runny nose
ii. Watery eyes
iii. Coughing
iv. Sneezing
v. Throat infection
vi Fever
vii. Joint ache
viii. Stuffy nose
ix. Difficulty in breathing
x. Weakening of smelling and tasting capacity

Preventive and Control Measures
i. Avoiding direct contact with the patient
ii. Avoiding the use of personal articles of the patient

GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 145