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Communicable Diseases Due to Living Space Congestion
by Donald Reinhardt
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Overview
Crowds, indoors or out, increase infectious disease risks.
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Human crowds usually contain some diseased and infected people, and these individuals may spread infectious diseases. Indoor spaces confine people, place them in closer proximity and increase the probability of infectious disease transmission, especially respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza and the common cold.
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Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, Respiratory and Other Types
Person-to-person transmission is one of the most common methods of disease spread. Respiratory diseases are spread often by minute, aerosolized droplets produced by sneezing or coughing. These droplets float in the air and may be inhaled by others. Droplets landing on surfaces may come in contact with hands and fingers and are transferred to a non-infected person's mouth, nose or eyes.
Close contact with other humans increases infectious disease risk.
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Confined Spaces Limit Air Movement, Increase Risk of Contact With Infectious Agents
Confined environments permit microbes to circulate in a limited space. Additionally, confined spaces increase the frequency and amount of infectious agents in the environment. The smaller the space, the greater the chance of infection.
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Confined Spaces and Respiratory Disease, What to Do?
The infected person should restrict contact with the healthy people. Confinement with isolation decreases the chances of infection. Hand washing and disposable tissues, appropriately discarded, are important. Aerosol disinfectant sprayed on contaminated surfaces may help to prevent disease transmission.
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Good Air Movement Is Helpful in Diluting Germs
Good air circulation is always helpful, in warm weather, cold weather and in-between conditions. Air circulation reduces contaminants and decreases the chances of infection by drying or dessication, which increases the death rate of aerosolized microbes.
Good air circulation is healthy.
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Communicable Diseases in Confined Spaces
People most often think of flu and colds being spread in confined spaces. However, other possibilities include chickenpox, meningococcal disease, staphylococci, ringworm and streptococci. Eating well and getting adequate rest and exercise prime the body to fight disease. The simple hygienic cautions suggested here can help prevent spread of infectious diseases.
