What are Pathogens?
In the workplace, viruses and bacteria are the most common causes of illness. Examples of infectious diseases caused by pathogens:
- Common Cold: Many viruses can cause the common cold. It is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat.
- Influenza (flu): A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. First identified in late 2019, it spread worldwide and can affect many parts of daily life including travel, work, shopping, and the economy. Although the acute emergency phase has passed, COVID-19 remains a circulating respiratory virus and is handled alongside other respiratory viruses (like flu and RSV) in current public health guidance. COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others' eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch. Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.
- Norovirus: The norovirus is also known as the stomach flu. Norovirus is a common virus that is not related to the flu.
- Measles: A highly contagious, serious disease that is caused by a virus. About 1 in 5 (20%) unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized.
- Strep Throat: A mild bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils.
- E. coli: Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, food, and intestines of people and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but others can make you sick.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. How does COVID-19 most commonly spread from person to person?
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