Today experts believe marks the world’s population at 7 billion. It only took a dozen years to add the last billion people on this earth. Experts predict by 2050 the population will hit just over 9 billion.
7 Billion People
What does this mean for infectious diseases? Can diseases spread quicker with so many people on the earth? People who spend long periods of time in crowded conditions such as airports, sporting events etc. provide ideal conditions for spreading many acute respiratory infections like common colds and influenza.
What other types of disease can be spread among many people in crowded places?
- Common Cold
- Influenza
- Diphtheria
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis
- SARS
- Bird Flu
- Strep Throat
- Pinkeye
Preventing Spread of Disease
What can you do to protect yourself in crowded places?
- Make sure you have plenty of rest to boost your immune system
- Wash hands properly
- Consider wearing a face mask
- Cover your own coughs and sneezes
- Eat well to boost your immune system
- If you are a healthcare worker wear protective medical scrubs that self clean and are fluid repellent.
What other methods would you recommend to stop the spread of infectious disease in crowded places?
