According to a New England Journal of Medicine review, there are eight respiratory track infections that have varying chances of contagious risk as well as different places that are high in the risk factor of contracting the infection. This article looks at those eight illnesses and highlights the popular places you’re apt to catch the virus, all culled from the Harvard Medical School Health Guide. For more information on these infections check out Part One of Respiratory Infections which dealt with the eight respiratory infections and the percent of risk to catching the virus.
Influenza viruses
Like the flu, influenza viruses have the highest chance of being in the home, school, or dormitories. Places like bars where there is little air circulation and stuffy are another good bet on harboring the influenza virus longer. The New England Journal of Medicine says that only half of those with the flu virus will show symptoms.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV
RSV, like bronchiolitis, has the highest percentage of risk of being in day care centers and homes. Those that have had a prior exposure to the virus do have a lower risk of catching it again.
Rhinovirus
Also called the common cold, the rhinovirus is more prevalent in homes and dormitories. Schools can be another place where it is easy to find. There must be direct contact with the person or in their line of spray from a cough or sneeze.
Adenoviruses
Adenoviruses, called upper respiratory illnesses, have the highest percentage of risk in places like schools and camps. This also includes military camps and other close quarter group communities.
Common Cold
The common cold, or rhinovirus, is prevalent in homes and dormitories. Most close contact spaces where there is little square footage to the amount of people housed there.
Strep Throat and Scarlet Fever
Strep throat and scarlet fever has its main area of concentration in the family home. However, there is a small chance of catching the disease from a family member.
Bacterial Meningitis
Also called Neisseria meningitides, bacterial meningitis is most found in camps, schools, and homes.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Also known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumococcal pneumonia is found in the highest percentages in nursing homes, camps, day care facilities, prisons and jails, and in homeless shelters. It is generally not viewed as contagious but some people with lessened immune systems may contract this illness.
This article shows the places where there is the highest probability of contracting a certain respiratory tract infection. For the percentage of risk you have to contract that respiratory infection, part one of Respiratory Infections shows the risk percentages.
For More Information:
Am I Contagious? Spreading Germs from Colds, Flu or a Rash by Amy Andersen
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
