Bacteria & viruses are living things, or substances produced by living things, that can cause illness or disease in humans. Biological agents have many uses in the workplace, but some of them can be hazardous. They include bacteria, viruses, and fungi as well as larger organisms such as parasites and plants.
Bacteria & viruses enter the body by inhalation, by ingestion or by absorption through the skin. The possible routes of entry are limited by the characteristics of the agent. Inhalation is the most common route of entry. Once inside the body, infectious agents can multiply and be passed from one person to another.
Two ways they can affect the body. Direct transmission takes place when there is physical contact between an infected and a non-infected person. Direct transmission can also occur if there is a projection of droplets into the mucous membranes of the eye, nose or mouth. This might happen during a cough or sneeze. Direct transmission might also occur if a person is injected or punctured with an infected needle or other sharp object which is infected.
Indirect transmission may occur when infectious agents attach themselves to surfaces or objects such as food and water or cooking and eating utensils.
Precautions:
- Always cough or sneeze into the inside of your arm instead of your hand to avoid transferring bacteria from your hands to other surfaces.
- Always wash your hands before handling food and after using the washroom or blowing your nose. (75% of people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom, so consider all the objects that are touched afterwards)
- Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands.
Never place your food directly on surfaces such as tables or microwaves, use a paper towel.
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