Question

Identify ONE strategy (for each link) through which you can prevent the spread of the common cold by breaking the chains:

a) Destroy the pathogen

b) Between the pathogen and reservoir

c) Between the reservoir and portal of exit

d) Between the portal of exit and transmission

e) Between transmission and portal of entry

f) From becoming a new host

Answer 1

a. The pathogen can be destroyed by improving the immunity of the host because most of the common cold pathogens are virus so antibiotics cannot be administered .

b. The infection can be broken from pathogen to reservoir by proper disinfection techniques and methods regularly, maintaining sterile procedure , infection control practice

c. The link between reservoir and portal of exit can be broken by simple hand hygiene practice ,use of personal protective equipment ,cough etiquette ,regular disinfection

d. The link between portal of exit and transmission can be broken by maintaining strict hand washing by following the five movements of hand hygiene ,disinfection ,isolation of patients who can infect others

e. The link between transmission and portal of entry can be prevented by hand hygiene, avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures ,removing invasive lines if not needed.

f. This can be prevented by being aware ,taking preventative measures ,vaccinated for vaccine preventable diseases ,regular health check up, keeping others diseases under control with proper medical advice .