How are germs mostly spread

Many illnesses are spread by germs that pass from one person to another. Here are some of the most common ways that germs are spread:

• by touching an infected person
• through the air (for example, when someone coughs, germs in small drops of spit (saliva) can spread to other people or objects)
• through clothes, cloths, or bed covers
• through insect bites or animal bites
• by eating contaminated food

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010104