Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses that can be passed from one person to another. They can also spread to humans from birds, insects or animals. Examples include malaria and E. coli.

How infectious diseases spread

Infectious diseases spread in different ways depending on the type of germ and how it survives in the environment. For example, they can spread:

• through tiny droplets in the air, such as measles or flu
• by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as door handles (MRSA)
• by eating or drinking contaminated food or water (salmonella)
• by breathing in germs released by another person (tuberculosis)
• through infected blood or blood products (HIV)

How to avoid infection

There are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting or spreading an infection:

• Make sure you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations. If you are travelling abroad, contact your GP in advance to check what vaccinations or medication you might need.
• Wash and dry your hands regularly and thoroughly
• Follow the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it approach by using a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw it away immediately
• Follow basic food safety guidance to avoid contamination
• If you are caring for someone with diarrhoea, use disposable gloves and an apron if possible. Wash your hands after removing them and clean the toilet with disinfectant or bleach after each use.
• If you develop diarrhoea and vomiting and it could be norovirus, stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop. Contact your GP by phone for advice rather than visiting in person, as you may spread the illness to others.
• If you have symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, a cold or flu, or if you feel unwell, avoid visiting hospitals or care homes to help prevent the spread of infection

More information

For national advice, guidance and research on infectious diseases, visit the UK Health Security Agency website.

Stay prepared and informed

See how you can build personal resilience before an emergency, including creating a grab bag and knowing who to contact, on our preparing yourself and others for an emergency page.

Remember, if you need urgent support, help is always available. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent situations.

For trusted updates and local information during an emergency, visit our staying informed in an emergency page.