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Different disease-causing agents float around in the air. Diseases that can be passed from one person to another through the air are known as airborne diseases. Tiny pathogens are generated while coughing,

sneezing, or talking. They can also spread due to contact with saliva or nasal discharges and close mouth-to- mouth contact. Thus, in order to avoid airborne diseases it is important to get vaccinated on time and maintain a healthy immune system. Chicken Pox Chicken pox (varicella) is an airborne viral disease. The disease spreads through the sneezing and coughing of the infected individual. (It can also

spread via physical contact with the watery secretion from the rashes.) The viral infection leads to the formation of several red, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. The viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics and tend to clear up on their own in a few days. An oatmeal bath in lukewarm water can help reduce the itching. The varicella vaccine is very effective in preventing the illness.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

pathogen: a microorganism that can cause disease. respiratory: having to do with breathing. viral: describes a condition caused by viruses.

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