Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids

Q: Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids

Dear Ms. <br>Fang：<br>1. <br>The pathogens that can attack humans primarily include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, rickettsiae, and prions. <br>Their modes of transmission vary, including droplet transmission, airborne transmission, fecal-oral transmission, foodbo

Transmission routes of diseases?

Hello, Dr.
Hsiao.
My son, who is in middle school, has been spreading strange rumors among his classmates, claiming that if someone has a wound, they can get infected with pneumonia or HIV.
He scared his younger sister with these false claims while my husband and I were busy.
This afternoon, after cleaning her glasses, my daughter mentioned that she might have scratched herself.
My son used this as an opportunity to trick her into thinking something bad would happen.
Although he later apologized, I came home after work to find my daughter crying, scared of what her brother said.
I had to explain to both of them that tissues do not have needles, and that my daughter was only scratched by the sharp edge of her glasses, which did not cause any bleeding and cannot transmit HIV.
My understanding is that HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles, but I feel defeated that my son tricked his sister into thinking tissues have needles.
As for pneumonia, that seems even more unlikely.
I'm not sure if my understanding is correct, doctor.
My daughter still appears to be worried due to her brother's influence, and I would like to ask if you could help clarify the correct information for them, assuring my daughter that she is safe.
I really don't know how to reassure her, so I sought help online.
I apologize for reaching out to you so late.

Fang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/18

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
Fang:
1.
The pathogens that can attack humans primarily include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, rickettsiae, and prions.
Their modes of transmission vary, including droplet transmission, airborne transmission, fecal-oral transmission, foodborne transmission, contact transmission, vector-borne transmission, transplacental transmission, and iatrogenic infections.
Despite the complexity of this environment, the vast majority of people remain unharmed, mainly due to each individual's robust immune system and good hygiene practices.
Additionally, the human immune system gradually matures after leaving the womb, and with regular vaccinations, most children in our country can grow into adulthood.
Interestingly, some bacteria are essential for human survival, with probiotics being the best example.
2.
Various types of pneumonia are mostly transmitted through droplets or airborne routes, and very rarely through wound transmission.
HIV is primarily transmitted through blood contact with wounds; in practice, this occurs through accidental needle sticks, sharing needles or razors, blood transfusions, or sexual contact.
3.
For someone to contract HIV from a cut caused by their eyeglass frame, several conditions must be met: a.
The eyeglass frame must be deliberately contaminated with HIV, and the virus must be very fresh and viable (generally, HIV does not survive long in the air and is easily destroyed by disinfectants, soap, or alcohol).
b.
The wound must be deep, and there must be a significant amount of HIV present.
c.
The host's skin, macrophages, and specific immune responses must all be compromised.
It is highly unlikely for someone who does not have HIV to contract the virus from their own eyeglasses.
Moreover, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the entire population has been wearing masks and practicing hand hygiene; various pathogens are blocked by masks and eliminated by soap or alcohol, leading to a significant reduction in upper respiratory infections, enterovirus infections, various pneumonias, acute gastroenteritis, and other infectious diseases, resulting in a noticeable decrease in patient numbers at healthcare facilities.
4.
During childhood, there are often interesting rumors or misconceptions among peers; parents may need to guide them through education and rational thinking on how to use the knowledge and experiences taught in school to determine the accuracy of peer rumors, which can be beneficial for their growth.
5.
If you have further questions, it is advisable to discuss them in more depth with your family physician.

Reply Date: 2020/04/18

More Info

Dear Fang,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your children's understanding of infection transmission. It’s important to clarify these misconceptions, especially when they can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety in children.

First and foremost, let’s address the myths your son shared with his sister. The idea that a simple scratch or a minor injury could lead to the transmission of serious infections like pneumonia or HIV is fundamentally incorrect. Pneumonia is primarily caused by bacteria or viruses that are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is not transmitted through minor cuts or scrapes. Similarly, HIV is transmitted through specific high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles, not through casual contact or minor injuries.

To reassure your daughter, it’s crucial to explain that the human body has a robust immune system that protects against most infections. Minor injuries, like the one she experienced while cleaning her glasses, do not pose a significant risk of infection, especially if there is no bleeding. The fear of being infected from everyday objects or situations can lead to unnecessary anxiety, and it’s essential to foster a sense of safety and understanding in children.

You mentioned that your daughter was upset and worried after hearing her brother's comments. It’s a good opportunity to educate both of them about how infections are transmitted. You can explain that germs are everywhere, but our bodies are equipped to handle most of them. Emphasize the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, not sharing personal items like toothbrushes, and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing. This knowledge can empower them and alleviate their fears.

Additionally, it might be helpful to discuss the role of vaccinations in preventing serious diseases. Vaccines are a critical part of public health and help protect children from various infections. By ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, you can further reassure them about their safety.

In terms of addressing your son’s behavior, it’s essential to guide him on the impact of his words and the importance of being responsible when discussing health-related topics. Encourage open communication and critical thinking, so they can differentiate between facts and myths. You might consider having a family discussion where they can ask questions and express their concerns, allowing you to provide accurate information in a supportive environment.

Lastly, if your daughter continues to express anxiety about her health or fears of infection, it may be beneficial to consult with a pediatrician or a child psychologist. They can provide additional strategies to help her cope with her fears and reinforce a healthy understanding of health and safety.

In conclusion, it’s vital to create an environment where your children feel safe to ask questions and express their fears. By providing them with accurate information and fostering good hygiene practices, you can help them develop a healthy understanding of infection transmission and reduce their anxiety. Remember, knowledge is a powerful tool in combating fear.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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