When an infection enters the human body, it breaks down your organs, ultimately making it difficult to go about your life like usual. And that’s why you should study how these diseases can enter your body system to learn how to protect yourself. Elementary science reveals that infectious diseases can be transmitted in either of two ways: through a vector bite or by air. While each transmission mode is unique, they expose the human body to different threats. This piece will discuss the similarities and differences between vector-borne and airborne diseases. 

What are Vector-borne Diseases?

Vector-borne diseases refer to infections that are spread from one person to another by arthropods. The most common vectors that affect humans are insects like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. However, other vectors may include snails, mammals, or environmental factors. 

These vectors spread infections through bite or skin contact. You’ll find that most vector-borne disease-causing microorganisms grow and survive inside the insect before applying to humans. Lyme disease, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and West Nile Virus are also examples of vector-borne diseases. 

What are Airborne Diseases?

Airborne diseases refer to infections that spread from one person to another when microorganisms are found floating in the air. These microorganisms are usually attached to tiny respiratory droplets, even dust. Because it is easy to spread airborne diseases, they can be a handful to deal with. These infections are often transmitted through dust, coughing, sneezing, laughing, spraying liquid and exhaling air. Common examples of airborne diseases include chickenpox, coronavirus, and influenza. 

Possible Similarities Between Vector-Borne and Airborne Diseases

Vector-borne and airborne diseases are similar in how they attack the human body. These infections break down the immune system and attack specific organs. After some time, you’ll develop symptoms indicating the presence of foreign bodies in your system. 

Differences Between Vector-Borne and Airborne Diseases

When vector-borne and airborne diseases attack the human body, it’s easy to think there are no ways to differentiate these ailments. Well, think again. Here’s a list of differences between vector-borne and airborne diseases: 

• Vector-borne diseases are transmitted via an arthropod vector, such as an insect, a mammal, or other environmental conditions. However, airborne diseases enter the body through tiny respiratory droplets. 
• Vector-borne diseases are treated with vaccines, medicines, and antibiotics. On the other hand, airborne diseases are treated with antibiotics, anti-vitals, antifungal medications, and antitoxins. 
• You can prevent vector-borne diseases by avoiding contact with the vectors, disposing of stagnant water, and wearing full clothes. In contrast, airborne diseases can be prevented by covering your mouth with a mask, washing your hands, and regularly cleaning and serving your ventilation system. 

Vector-Borne vs. Airborne Diseases: Comparison Table

Summary

That’s all on the difference between vector-borne and airborne diseases. When you look at the details of this article, it’s clear that vector-borne diseases are transmitted with the aid of an arthropod vector, mammal or environmental factors. In contrast, airborne diseases are transmitted by microorganisms floating in the air. 

FAQs

What is the difference between vector and vector-borne diseases?

Vector diseases refer to illnesses transmitted from one person to another through the bite of an arthropod vector, usually insects. On the other hand, vector-borne diseases refer to a larger category of illnesses that are transmitted by arthropod vectors, mammals and environmental conditions. 

What is the vector of an airborne disease?

The vector of an airborne disease is typically the air itself. Airborne diseases are transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. 

What is the difference between airborne and waterborne diseases?

The main difference between airborne and waterborne disease is their mode of transmission. Airborne infections spread through respiratory droplets floating in air. However, waterborne diseases are gotten from infected water sources. 

What are the airborne diseases?

Airborne diseases are those that are transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols suspended in the air. Common examples include tuberculosis, influenza, measles and chickenpox. 

Is TB a vector-borne disease?

Tuberculosis (TB) is not considered a vector-borne disease. Instead, TB is primarily transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets expelled by infected individuals. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release infectious droplets containing the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the air. 

What are the 4 major disease vectors?

The four major disease vectors are mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and sandflies. Each of them is responsible for a different type of disease. 

Is pneumonia airborne or droplet?

Pneumonia can be transmitted through both airborne and droplet routes, depending on the specific infectious agent causing the pneumonia. 

Is the flu droplet or airborne?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release infectious respiratory droplets containing the influenza virus. These droplets can land on the mucous membranes of nearby individuals, such as the mouth, nose, or eyes, leading to infection.

Is malaria an airborne disease?

No, malaria isn’t an airborne disease. Malaria is transmitted by an insect vector called the female anopheles mosquito. 

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