news details |
|
|
| The Silent Killer - spitting and public health risks | | | Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Spitting in public is a bad habit, whether you are spitting due to any problem or just out of habit. Spitting in a public place indicates both lack of civic sense and poor awareness on hygiene practices. Virus can be passed on from person to person via respiratory droplets. There is something else that gets very little or no emphasis — avoiding spitting in public. Like cough, spitting too, according to doctors and public health officials, can lead to spread of infections. There are many who use chewing tobacco and spit also posing specific dangers to themselves and hose around them. The tainted saliva can also send cancer agents into the lining of the stomach, esophagus and bladder. Saliva hosts a variety of diseases and infections. Droplets of mucus and saliva are often carriers of many viruses.
Spitting in public is a revolting habit that’s not only unhygienic but also poses significant health risks. When people spit, they release a cocktail of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens into the environment, contaminating surfaces, water, and air. This can lead to the spread of diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and even COVID-19. Moreover, spitting can also spread infections like hepatitis A and E, and gastrointestinal diseases. Spitting in places of public work or use and public service vehicles, mandates display of boards pinpointing that both are offences, and are punishable with fine. People should be made to feel that spitting does not reflect good on them. This coincided with greater awareness of the transmission of contagious diseases that could be spread by spitting. It is a filthy habit that can spread germs and cause health issues. Unfortunately, spitting is a means of showing off in today’s so called civilised society. Ulcers, cancers and the spreading of disease are major considerations when talking about the dangers of spitting. Mental issues, such as self image problems, can also become a contributing factor in developing a spitting habit. The habit is particularly problematic in densely populated areas where people are in close proximity, making it easier for diseases to spread. It’s not just the person spitting who’s at risk; everyone around them is vulnerable. Plus, it creates an unpleasant environment, reflecting poorly on community hygiene and personal responsibility.
Governments and health organizations worldwide are working to curb this habit through awareness campaigns and fines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public hygiene. Simple actions like using spittoons or tissues can make a big difference. Let’s break this nasty habit and promote a healthier, cleaner environment for all. From a health perspective, spitting can spread infectious agents to others. Other diseases that are spread through saliva include TB, hepatitis, viral meningitis, cytomegalovirus - a common virus similar to the herpes virus - and the Epstein-Barr virus, which is a common herpes virus that causes many diseases such as glandular fever. Spit that carries such infections must penetrate the body somehow and reach the bloodstream such as via an open sore, mouth or even an eye, in order to become deadly. It is observed that most people find spitting a wholly obnoxious, filthy habit which can spread germs and causes health issues. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
