Final answer:
Indirect transmission of a disease occurs when there is contact with a contaminated intermediate object, or fomite, such as touched surfaces. It differs from direct transmission, which involves personal contact like handshakes or kissing. Regular hand washing is key in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indirect transmission of a disease happens through contact with an intermediate object known as a fomite. This could include touching surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person, such as doorknobs, money, or other shared objects. It's a method of indirect contact transmission, where the transfer of an infectious agent between hosts occurs without direct physical contact with the infected individual.
For instance, if someone with a cold sneezes into their hand and then touches a doorknob, and later another person touches that doorknob, the germs could be transferred to the second person. In contrast, direct transmission would involve close personal contact such as shaking hands, kissing, or sexual intercourse. Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of diseases because it reduces the chance of transmitting infectious agents after touching contaminated surfaces.