Infections and Allergies

All About Dealing With Infections

Infections occur when a foreign body enters the human body and causes complications. These pathogens are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and many other microorganisms that enter a host body and start reproducing to begin a colony. They can enter the body through different regions, most commonly through the mouth or open wounds. Once inside, they feed off of the host and cause severe complications.   

Types of Infections  

To properly treat an infection, it is important to be aware of the different types.  

1. Bacterial Infections.  

There are three different types of spherical, rod-shaped, and spiral bacteria. Each can resist different environments such as heat and even radioactivity! A bacterial infection can be fatal if not treated immediately.  

 2. Viral Infections  

One of the most common types is caused by pathogens called viruses. They attach themselves to the host and release genetic material that multiplies and kills healthy cells, some of which are thought to cause cancers. There are millions of viruses in the world, however, scientists have only identified about 5000.  

3. Fungal Infections  

Fungi are multi-cellular parasites that feed on the host until it dies. All fungi, no matter how small or big, work similarly. They reproduce by spreading spores that grow into new fungi. Fungal infections begin on the skin's surface and slowly enter the body. A systematic fungal disease will affect all functions of the body.  

4. Prions Disease  

Prions are not pathogens but proteins that, when folded into an abnormal shape, become fatal agents affecting the brain's functions and other parts of the nervous system. They cause degenerative diseases such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, mad cow disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.  

Others  

• Protozoan infections are caused by single cellular organisms called protozoa that infest the body as a parasite and cause problems in bodily functions.  
• Helminth infections are caused by parasites such as flatworms and roundworms that affect the gastrointestinal region of the body.  
• Ectoparasite infections, such as those caused by ticks, lice, and worms, are not common among humans but are found in third-world countries.  

Symptoms of Infections  

• Different viral and bacterial infections have other symptoms depending on the region they have affected. For example, HIV targets and weakens the immune system, whereas gout and tumors near the joints characterize a bacterial infection like the bubonic plague.  
• Fungal infections form rashes and skin irritations which develop into necrotic tissue.  
• Helminth infections present with stomach pain and internal bleeding symptoms due to flatworms or roundworms living in the intestine.  

Precautions one should take to avoid infections  

• Washing your hands is one of the first steps to prevent disease or infection. 
• Keep cooking surfaces clean, and never leave dirty dishes in the sink for too long.  
• Always keep garbage away from the kitchen area and dispose it regularly.  
• Never use antibiotics without consulting a medical professional. Overuse can cause infection vulnerabilities.  
• Use disinfectants to keep rooms and living areas clean. 
• Avoid sharing personal items such as blades, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, etc.  

Infection Control Options  

1. Disinfectant Solutions  

Disinfectant solutions are one of the most common ways to prevent infections. They have specially formulated liquids that work by eliminating pathogens in the air and any surface on which they are applied. Domestic disinfectants come in aerosols that can be sprayed to rid the air of all pathogens. They also come in scented options. In addition, some disinfectant solutions come in liquid form and can be applied using a cloth or wipes.  

2. Disposable Medical Equipment  

Disposable medical equipment is also an essential addition to infection control. A contaminated medical instrument, such as a scalpel, applicator, scissors, etc., can result in infection. Using disposable medical tools not only prevents infections but also prevents diseases from spreading through blood transfusion.  

3. Exam Gloves  

Exam gloves are necessary to keep hands clean while examining a patient or administering treatment. Dirty hands spread infection quickly through contaminated surfaces, food and other substances.  

4. Eye Protection  

Optical pathogens can become airborne and spread disease quickly. Wearing protective eye gear ensures safety.  

5. Glove Storage Boxes  

Storing used gloves randomly can be hazardous and can spread infection. Glove storage boxes are sterile and provide a quarantine-like environment for both new and used gloves. Make sure to never store new and used gloves in the same box. 

Infection control is a critical process, and every household, irrespective of having a medical patient or not, should have disinfectant supplies to keep their homes safe from infection.  

Where to buy infection control products online?  

HPFY provides a wide range of infection control products from top manufacturers like Medline Industries and Mckesson, to name a few. Shop now!  

 

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