How Much Do You Really Know About Infections?

Infections are referred to as situations when a foreign body enters the human body and causes complications in the bodily functions, harming the person. These foreign bodies, termed as pathogens, are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and many other micro-organisms that enter a host body and start reproducing to begin a colony. They feed off the host, and alter the basic bodily functions causing problems for a person. They can enter the body through different regions for example most commonly through the mouth or through open wounds. Different types of pathogen enter the body through different places such as the mouth, the nose, the ear, etc.

Types of Infections

Bacterial Infections

Caused by a number a different types of bacteria, or prokaryotes, that make the body a host and cause problems. There are three different types of bacteria spherical, rod-shaped, and spiral bacteria. Different bacteria can resist different environments, for example some can resist heat while some can resist radioactivity. Bacterial infection can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Viral Infections

One of the most common types of infections, viral infections as the name suggests are caused by pathogens called viruses. Humans have only understood 5000 types of viruses whereas millions exist. Viruses work by attaching themselves to cells of the host and releasing genetic material that multiplies and kills the host cell. Some that alter the functionality of the cell, cause them to replicate and might cause cancers.

Fungal Infections

Fungi are multi-cellular parasites that live by attaching themselves to the host and feeding of the host till the host dies. All fungi, no matter how small or big work in the same way. The reproduce by spreading spores that grow into new fungi. Fungal infection begin on the surface of the skin and slowly make their way towards the inside. A systematic fungal diseases will affect the functions of the entire body.

Prions Disease

Prions are not pathogens but proteins which when folds into an abnormal shape becomes a fatal agent affecting the functions of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. They cause degenerative diseases such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or made cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

Other Infections

Protozoan infections are caused by single cellular organisms called protozoa. The 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 that common among humans but are found in third world countries.

Symptoms of Infections

• Different viral and bacterial infections have different symptoms depending on the kind of bodily region they have affected. For example HIV targets the humans system making it weak, whereas a bacterial infection like the bubonic plague is characterized by gouts and tumors near the joints
• Fungal infections are characterized by the formation of rashes and skin irritations and then later own grows to the formation of necrotic tissue
• Helminth infections show symptoms of stomach pain and internal bleeding due to the residing of flatworms or roundworms in the intestine

Precautions One Should Take To Avoid Infections

• Wash your hands. This is one of the first step to preventing any disease or infection
• Keep cooking surfaces clean and never leave unclean dishes in the basin for too long
• Always keep the garbage away from kitchen area and make sure it is disposed off regularly
• Never use antibiotics without consulting a medical professional as the overuse can cause vulnerabilities to infections
• Use disinfectants to keep rooms and living areas clean
• Avoid sharing personal items such as blades, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, etc.

What are My Choice for Infection Control

There are a number of items that are used as a part of infection control at homes, workplaces, and medical institutions.

1. Disinfectant Solutions: Disinfectant solutions are one of the most common ways to prevent infections. They are specially formulated liquids that work by eliminating any pathogens in the air as well as any surface on which they are applied. Domestic disinfectants come in aerosols that can be sprayed around the house to rid the air of all pathogens. They also come in scented options. Some disinfectant solutions come in liquid options and can be applied using a cloth or wipes.

Crypton Disinfectant and Deodorizer	Aseptic Cavicide Surface Disinfectant

2. Disposable Medical Equipment: Disposable medical equipment is also an important addition to infection control. Using an infected medical tool such as a scalpel, applicator, scissors, etc. can result in infections. Using disposable medical tools not only helps in preventing infections but also prevents diseases spread through blood transfusion.

Sterile Disposable Scalpels With Stainless Steel Blade	Dynarex Medicut Disposable Scalpel With Autoclavable Plastic Handle

3. Exam Gloves: Exam gloves are important while examining a patient or administering some kind of treatment to them. This is to make sure that your hands stay clean through the whole process. Contaminated hands can contaminate food items thus resulting in the spread of the infection.

Ambitex Nitrile Powder Free Disposable Examination Gloves	McKesson Confiderm 4.5C Powder Free Textured Fingertips Exam Gloves

4. Eye Protection: Eye protection is important while being around people that suffer from optical infections. The pathogens that spread the disease can infect the eye through the air itself and wearing protective eye gear ensures safety.

Molnlycke Barrier Protective Glasses	Molnlycke Barrier Protective Goggles

5. Glove Storage Boxes: Used gloves are contaminated and storing them at any random place can be hazardous and can spread infections. Glove storage boxes are sterile boxes with a quarantine like environment where used gloves can be kept. One can keep clean gloves as well to keep them sterile.

McKesson Clear Plastic Glove Box Holder

Infection control is a very important process and every household, irrespective of having a medical patient or not, should have adequate things to keep their homes safe from any kind of infection.

Where to buy Infection control Products online?

Depending on your needs Patient room provides a wide range on infection control products from top menufacturer like Medline Industries, Mckesson, Graham-field Health Products, Covidien. Shop now!

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