Category: Health

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

A urinary tract infection is a very common type of infection in your urinary system. It can involve any part of your urinary system. Bacteria — especially E. coli — are the most common cause of UTIs. Symptoms include needing to pee often, pain while peeing and pain in your side or lower back. Antibiotics can treat most UTIs.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system. This type of infection can involve your:

Urine (pee) is a byproduct of your blood-filtering system, which your kidneys perform. Your kidneys create pee when they remove waste products and excess water from your blood. Pee usually moves through your urinary system without any contamination. However, bacteria can get into your urinary system, which can cause UTIs.

What is the urinary tract?

The urinary tract makes and stores pee. It includes your:

  • Kidneys. Kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs on the back of your body, above your hips. Most people have two kidneys. They filter water and waste products from your blood, which becomes pee. Common wastes include urea and creatinine.
  • Ureters. Your ureters are thin tubes that carry pee from your kidneys to your bladder.
  • Bladder. Your bladder is a balloon-like organ that stores pee before it leaves your body.
  • Urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries pee from your bladder to the outside of your body.

How common are urinary tract infections?

UTIs are very common, especially in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). About half of people AFAB will have a UTI at some point during their lives. Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) can also get UTIs, as well as children, though they only affect 1% to 2% of children. Healthcare providers treat 8 million to 10 million people each year for UTIs.

What are the signs of a urinary tract infection?

A UTI causes inflammation in the lining of your urinary tract. The inflammation may cause the following problems:

Other UTI-associated symptoms may include:

How do you get a urinary tract infection?

Microorganisms — usually bacteria — cause urinary tract infections. They typically enter through your urethra and may infect your bladder. The infection can also travel up from your bladder through your ureters and eventually infect your kidneys.

What is the major cause of a urinary tract infection?

E. coli cause more than 90% of bladder infections. E. coli typically exist in your lower intestines (large intestine).

Who is at the greatest risk of getting a urinary tract infection?

Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but you’re more likely to get a UTI if you have a vagina. This is because the urethra in people AFAB is shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are common.

Can you get a UTI from fingers?

Yes, it’s possible to get a UTI from your fingers. Your hands can pick up bacteria and other microorganisms whenever you touch a surface. You can accidentally introduce bacteria to your urethra when you go to the bathroom or during sexual acts, including masturbation or fingering.

It’s a good idea to wash your hands before and after going to the bathroom or having sex.

How do you know if you have a UTI?

If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, talk to a healthcare provider. They’ll ask questions about your symptoms, review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. They can also order tests to help confirm a diagnosis.

What tests will be done to diagnose a urinary tract infection?

A healthcare provider may order the following tests to diagnose a UTI:

  • Urinalysis. During this test, you’ll pee into a special cup. The provider will send the sample to a laboratory, where technicians will examine it for signs of a UTI using multiple variables such as nitrites, leukocyte esterase and white blood cells.
  • Urine culture. You’ll pee into a special cup, and lab technicians will test your sample to grow and identify any bacteria that are present. Urine cultures are important because they help your provider determine the most appropriate treatment.

If your infection doesn’t respond to treatment, a provider may order the following tests to examine your urinary tract for a disease or injury:

  • Ultrasound. An ultrasound is an imaging test that helps your provider look at your internal organs. An ultrasound is painless and doesn’t require any preparation.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan is another imaging test. It’s a type of X-ray that takes cross-section images of your body — like slices — that create 3D images of the inside of your body. A CT scan is more precise than a standard X-ray.
  • Cystoscopy. A cystoscopy uses a cystoscope to look inside your bladder through your urethra. A cystoscope is a thin instrument with a lens and a light at the end.

If you get UTIs frequently, a healthcare provider may perform tests to check for other health issues — such as diabetes or an abnormal urinary system — that may contribute to your infections.

What is the best thing to do for a urinary tract infection?

The best thing to do for a urinary tract infection is to see a healthcare provider. You need antibiotics to treat a UTI. Your provider will select an antibiotic that works best against the bacteria responsible for your infection.

Once you get a prescription for antibiotics, it’s very important that you follow the directions for taking them. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If you don’t finish all your medicine, the infection can return and be more challenging to treat.

If you get UTIs a lot, a provider may recommend that you take antibiotics:

  • Every day.
  • Every other day.
  • After sex.
  • At the first sign of symptoms.

Talk to a provider about your best treatment option if you have a history of frequent UTIs.

What specific antibiotics are used to treat a urinary tract infection?

Healthcare providers commonly prescribe the following antibiotics to treat UTIs:

If you get UTIs often, a healthcare provider may give you low-dose antibiotics for a short time to prevent the infection from coming back. The provider may recommend this cautious approach to treat frequent UTIs because your body can develop resistance to the antibiotic, and you can get other types of infections, including C. diff colitis. This practice isn’t very common.

Can I become immune to the antibiotics used to treat a UTI?

Sort of. Every time you use antibiotics to treat a UTI, the infection adapts and can become harder to fight (antibiotic resistance). But the infection becomes immune to the antibiotics, not you. Antibiotics may not always be the best solution. As a result, a healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you get frequent urinary tract infections. These may include:

  • Waiting. Your provider may suggest a “watch and wait” approach to your symptoms. During this time, it’s a good idea to drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to help flush out your system.
  • Intravenous (IV) treatment. In some complicated cases, a UTI may be resistant to antibiotics, or the infection may move to your kidneys. You may need treatment at a hospital, where providers will give you medicine through a needle they insert into a vein, usually in your arm (intravenously). Once you return home, you may need to take oral antibiotics for a period to rid yourself of the infection completely.

Does cranberry juice prevent a urinary tract infection?

Cranberry juice that you can buy at the grocery store doesn’t prevent a UTI. However, cranberry extract supplements (vitamin pills) may decrease your chances of getting a UTI.

If you get UTIs often, methenamine hippurate is another nonantibiotic alternative that helps prevent infections.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Minor urinary tract infections can sometimes get better on their own. However, most UTIs need antibiotics to go away. You absolutely need antibiotics if you have a UTI as well as:

  • A fever.
  • Chills.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Most people feel better within a few days after starting antibiotics to treat a UTI.

Can I prevent a urinary tract infection?

The following lifestyle changes can help prevent urinary tract infections:

Practice good hygiene

Practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to help prevent UTIs. This is especially important if you have a vagina because your urethra is much shorter, and it’s easier for E. coli to move from your rectum back into your body. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement (pooping) to avoid this.

During your menstrual cycle, it’s also a good idea to regularly change your period products, including pads and tampons. You should also avoid using any deodorants on your vagina.

Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking extra fluids — especially water — each day can help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract. Healthcare providers recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water daily.

Change your peeing habits

Peeing can play a big role in getting rid of bacteria from your body. Your pee is a waste product, and each time you empty your bladder, you help remove that waste from your body.

Peeing frequently can reduce your risk of developing an infection, especially if you get UTIs a lot.

You should also try to pee right before and right after having sex. Sex can introduce bacteria to your urethra, and peeing before and after sex helps flush it out. If you can’t pee, wash the area with warm water.

Change your birth control

Some people have an increased risk of developing a UTI if they use a diaphragm for birth control. Talk to a healthcare provider about other birth control options.

Use a water-based lubricant during sex

If you use lubricant during sex, make sure it’s water-based. You should also avoid spermicide if you have frequent UTIs.

Change your clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can create a moist environment, which promotes bacterial growth. You can try loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear to prevent moisture from accumulating around your urethra.

Medications

If you’re postmenopausal, a healthcare provider may suggest a vaginal cream that contains estrogen. These creams may help reduce your risk of developing a UTI by changing the pH of your vagina. Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re postmenopausal and get a lot of UTIs.

Over-the-counter (OTC) supplements — including cranberry extract and probiotics — may also help prevent UTIs. Talk to a healthcare provider before you start taking any supplements.

What can I expect if I have a urinary tract infection?

The outlook for urinary tract infections is good. Most UTIs usually respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be annoying or uncomfortable before you start treatment. However, once a healthcare provider identifies the bacteria and prescribes the appropriate antibiotic, your symptoms should improve quickly.

It’s important to finish all of the antibiotics that your healthcare provider prescribes. If you have frequent UTIs or your symptoms aren’t improving, your provider may test to see if your infection is resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant infections may require IV antibiotics or other treatments.

When should I go to the doctor for a UTI?

Call a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. Call them again if they diagnosed you with a UTI and your symptoms worsen. You may need a different treatment.

When should I go to ER?

Go to the emergency room if you have a UTI and develop the following symptoms:

  • Fever.
  • Back pain.
  • Vomiting.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

  • How do you know that I have a urinary tract infection?
  • If I don’t have a urinary tract infection, what other condition do I have?
  • What bacteria are responsible for my urinary tract infection?
  • What antibiotic will you prescribe to treat my urinary tract infection?
  • Are there any special directions I need to follow while taking antibiotics?
  • How long will it take to feel better?
  • Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
  • What can I do to help relieve my symptoms at home?

A note from Qban Health Care Services

Urinary tract infections are when you have an infection in your urinary system. You may feel embarrassed if you have symptoms that affect your genitals or cause incontinence, but it’s OK — you haven’t done anything wrong. UTIs are common, especially if you have a vagina. A healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, and your symptoms should go away in a few days. Follow your provider’s instructions and take your full course of antibiotics to ensure the UTI goes away.

E. COLI INFECTION

E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gut (GI tract), urinary tract and other parts of your body. Most of the time, it can live in your gut without hurting you. But some strains can make you sick with watery diarrhea, vomiting and a fever. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is most likely to cause severe illness.

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a group of bacteria that normally lives in the gut (gastrointestinal/GI tract) of healthy people and animals. The type that lives in your GI tract usually doesn’t hurt you — it even helps you digest your food. But under certain circumstances, many strains (types) of E. coli can make you sick. Many of the strains that cause infection can adhere (stick) to your cells and release toxins.

What is an E. coli infection?

An E. coli infection is any illness you get from strains of E. coli bacteria. For instance, there are harmful strains of E. coli that cause watery diarrhea, stomach pain and other digestive symptoms (gastroenteritis) if you accidentally ingest them. These are sometimes called diarrheagenic E. coli, and they’re often what people mean when they talk about E. coli infections. But the E. coli that usually live in your gut can also get in places they’re not supposed to be (like your urinary tract). This causes an E. coli infection there.

Many strains of E. coli cause mild infections. But some strains, like those that produce Shiga toxin, can cause serious illness, including kidney damage.

Types of E. coli infection

Common types of E. coli infection include gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Other types of E. coli infections include:

How common are E. coli infections?

There are about 265,000 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections each year in the U.S. STEC is the most common cause of E. coli outbreaks and serious illness from E. coli in the U.S.

What are the symptoms of an E. coli infection?

Symptoms of E. coli gastroenteritis include:

  • Diarrhea. This is often watery and sometimes bloody.
  • Stomach pains and cramps.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Low fever.

Watery diarrhea is usually the first symptom of an E. coli infection in your GI tract. You can also have different symptoms depending on where in your body you’re infected.

What are symptoms of E. coli in your urinary tract?

If E. coli infects parts of your urinary tract, you might have:

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain.
  • Pain or burning sensation when you pee.
  • An urgent need to pee frequently.
  • Cloudy, foul-smelling pee.

How soon do symptoms of an E. coli infection start?

You usually develop symptoms of an STEC infection within three to five days after drinking or eating foods contaminated with this E. coli bacteria. Other strains can make you sick within hours. Sometimes, symptoms start up to 10 days after exposure.

What causes E. coli infections?

Many strains of E. coli can cause diarrheagenic infections in your GI tract. Most cause similar symptoms, like watery diarrhea, but some are more serious than others. Scientists categorize them by how they attach to your cells and the types of toxins they release.

Types of diarrheagenic E. coli include:

  • Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
  • Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC).
  • Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC).
  • Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC).
  • Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC).
  • Diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC).

Other notable types of E. coli include uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), which can cause UTIs, and E. coli K1, which can cause meningitis in newborns.

What are Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)?

STEC is a strain of E. coli that releases a toxin (Shiga toxin) that damages your cells. These are the same toxins released by Shigella bacteria. STEC is known for causing severe outbreaks of E. coli (where many people get sick), often from contaminated food.

STEC is also called enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) because it can lead to bleeding in your intestines, causing bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis). About 5% to 10% of people with STEC develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that causes blood clots and damages your kidneys. The subtype E. coli O157:H7 is the most likely to cause severe illness.

What kind of E. coli causes traveler’s diarrhea?

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is a type of E. coli that causes infections known as traveler’s diarrhea. Symptoms start quickly after exposure — sometimes within just a few hours. ETEC is common in warm climates.

How do you get E. coli?

Most diarrheagenic E. coli strains spread through fecal-oral transmission. This happens when bacteria from poop that’s too small to see make their way into your mouth and digestive tract. Some forms, like STEC, can also transmit through undercooked meat and unpasteurized beverages.

Specifically, you can get E. coli from:

  • Eating contaminated foods. This includes undercooked meat and raw fruits and veggies that aren’t washed well enough.
  • Drinking unpasteurized beverages. This includes milk, cider or juice (and foods made from them, like cheese or ice cream).
  • Drinking contaminated water (or getting it in your mouth). E. coli in poop from animals and people can contaminate natural water sources (like lakes, streams and rivers), swimming pools and drinking water that isn’t sanitized.
  • Touching poop or contaminated surfaces. You can get poop on your hands from changing diapers, wiping after a bowel movement, touching petting zoo or farm animals, or sharing objects or surfaces with someone with an E. coli infection. You can swallow E. coli when it transfers from your hands to your mouth.
  • Not wiping properly after going to the bathroom. This can move E. coli from your poop to your urinary tract, causing a UTI.

Babies sometimes get E. coli infections during birth.

Is E. coli contagious?

Yes, E. coli can be contagious (spread from person to person). While you don’t get it from sneezing or coughing, you can get it from caring for someone with an E. coli infection, especially if you come in contact with their poop. You can also get it from objects, surfaces or food someone with an E. coli infection has touched if they don’t wash their hands well enough.

Who’s at risk for E. coli?

Anyone who comes into contact with a disease-causing strain of E. coli can get infected. People who are at greatest risk include:

What are the complications of E. coli infections?

E. coli sometimes causes life-threatening complications, including:

  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
  • Sepsis, a serious reaction to an infection in your bloodstream.
  • Malnutrition or delayed growth. Kids with chronic diarrhea may not be able to absorb the nutrients they need to grow.

How is E. coli diagnosed?

How your provider diagnoses E. coli depends on what your symptoms are. If you have diarrhea or other digestive symptoms, your provider will test a stool (poop) sample for E. coli. If you have other symptoms, they might test your urine (pee), blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What tests will be done to check for E. coli?

Specific tests for E. coli include:

  • Stool test.
  • Urinalysis or urine culture.
  • Blood culture.
  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

How are E. coli infections treated?

You often don’t need to treat E. coli infections that cause digestive symptoms. Healthcare providers specifically don’t treat STEC with antibiotics or antidiarrheal medicines. These medications can increase your risk of HUS if you have STEC. Instead, they’ll monitor your condition and give you fluids to prevent dehydration if needed.

But if you have another type of E. coli infection — like a UTI, meningitis or sepsis — or if your symptoms are severe, your provider will treat you with antibiotics.

Antibiotics for E. coli infections

Some antibiotics providers use to treat E. coli infections include:

Can you prevent E. coli infections?

The most important thing you can do to protect against E. coli infections is to wash your hands. It’s particularly important to wash them thoroughly with warm water and soap:

  • Before and after cooking and after handling raw meat or poultry.
  • After using the restroom, changing diapers or contact with animals.

You can also reduce your risk of an E. coli infection by following safe food preparation procedures:

  • Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or ciders.
  • Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them.
  • Don’t defrost frozen meat unwrapped on the counter. Keep frozen meat in a separate plastic bag when thawing.
  • Don’t rinse meat before cooking. Washing the meat could spread bacteria to nearby surfaces, utensils and other food.
  • Use a plastic, silicone or ceramic cutting board to cut raw meat. Wooden cutting boards are harder to clean completely, leaving bacteria behind.
  • Use different surfaces for prepping different types of food. Surfaces like cutting boards can spread bacteria. If you don’t have different cutting boards, wash surfaces thoroughly with soap and hot water after you’ve worked with raw meat and before putting another type of food (such as a raw vegetables) on it.
  • Cook all meat to a safe temperature before eating. Don’t put cooked meat on a plate that had raw meat on it.
  • Refrigerate leftovers right away.

What can I expect if I have E. coli?

E. coli infections can cause everything from brief bouts of diarrhea to life-threatening illness. Most people recover on their own or with antibiotic treatment. Providers usually don’t treat STEC infections, but you might need supportive care, like supplemental fluids or nutrition. You might also be hospitalized and isolated to keep STEC from spreading.

How long does E. coli last?

Depending on the type of E. coli infection you have, your symptoms can last from two days to two weeks. STEC infections usually last five to seven days.

Will an E. coli infection go away on its own?

Mild E. coli gastroenteritis and some UTIs caused by E. coli can go away on their own. Recovery can take about a week without any treatment. But you should always check with a provider if you have severe or long-lasting diarrhea, abdominal pain, pain when you pee, or are peeing very little.

Can you die from E. coli?

Yes, E. coli infections can be deadly. Studies suggest the mortality (death) rate for E. coli infections is around 17%. But the results of these studies vary widely (from 8% to 35%). In general, E. coli UTIs are less likely to be fatal than other kinds of E. coli infections.

Sepsis is the most common cause of death in people with E. coli infections. People who are younger than 1 or older than 44, who have a respiratory infection, or who have an infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotics have higher mortality rates.

How do I take care of myself?

Don’t eat or drink anything that makes diarrhea worse, like caffeine or alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If a provider has diagnosed you with STEC (especially E. coli O157:H7), don’t take anti-diarrheal medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®, Kaopectate®) or loperamide (Imodium®). These medications can increase your risk of HUS.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider if you have diarrhea for more than three days, symptoms of a UTI or other health concerns.

When should I go to the ER?

Go to the nearest emergency room or seek immediate medical care if you:

  • Can’t keep any fluids down.
  • Have bloody diarrhea.
  • Are vomiting frequently.
  • Have a fever higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
  • Are peeing (urinating) very little.
  • Have confusion or have other mental changes.
  • Are very weak or lethargic.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

It might be helpful to ask a healthcare provider:

  • What medications are safe for me to take?
  • What strain of E. coli do I have?
  • How can I prevent E. coli from spreading?
  • How can I prevent this in the future?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

E. coli is one of the many bacteria that can live in our bodies without harming us. But some strains can make us sick, especially if they get into places they aren’t supposed to be. Many E. coli infections can go away on their own. See your provider if your symptoms last more than a few days or are severe.

SALMONELLA

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is an infection with Salmonella bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever and stomach pains. Salmonella usually goes away on its own in a few days. You should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can reduce your risk of salmonella with safe food handling habits and by washing your hands after touching animals.

What is salmonella?

“Salmonella” is what we commonly call it when you get sick with diarrhea and stomach pains from Salmonella bacteria (gastroenteritis). It’s the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the U.S.

It’s also called salmonellosis, to tell it apart from other illnesses you can get from different forms of Salmonella bacteria, like typhoid fever.

What happens to you if you get salmonella?

When you get salmonella, it means enough bacteria have gotten past your stomach acid and immune system to make you sick. Salmonella bacteria invade and destroy the cells that line your intestines. This makes it hard for your body to absorb water, which can give you stomach cramps. The water leaves your body in the form of diarrhea.

Who is at higher risk for salmonella?

Anyone can get salmonella, but you might be at higher risk for infection or serious illness depending on your age, your living conditions and certain illnesses and medications.

You’re at an increased risk of getting salmonella if you:

  • Live or work around high-risk animals. This includes chickens, ducks, turtles and lizards.
  • Take antacids or recently took antibiotics. These medications lower your defenses against salmonella and make it easier to get sick.
  • Live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The damage caused by IBD makes it easier to get an infection.
  • Are under the age of 5.

You’re at higher risk for serious illness from a Salmonella infection if you:

  • Are over the age of 65 or under the age of 12 months.
  • Have a compromised immune system (due to HIV, chemotherapy or other illnesses or medications).
  • Have sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease puts you at risk for osteomyelitis, a rare complication of salmonella.

How common is salmonella?

Salmonella is one of the most common forms of food poisoning. Over a million people in the U.S. alone get salmonella every year and 26,500 are hospitalized. There are about 420 deaths due to salmonella every year in the U.S.

What are some common causes of salmonella outbreaks?

Many kinds of food have caused salmonella outbreaks, including peanut butter, packaged meats, frozen food and produce. Salmonella outbreaks from animals include pet turtles, lizards, chickens, hedgehogs and guinea pigs.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning?

Symptoms of salmonella appear anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of salmonella affect your stomach and intestines (GI tract) and include:

You may have some or all these symptoms.

Do you always throw up with salmonella?

No, you don’t always throw up when you have Salmonella poisoning. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and fever, though you do sometimes throw up.

What does salmonella poop look like?

When you have salmonella, your poop is usually runny and you may have to go a lot. It may have blood in it. Call or visit your healthcare provider if you have blood in your poop.

What causes salmonella?

Salmonella poisoning is caused by the bacteria Salmonella. When more Salmonella bacteria get into your body than it can destroy, you get an infection that causes fever, diarrhea and other stomach (gastrointestinal) issues.

Salmonella bacteria live in the guts of people and animals, but the things we eat, drink and touch can also be contaminated, including:

  • Raw eggs and eggshells.
  • Raw red meat, seafood and poultry.
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Unpasteurized milk or cheese.
  • Untreated water.
  • The fur, feathers, scales, skin and poop (feces) of animals and the places they live.
  • Surfaces around someone who’s infected with Salmonella bacteria.

How do you get salmonella?

The most common way to get salmonella is from undercooked food or improper food prep, for instance:

  • Eating uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.
  • Eating contaminated fruits and vegetables.
  • Drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk.
  • Not washing your hands while preparing food and eating.

You can also get salmonella from animals and people who are infected with Salmonella bacteria. You can get Salmonella bacteria on your hands when you touch an animal, then transfer it to your mouth. Almost any animal can have a Salmonella infection or carry Salmonella bacteria on its fur, feathers, scales or skin. This includes:

  • Amphibians (frogs and toads).
  • Reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes).
  • Birds (chicken, ducks, turkey and wild birds).
  • Farm animals (cows, goats, sheep and pigs).
  • Pets (dogs, cats, birds and small animals).

What food is Salmonella found in?

Almost any uncooked foods could be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, but most people get sick from uncooked or undercooked poultry or eggs.

Does Salmonella have a smell?

No, Salmonella bacteria doesn’t have a smell. Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually smells and looks normal.

Is salmonella contagious?

Yes, salmonella is contagious — you can get a Salmonella infection from another person or even your pet. If you don’t wash your hands after going to the bathroom or while you are sick, you can contaminate surfaces and foods and spread Salmonella to other people.

How is salmonella diagnosed?

Salmonella is diagnosed with a test of your stool (poop), blood or other sample. Your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and health history.

What tests will be done to diagnose salmonella?

  • Stool sample. You usually give a sample of your poop (stool) from the privacy of your own home. Your healthcare provider will give you a sterile container and instructions on how to collect a sample. A lab will test the sample for signs of Salmonella bacteria.
  • Blood sample. Your provider will collect blood with a needle from your arm. A lab will culture (try to grow) Salmonella bacteria from your blood sample.
  • Other samples. Your provider might use other body fluids or tissues, like pee (urine) or a sample taken from a wound (abscess) to test for Salmonella.

How is salmonella treated?

You usually don’t treat salmonella with medication. If you’re severely ill or at high risk for complications, your healthcare provider will treat you with antibiotics. If you have severe diarrhea, you may need to be hospitalized.

You should drink plenty of fluids. Your provider may give you IV fluids if you’re dehydrated.

What medications are used to treat salmonella?

If you need antibiotics for a Salmonella infection, your healthcare provider might prescribe:

How do I manage the symptoms of salmonella?

The most important way to manage the symptoms of salmonella is to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Fluids that help you stay hydrated include:

  • Water.
  • Sports drinks.
  • 100% fruit juices with water added.
  • Broth.
  • Oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte).

For adults, over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) can help stop diarrhea. Don’t give diarrhea medications to children or infants without talking to your pediatrician.

Can salmonella go away on its own?

Salmonella usually goes away on its own, though you may have to go through a few days of symptoms first. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.

How can I prevent salmonella?

You can greatly reduce your risk of salmonella by following safe food preparation practices and being careful around animals.

Safe food preparation practices for reducing your risk of salmonella

Cooking and pasteurization kill Salmonella bacteria in foods. There are several ways to reduce your risk of salmonella while preparing food:

  • Don’t make food for others if you’re sick.
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom.
  • Wash your hands before and after preparing food or eating.
  • Wash food prep and eating surfaces and utensils before and after use.
  • Cook foods to a safe temperature before eating.
  • Don’t handle any other foods while working with raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.
  • Wash or peel vegetables and fruits before cutting, eating or cooking.
  • Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry and seafood as soon as possible.
  • Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or food made with unpasteurized milk.
  • Don’t drink untreated water or eat food prepared with untreated water. If you’re unsure if the water is treated (for instance, if you’re traveling), use bottled water to drink and cook with.

Safe animal handling for reducing your risk of salmonella

Almost any animal can have a Salmonella infection or carry Salmonella bacteria on its fur, feathers, scales or skin. Infected animals won’t necessarily appear sick. Chickens, ducks, turtles and lizards are at the highest risk of carrying a Salmonella infection.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from Salmonella bacteria carried by animals:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water after touching animals (including pets) or their food, water bowls, litter boxes, poop, cages or toys.
  • Don’t touch or put your hands in your mouth after touching animals. Don’t kiss their fur, feathers, scales or skin.
  • If you have a weakened immune system or are older than 65 or younger than 5, you shouldn’t touch high-risk animals.
  • Don’t eat or drink around high-risk animals or in the places they live.
  • Clean your pet’s habitat (like their aquarium, cage or terrarium) outside if possible. Don’t use the kitchen sink to clean your pet’s habitat, toys or bowls.

What can I expect if I have salmonella?

Salmonella is usually self-limiting, meaning it goes away without treatment after a few days of symptoms. Most of the time you can manage at home until you feel better.

If you’re living with a compromised immune system or sickle cell disease, or if you get severely ill with salmonella, your healthcare provider may treat you with antibiotics.

How long does salmonella last?

Symptoms of salmonella usually last between four and seven days. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms aren’t improving after three days.

What are the complications of salmonella?

While most people don’t have complications of salmonella, you should be on the lookout for signs of more serious illness. Some complications of salmonella include dehydration, bacteremia, osteomyelitis and reactive arthritis.

Dehydration

If you don’t replace the fluids lost through diarrhea or vomiting, you can get dehydrated. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Go to the nearest ER if you experience symptoms of severe dehydration, including:

  • Confusion.
  • Dark-colored pee (urine) or less pee than usual.
  • Dizziness, weakness or light-headedness.
  • Dry mouth or throat.
  • High heart rate.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Flushed (red) skin.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Chills.
  • Constipation.

Bacteremia/Sepsis

If salmonella gets into your bloodstream (bacteremia), it can start infecting other organs and tissues. This can cause inflammation of your bones or joints or the lining of your brain, heart or heart valves. Bacteremia can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where your immune system starts attacking your body.

Go to the ER if you have symptoms of sepsis, meningitis, pericarditis or endocarditis.

Salmonella Osteomyelitis

If you’re living with sickle cell disease, you’re at increased risk for a rare Salmonella infection of the bone called osteomyelitis. See your healthcare provider if you’ve had salmonella and have:

  • Back or bone pain.
  • Pain that makes it difficult to move.
  • Parts of your body that are swollen, red or filled with fluid (pus).

Reactive arthritis.

Sometimes your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body when it’s trying to fight an illness. Reactive arthritis causes inflammation in your lower back, joints and eyes. Symptoms of reactive arthritis include:

  • Lower back pain.
  • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
  • Frequent need to pee.
  • Burning feeling when you pee.
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye).
  • Diarrhea and abdominal pain.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Rash.

Can you die from salmonella?

Yes, you can die from salmonella if it spreads to other areas of your body or causes sepsis, but it’s extremely unlikely. Out of millions of Salmonella infections in the U.S. each year, only 420 people die from it.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t get better after a few days. You should go to the ER if you have signs of serious illness or dehydration, including:

  • High fever.
  • Blood in your poop.
  • Throwing up frequently, not being able to keep food or liquids down.
  • Dark-colored pee or less pee (urine) than usual.
  • Dry mouth or throat.
  • Feeling dizzy when you stand.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

  • How can I manage my symptoms at home?
  • What’s the best way to keep hydrated?
  • What should I do if my symptoms get worse or change?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or go to the ER?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Salmonella poisoning is common. While it’s unpleasant, it’s usually not severe. Drink plenty of fluids and don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you’re not getting better within a few days. If you have a compromised immune system or are at high risk of complications from salmonella, ask your provider if you should be on antibiotics to treat the infection.

STREP THROAT

Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). Strep throat causes severe inflammation and a sore throat. A healthcare provider can typically diagnose the condition with a rapid strep test or a throat culture. Treatment usually includes antibiotics.

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils (the lymph nodes in the back of your mouth). With strep throat, your tonsils become very inflamed. This inflammation typically affects the surrounding area of your throat as well, which causes a sore throat (pharyngitis).

Strep throat gets its name from the type of bacteria that causes it — group A Streptococcus. There are more than 120 strains of group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is a type of group A streptococcal (GAS) infection.

Strep throat rarely causes more serious illnesses such as rheumatic fever, a disease that can cause permanent damage to your heart and heart valves. Therefore, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. With proper treatment, your strep throat should resolve within seven to 10 days.

Who does strep throat affect?

Strep throat is most common in school-aged children between the ages of 5 and 15. But it can affect siblings, parents, teachers and other caregivers that have direct contact with a school-aged child.

In addition, people in group settings have a higher risk of getting strep throat. Group settings may include households, daycares, schools (including colleges) and military barracks.

How common is strep throat?

Healthcare providers see more than 616 million new cases of strep throat around the world each year. Strep throat is the most common cause of sore throat in adults and children. The condition accounts for 5% to 15% of new cases of sore throat in adults in the U.S. It accounts for 15% to 35% of new cases of sore throat in children in the U.S.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Early strep throat symptoms include a sore throat that starts suddenly. In addition, you may develop a fever very quickly, with your highest temperature on the second day of infection.

Other signs of strep throat may include:

  • Chills.
  • Headache.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

One symptom that strep throat doesn’t normally cause is a cough. If you have a cough and other cold symptoms, you probably have a viral infection, not strep throat.

In addition, some people with strep throat may not develop any symptoms.

What does strep throat look like?

If you have strep throat, your throat and tonsils may appear red, sore and swollen. You may also have white patches, spots or streaks of pus on your throat and tonsils. In addition, you may develop tiny, red spots on the roof of your mouth called petechiae.

Depending on the strain of bacteria, you may also develop a strep throat rash known as scarlet fever. It shows up on your neck and chest first, but it may spread to other parts of your body.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria can also infect your skin and cause sores. When this occurs, the infection is called impetigo.

What does strep throat feel like?

Strep throat is typically a mild condition, but the infection can be very painful. Your sore throat may be severe and very uncomfortable. The lymph nodes in your neck may be very tender and swollen. You may have pain when swallowing. If you have a sore throat rash, it may feel rough like sandpaper.

How do you get strep throat?

A type of bacteria known as group A Streptococcus (group A strep) causes strep throat. This makes strep throat different from most other cases of sore throat, which occur due to viruses.

Is strep throat contagious?

Yes. Strep throat is very contagious. Some people with the infection don’t have symptoms or look sick. But even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still easily spread the infection to others. However, people who exhibit symptoms or appear sick are more contagious than people who don’t have symptoms.

How does strep throat spread?

Strep throat spreads from person to person very easily, especially among members of the same household. You can spread the bacteria that causes strep throat to other people through respiratory droplets and direct contact.

Respiratory droplets

The bacteria that cause strep throat often live in your nose and throat. When you sneeze, cough or talk, you can spread the infection through respiratory droplets. Other people can get the infection if they:

  • Breathe in the droplets.
  • Touch something that contains the droplets and then touch their nose or mouth.
  • Share personal items (such as drinking from the same glass).

Direct contact

The bacteria that cause strep throat may live in infected sores on your skin. Other people can get the infection if they touch your sores or come into contact with the fluid from them.

How long is strep throat contagious?

The incubation period for strep throat is two to five days. An incubation period is the time between when you get infected and when symptoms develop. You can spread the infection to others during this time. If you’re taking antibiotics, you won’t be contagious after the first 24 to 48 hours of treatment.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

If you think you may have strep throat, you should see a healthcare provider. The provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also give you a strep test. Viral illnesses can have the same symptoms as strep throat. That’s why it’s important that you take a strep test to confirm the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria in your throat.

What is a strep test?

A strep throat test will check for group A Streptococcus bacteria in your throat. The test is painless — although it can be uncomfortable for some — and takes very little time. A healthcare provider will use the tip of a specialized long cotton swab to wipe the back of your throat. Then, the provider will either use the swab to perform a rapid strep test or send the swab to a laboratory for testing (throat culture).

A rapid strep test takes about 20 minutes. If the test is positive (the swab contained Streptococcus bacteria), you have strep throat. If the test is negative (no signs of Streptococcus on the swab), you may not have strep throat. However, the provider may send the throat swab to a laboratory to double-check the results with a throat culture.

With a throat culture, a lab technician smears your swab onto a culture dish. It takes one to two days to see if Streptococcus bacteria grow from it. Throat cultures can sometimes find bacteria that rapid strep tests miss.

How do you get rid of strep throat?

Strep throat treatment includes antibiotics. An antibiotic is a type of medicine that kills the bacteria that cause an infection.

Penicillin and amoxicillin are common antibiotics healthcare providers use to treat strep throat. If you’re allergic to penicillin, the provider can prescribe another antibiotic.

A healthcare provider may give you an antibiotic shot, or they may prescribe an antibiotic in either pill or liquid form. You’ll usually take the pills or liquid for 10 days. Follow your provider’s instructions. You should take all of the medication, even if you feel better. The bacteria can still be alive even if you’re feeling well.

How can I get rid of strep throat overnight?

Unfortunately, you can’t cure strep throat overnight. A type of bacteria causes strep throat. Therefore, you need an antibiotic to clear it up. After starting on an antibiotic, you should start to feel better within a day or two. Until then, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms, such as drinking warm liquids and taking pain relievers.

How can I prevent strep throat?

The best way to prevent strep throat is by practicing good hygiene. You should wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. It’s especially important to wash your hands before eating (to protect yourself) and after coughing and sneezing (to protect others). There are other steps you can take to prevent strep throat, including:

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
  • If possible, cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw your used tissue in the garbage.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
  • Don’t share cups and utensils with anyone who’s sick, and don’t share your own when you’re sick.

How long does strep throat last?

You should start to feel better within a day or two of beginning an antibiotic. Most symptoms of strep throat should be gone within seven to 10 days.

When can I go back to work/school?

If you don’t have a fever, you can return to regular activities 24 hours after taking your first dose of an antibiotic.

Does strep throat go away on its own?

No, strep throat won’t go away on its own. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, and antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Strep throat can lead to more serious illnesses if not treated, so it’s important to start on antibiotics immediately.

What kind of complications can strep throat cause?

Left untreated, the bacteria that cause strep throat can spread to other parts of your body. This can cause serious complications, including:

  • Ear or sinus infections: Infections can occur when bacteria cause swelling and inflammation in your ears or sinuses.
  • Abscesses: Pockets of pus (abscesses) can form around your tonsils.
  • Guttate psoriasis: A skin condition that causes small, red and scaly teardrop-shaped spots to develop on your arms, legs and torso.
  • Scarlet fever: An infection that causes a red, bumpy rash all over your body.
  • Rheumatic fever: A disease that mainly affects your heart valves.
  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: A kidney disease that can develop after strep infections.
  • Invasive streptococcal infection: An infection that can occur when bacteria enter your tissue. It can be life-threatening, with conditions occurring such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis and other severe infections. This can ultimately lead to rapid decline and death.

What are some home remedies for strep throat?

There are many sore throat home remedies that can help relieve your symptoms. Strep throat self-care tips that you can try include:

  • Eat soft foods, such as applesauce.
  • Drink soothing liquids, such as warm tea.
  • Gargle with warm salt water.
  • Suck on age-appropriate throat lozenges or ice pops.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier.
  • Take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®).

Don’t give your child aspirin. Aspirin can cause a life-threatening illness called Reye’s syndrome in children and adolescents who have fevers.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you’re not getting better, let your healthcare provider know right away. You shouldn’t stop taking your antibiotic unless directed by your provider.

Call your provider if you aren’t improving one to two days after starting the antibiotic. You should also call if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever one or two days after feeling better.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Earache.
  • Headache.
  • Skin rash.
  • Cough.
  • Swollen glands.
  • Painful joints.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Dark urine, rash or chest pain (may occur three to four weeks later).

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

  • When will I hear back about the results of my throat culture?
  • Do I need to take an antibiotic? If so, what kind?
  • What can I do to relieve my symptoms at home?
  • How long am I contagious?
  • Is there something wrong with my tonsils?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Strep throat can cause fever, inflammation and a severe sore throat. While the infection can be painful, it’s easily treatable. But don’t try to treat strep throat at home. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, so you’ll need an antibiotic to clear it up. It’s important that you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. So speak with a healthcare provider to get started on antibiotics. With proper treatment, your strep throat should be gone within 10 days.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a seasonal, highly contagious respiratory virus that often feels like a common cold. But infants and some adults face a higher risk of severe symptoms and complications. Treatment usually involves at-home care. Some people need oxygen, fluids or other care at a hospital to fully recover.

What is RSV?

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus that can lead to a respiratory infection in babies, children and adults of all ages. An RSV infection usually causes a mild, cold-like illness that goes away in one to two weeks. But RSV can sometimes cause severe symptoms and lead to complications, especially in children under age 5, adults over age 65 and people with a compromised immune system.

Washing your hands often and avoiding large groups during respiratory season can help you and your family stay healthy. If you or your child come down with RSV, at-home care is often enough to manage symptoms until the infection clears. But some people need care at a hospital to fully recover.

What are common RSV symptoms?

RSV symptoms typically resemble those of a common cold and include: 

  • Cough.
  • Runny nose. 
  • Congestion.
  • Sneezing.
  • Sore throat.
  • Mild headache.
  • Lack of energy.
  • Fever.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Lack of interest in playing (in babies and young children).

Babies younger than 6 months don’t always have typical cold symptoms. Instead, they may only:

  • Seem fussy or irritable.
  • Lack interest in playing.
  • Have a decreased appetite.
  • Have changes in their breathing patterns.

Severe RSV symptoms

Severe infections may lead to symptoms like: 

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Pauses while breathing or short, shallow and fast breathing.
  • Flaring (spreading out) of the nostrils while breathing.
  • Wheezing.
  • Noisy breathing.
  • Blue or gray skin color.

What causes RSV?

RSV is a virus. It isn’t a bacterial infection. The specific virus responsible is a respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV for short.

How is RSV spread?

You catch RSV from close contact with someone with the infection or by touching a contaminated object and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. In either case, saliva, mucus and snot are the vehicles that carry the virus from one person to another.

RSV can live on hard surfaces like tables for several hours. Meanwhile, if you touch that surface, you can pick up the virus on your hands. Washing your hands removes the virus and ends its journey there. But if you touch your face first, the virus can enter your body and make you sick.

How contagious is RSV?

RSV is very contagious. You can easily spread the virus while you have symptoms, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV spreads through respiratory droplets that leave your body when you cough or sneeze.  

What are the complications of RSV?

Complications of RSV include:

Who’s most at risk of severe RSV?

Severe RSV infection and complications can affect children and adults of any age, including those who are otherwise healthy.

People most at risk include:

  • Babies born early (premature birth).
  • Children under 2 years of age.
  • Children with certain underlying conditions like congenital heart disease or a compromised immune system.
  • Adults over age 65.
  • Adults with chronic lung conditions, heart disease or a compromised immune system.

How is RSV diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose RSV by:

  • Talking to you about your medical history and current symptoms.
  • Doing a physical exam. This includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope and checking your blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter.
  • Doing a swab test to check your mucus for RSV.
  • Doing other tests like a chest X-ray to look for signs of complications.

What should I know about RSV treatment? 

There isn’t a specific treatment for RSV in children or adults. Antibiotics don’t treat RSV. Instead, healthcare providers recommend using treatments you’d typically use for a cold. For example, you might:

  • Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to bring down a fever. Always check with your provider or your pediatrician before using any medications.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier to help with breathing.
  • Use nasal saline spray and suctioning for infants to relieve cough and congestion.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

The goal is to manage symptoms while the infection runs its course.

Treatment for severe RSV

Babies, children and adults with severe RSV may need to stay at a hospital (typically just for a few days) to recover. Providers may:

  • Give you oxygen through a mask, nasal prongs or a breathing machine (ventilator).
  • Give you fluids through an IV.
  • Remove mucus from your airways.

How can I prevent RSV?

It’s not always possible to prevent RSV. But you can take some steps to protect your family from RSV and other respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. It’s also a good idea to lather up after touching commonly shared objects.
  • Limit exposure to germs. Infants are especially vulnerable to viruses like RSV because the immune system is still developing. Avoid taking your baby among large crowds, especially during respiratory season. Also avoid play dates or other close contact with kids who are sick.
  • Clean commonly touched surfaces. Disinfect toys, tables, doorknobs and other surfaces that people in your house touch often.
  • Stay current on vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider and your child’s pediatrician about recommended vaccines and when’s best to receive them. These include annual flu and COVID-19 shots.

Is there an RSV vaccine?

Yes. There’s a vaccine for RSV that certain adults are eligible to receive. There’s also a monoclonal antibody immunization for infants.

Here’s what to know:

  • Adults age 60 and above are eligible to receive the RSV vaccine. If you’re 60 or older, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about the RSV vaccine and whether they recommend you get it. Your provider will consider your overall health, including any chronic conditions you have or other risk factors that make RSV dangerous for you.
  • Pregnant people are eligible to receive the RSV vaccine between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy. This protects your infant during their first six months of life.
  • Babies up to 8 months old can get a monoclonal antibody immunization against RSV (nirsevimab). They should receive this single dose during or when entering their first RSV season. Some babies and toddlers who are 8 to 19 months old may benefit from another dose when entering their second RSV season. Your pediatrician might recommend this second dose if your child is at risk for severe RSV. Some children under age 2 at risk of severe RSV are eligible for a different monoclonal antibody immunization (palivizumab) that they receive monthly during RSV season.

Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s best for you and your family.

How do the RSV vaccine and immunization differ?

The RSV vaccine tells your immune system to create antibodies that destroy RSV in your body before the virus can do much harm. The RSV monoclonal antibody immunization gives your infant ready-made antibodies so their immune system (which is still developing) doesn’t have to produce them. These antibodies protect your baby from serious illness and hospitalization.

How long does RSV last?

Most people develop symptoms four to six days after exposure to RSV. Once they appear, symptoms usually clear up within two weeks, but the cough can linger in a mild form for several weeks after the initial infection. Severe cases of RSV may last longer. 

How long is RSV contagious?

RSV is contagious while you have symptoms, which is typically three to eight days. You may be able to spread RSV a day or two before you develop symptoms. Some babies, as well as people with compromised immune systems, may be contagious even after symptoms go away, for up to four weeks.

Is RSV deadly?

RSV can be deadly due to its complications. Each year in the U.S., RSV causes:

  • About 100 to 300 deaths in children under age 5.
  • About 6,000 to 10,000 deaths in adults age 65 and above.

Thankfully, immunizations can help lower your risk of serious illness or death from RSV.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You can often manage RSV symptoms on your own. But you should call a healthcare provider if you have symptoms and at least one of the following applies to you: 

  • You’re over age 65.
  • You have a compromised immune system.
  • You have a heart or lung condition.

Your provider will let you know if you should come in for a checkup. They’ll also help you identify signs of a severe infection that may need treatment.

Call a pediatrician if your child has RSV symptoms and is under the age of 3 months. You should also call if your child has any of the following:

  • A temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius (if your baby is under 3 months old).
  • A fever above 104 degrees F and 40 degrees C (at any age).
  • Symptoms that don’t improve or get worse after a week.
  • Ear drainage or they tug at their ears. This may be a sign of an ear infection, which some babies with RSV also develop.

It’s also a good idea to call a pediatrician if your baby has any symptoms of RSV and is under 12 months old.

When should I go to the ER?

Visit the emergency room if you or your child has severe RSV symptoms, including changes to your breathing or blue or gray skin color.

What does RSV stand for? 

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. Syncytial is pronounced sin-SISH-uhl.

Do antibiotics treat RSV?

No. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and don’t work on viral infections like RSV. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics if you also develop a bacterial infection like bacterial pneumonia.

Can you get RSV twice?

Yes. It’s possible to get RSV many times throughout your life. Some people get it twice within the same year.

Is RSV seasonal?

Yes. RSV is a seasonal illness, like the flu. In most areas of the U.S., RSV is most active from October through March.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

RSV is never a welcome guest in your home. And sometimes even the most diligent preventive measures aren’t enough to keep it away. It’s hard dealing with seasonal viruses, and when they cause severe symptoms, the situation can get downright scary.

The good news is healthcare providers are prepared to handle RSV if it becomes serious. They can also treat complications. The key is recognizing when to seek care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a provider if you or anyone in your family has RSV symptoms. Meanwhile, do whatever you can to stop the spread of RSV to others. From handwashing to staying home while sick, you can do a lot to help others stay healthy while you recover.

STOMACH FLU

Stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis, is a viral infection in your digestive system. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It’s usually brief, but can be very contagious.

What is stomach flu?

Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects your stomach and intestines. The medical term is viral gastroenteritis. “Gastro” means stomach and “enter” means small intestine. “Itis” means inflammation, which is usually due to an infection. And “viral” means that a virus has caused the infection.

Stomach flu causes gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea. You might also call it a “stomach bug.” A stomach bug isn’t always a virus — sometimes it’s bacteria or a parasite — but in any case, the symptoms are similar. You might not be able to tell if your bug is a virus or not.

Why is viral gastroenteritis called “stomach flu?”

Stomach flu isn’t related to “the flu” (influenza), which is a viral infection in your respiratory system. Different viruses cause the two conditions, and they affect different body systems. It’s not clear how the nickname “stomach flu” developed or why it’s been associated with influenza, but we can speculate.

Both are common viral infections that circulate during the same “flu season,” so people might use “flu” to simply mean, “I’m sick”. “Stomach flu” might be a way of saying, “I’m sick, and it’s the stomach one”. Even though a stomach bug isn’t always a virus, it’s likely to be, so “stomach flu” is a good guess.

How common is stomach flu?

Viral gastroenteritis is extremely common worldwide, but it’s hard to estimate exactly how many people get it each year. Many different viruses cause it, and most people don’t get clinically tested for it. Experts estimate that norovirus, the most common cause, infects 685 million people every year.

What are stomach flu symptoms?

The most common stomach flu symptoms are:

These symptoms come from inflammation in your stomach and intestines. (Although the name, gastroenteritis, refers to your stomach and small intestine, inflammation can spread to your large intestine, too). Inflammation is your immune system activating to fight the virus.

If your infection is more severe, or if your immune system reacts more strongly to it, you may have what are known as systemic symptoms. These symptoms come from inflammation in other body systems outside of your digestive system. This is the next level of immune response to the virus.

Systemic symptoms may include:

What does the beginning of stomach flu feel like?

For many people, stomach flu symptoms seem to come on suddenly and out of nowhere. You might throw up or have diarrhea many times on that first day. Symptoms occur one to two days after you were exposed to the virus. Fortunately, they’re usually over just as quickly, resolving in one to two days.

What are the stages of stomach flu?

The stages of stomach flu infection are:

  1. Exposure. You’re most likely to get the stomach flu from someone in your community, especially in a closed environment like a school, nursing home or cruise ship. Since symptoms take some time to develop, you might hear about an outbreak later, after you were exposed.
  2. Incubation. Once you’ve contracted the virus, it’ll begin replicating inside your body. This is the incubation period. You won’t have symptoms until the virus replicates enough to alert your immune system. This usually takes a few days, depending on the virus.
  3. Acute infection. Viral gastroenteritis is an acute infection, which means it’s sudden and temporary. When your immune system registers the threat, it activates an inflammatory response to clear the virus. This is what causes symptoms of illness. When it succeeds, the symptoms will stop.
  4. Recovery. You’ll notice your symptoms lessening when your immune system has won the battle against the virus. Eventually, your symptoms will stop, and you’ll feel better. But you may continue to shed the virus in your poop (stool) for a few days, which means you’re still contagious.

How long does stomach flu last?

Stomach flu usually only lasts a few days, but it may last up to a week or two in severe cases. People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time defeating the virus, and it may take longer.

Is stomach flu contagious?

Yes, it’s very contagious. You should limit your contact with others when you have it. If you live with others, make sure to wash your hands often and disinfect shared surfaces, especially in the bathroom.

How long is the stomach flu contagious?

You’re most contagious during the acute phase of the infection (when you have symptoms) and for a few days after. However, you may still be a little contagious for up to two weeks after recovering.

What causes stomach flu?

Many different viruses can infect your gastrointestinal system, causing gastroenteritis.

The most common ones are:

  • Norovirus. This is the leading cause of stomach flu in adults, estimated to account for 50% of cases worldwide. It’s more resistant than others to temperature and disinfectants.
  • Rotavirus. Rotavirus is the leading cause of stomach flu in children worldwide. Most get it before age 3, which is why most adults are immune. There’s now a vaccine.
  • Astrovirus. Astroviruses mostly affect children younger than 3. They commonly spread through daycare centers. But they can also spread through elder care homes.
  • Adenovirus. Adenoviruses more often cause respiratory infections, but they can cause gastrointestinal infections if you accidentally ingest them. They infect all ages.

How does stomach flu spread?

Stomach flu usually spreads by the “fecal-to-oral route”. The virus lives in the poop — and vomit — of infected people. Microscopic traces of infected poop or vomit may linger on people’s hands or surfaces. These traces can transfer to food and water sources. You might ingest the virus through contaminated food or water, or by touching an infected person or surface and then touching your mouth.

Who gets stomach flu?

Anyone can get stomach flu, but certain people are more vulnerable. If you have a weaker-than-average immune system, you might be more likely to get an infection or get a more severe infection.

You might have a weaker immune system if you have a chronic disease that affects immunity or take immunosuppressant medications. Infants and elderly people are also more susceptible to infections.

What are the possible complications of stomach flu?

For most people, stomach flu is uncomplicated and self-limited. It goes away shortly by itself. But those with weaker immune systems may have a more severe infection and be more likely to experience complications.

The most likely complication is dehydration. This happens when you lose too many fluids and electrolytes from diarrhea or vomiting, and you can’t drink enough or drink fast enough to replace them.

People with weaker immune systems (especially children) are more likely to become dehydrated, and it can be especially dangerous for them. Stay alert for signs of dehydration, such as:

How do healthcare providers diagnose stomach flu?

Healthcare providers often diagnose gastroenteritis based on your symptoms. They won’t know if it’s viral or which virus it is without doing a lab test to find out. But most of the time, this isn’t necessary. Since there isn’t any specific medicine for stomach flu, there’s no need to identify it, or the virus.

How do you get rid of stomach flu?

Your immune system gets rid of stomach flu through its own natural processes. It just takes a few days to do its work. Your symptoms, while unpleasant, are a sign that your immune system is working. There’s no medicine for stomach flu. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses — they’re for bacterial infections.

The best thing you can do to help your immune system do its work is to stay home and rest, stay hydrated and eat a little if you can. Give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection. To stay hydrated, take small sips throughout the day, before you feel thirsty, or suck on ice chips.

What helps stomach flu go away faster?

Some research shows that taking probiotics may help stomach flu go away faster. Probiotics are helpful bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal system. Having enough helpful bacteria in your gut is part of having a healthy immune system. Ask a healthcare provider if probiotics might help you.

What should you eat when you have stomach flu?

What you eat won’t improve stomach flu, but it can make it worse. Foods high in fat, sugar, caffeine or dairy milk might make you more likely to throw up or have diarrhea. You might have little appetite or feel nauseous at the thought of food. Focus on foods that are easy to digest and give you a quick dose of energy, like fruit juice popsicles, broths and saltine crackers. The salt can help replace your electrolytes.

Can healthcare providers treat severe symptoms or complications?

Healthcare providers can treat dehydration with intravenous fluids. This is a way of delivering hydration directly to your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive system. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to reduce vomiting or diarrhea. They don’t prescribe these for children, though.

When should I see a healthcare provider about stomach flu?

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • Your symptoms haven’t improved after four days.
  • You’ve had a high fever (above 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 degrees Celsius) for four days.
  • You haven’t been able to pee or poop for two days.
  • You suspect dehydration.
  • You have blood in your poop.
  • You have severe abdominal pain.

How can stomach flu be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of getting stomach flu or spreading it to others by practicing good hygiene.

This includes:

  • Handwashing. Good handwashing is the most important defense against stomach flu viruses since hand sanitizer isn’t always effective. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper and before coming into contact with food.
  • Cleaning. Wash and disinfect any surfaces or materials that you or the infected person has touched. Use bleach and water (up to 25 tablespoons per gallon) to disinfect surfaces, especially in the bathroom. Use the high heat setting on your washing machine for bed linens and clothes.
  • Safe food handling. Food may be contaminated with stomach flu viruses, bacteria or other organisms. Safe food prep can help reduce this risk. People already infected with stomach flu should avoid handling food for others, if possible.

When will I feel better?

For most people, symptoms get better in a few days. Contact a healthcare provider if they aren’t improving. People with weaker immune systems may need treatment for dehydration or medications to reduce their symptoms. It’s also possible that you have a different condition if you aren’t improving.

When can I return to work or school?

It’s best to say isolated until two days after your symptoms have stopped. This is the time when you’re most contagious. Even though your body has overcome the infection, you’ll still shed the live virus in your poop. If any trace of that poop comes into contact with another person, they could get sick.

What’s the difference between stomach flu and the flu (influenza)?

Stomach flu isn’t related to “the flu” (influenza), which is a viral infection in your respiratory system. The flu vaccine won’t protect you from stomach flu. Different viruses cause these two conditions, and they affect different body systems. Most of their symptoms are different, though a few may overlap.

Influenza causes respiratory symptoms like congestion, a sore throat or a runny nose. Stomach flu causes gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Both may cause “systemic symptoms” like fever and fatigue. Children may have some gastrointestinal symptoms with both.

What are “flu-like symptoms?”

People probably mean different things when they use this phrase. They might be referring to symptoms of influenza. Or they might be referring to systemic symptoms, which are more common with viral infections in general than with other types. Some people might mean gastrointestinal symptoms.

What’s the difference between stomach flu and food poisoning?

Stomach flu and food poisoning are both infections that cause gastroenteritis, with similar symptoms. The different names describe the different origins of the infection. Viral gastroenteritis comes from a virus, while food poisoning comes from eating food that’s contaminated, either by a virus or something else.

Food poisoning can cause stomach flu if you get the virus from food. This is common, and in this case, both names describe the same condition. But other types of contamination can also cause food poisoning, like bacteria. Bacterial food poisoning has a few small differences from stomach flu.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Almost everyone gets stomach flu at some point. Since many different viruses can cause it, you may get it more than once. Children in daycare centers and schools and people in care facilities are more at risk of getting it from their communities, and they may experience more severe symptoms with it.

For most people, stomach flu is unpleasant but brief. But for some, it can be dangerous. If you care for a child or older person with stomach flu, watch for signs of dehydration and stay in touch with a healthcare provider. Take steps to protect yourself from the virus and to prevent it from spreading to others.

PARASITIC INFECTION

Parasitic infections are diseases caused by organisms that live off of another living thing. They can cause fever, fatigue, intestinal symptoms, skin rashes or neurological symptoms. You can get them from contaminated food, water or surfaces, bug bites and eating undercooked meat. Antiparasitic medications treat parasitic infections.

What is a parasitic infection?

Parasitic infections are any illnesses or conditions caused by parasites living and reproducing in your body. Parasites are organisms that need another living thing (a host) to get the nutrients they need to survive.

Parasitic infections often cause intestinal illness, with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. But they can also give you itchy skin rashes or infect other parts of your body, like your brain or lungs.

What are the types of parasitic infection?

There are three main types of parasites that cause infections in humans:

  • Protozoa.
  • Helminths.
  • Ectoparasites.

Protozoal infections

Protozoa are single-celled parasites. They can infect your blood, intestinal tract (gut), brain, skin, eyes and other parts of your body.

Helminth infections

Helminth is a general term for parasitic worms. Scientists further classify them as flukes (trematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), roundworms (nematodes) and thorny-headed worms (acanthocephalans). Both adults and immature (larval) helminths can infect you. Helminths usually infect your intestinal tract, but they can also infect your skin, brain and other tissues.

Ectoparasitic infections

Ectoparasites are insects and arachnids (spider-like bugs) that burrow into your skin and live there. This includes ticks, mites, lice and fleas. They usually don’t infect other parts of your body.

What are the most common parasitic infections?

Millions of people around the world get parasitic infections every year. The most common parasitic infections include:

Other examples of parasitic infections include:

What are the symptoms of parasitic infections?

Symptoms of parasitic infections depend on where in your body you’re infected. Some common symptoms include:

  • Fever.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.

Depending on where you’re infected, you might have:

  • Neurological symptoms, like seizures, severe headache or disorientation.
  • Skin symptoms, like redness, itching, rash or sores.

Sometimes parasitic infections don’t cause any symptoms.

How do you get parasitic infections?

You can get parasitic infections from:

  • Drinking contaminated water or getting it in your mouth.
  • Eating undercooked meats.
  • Eating contaminated foods (like food washed with contaminated water).
  • Mosquito bites, tick bites, fly bites or other bites from insects that carry parasites.
  • Contaminated surfaces.
  • Unprotected sex.
  • Contaminated dirt (soil).

Some parasitic infections can pass from a pregnant person to the fetus.

What are the risk factors for parasitic infections?

Some parasitic infections, like pinworms, are common all over the world. Many other parasitic infections are more common in rural areas of the world without developed sanitation systems. People who are at higher risk for parasitic infections include:

How are parasitic infections diagnosed?

Providers diagnose parasitic infections by looking for parasites or signs of parasites (like their eggs) in body fluids or tissues. To test you for parasites, a provider might take samples of your:

  • Poop (stool).
  • Blood.
  • Skin or other affected tissue.
  • Phlegm (sputum).
  • Fluid around your brain and spinal cord (CNS fluid).

A provider may also use other tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans to diagnose a parasitic infection, depending on your symptoms.

How do you know if you have a parasitic infection?

Symptoms of parasitic infections can be similar to many other infectious diseases. The only way to know for sure if you have a parasitic infection is to have a provider evaluate you.

How are parasitic infections treated?

Providers use different medications to treat various types of parasitic infections, including:

Sometimes you might need a combination of different medications to cure the infection. Your provider will select a treatment that’s best for the specific type of parasitic infection you have.

How do you get rid of parasites in your body?

Most parasites will only go away with medication or a combination of medications. Providers treat some skin infections, lice and mites with medicated lotions or shampoos.

Can parasitic infections be prevented?

Following a few precautions can reduce your risk of parasitic infections, including:

  • Wash your hands frequently. It’s especially important to wash your hands when preparing food, before eating, after going to the bathroom and after changing diapers.
  • Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. Wait until you haven’t had diarrhea for at least two weeks before swimming in a public pool again.
  • Practice safe food habits. This includes storing food properly, heating meat and poultry to a safe temperature, and washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Use a condom or dental dam during any kind of sex.
  • Protect yourself from bug bites. Wear protective clothing, use bug spray and sleep under mosquito netting if necessary.
  • Be an informed traveler. Learn about infectious diseases in your destination that you may need to take special precautions against. Some precautions might include taking prophylactic medications (before you get sick) or getting vaccinated.

What can I expect if I have a parasitic infection?

What you can expect with a parasitic infection depends on:

  • What kind you have.
  • How severe it is.
  • Whether or not you have a compromised immune system.
  • How well you respond to standard treatments.

Some parasitic infections respond well to medications. But some infections can last for a long time or keep coming back. Ask your healthcare provider what to expect in your specific situation.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a parasitic infection. Let them know if you recently:

  • Traveled.
  • Could have been bitten by a tick, mosquito or other bug, even if you don’t remember being bitten.
  • Swam in water that could have been contaminated.
  • Ate or drank something that could have been contaminated.

When should I go to ER?

Go to the emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms of severe illness:

What questions should I ask my doctor?

It might be helpful to ask your healthcare provider:

  • How did I get this infection?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Am I contagious?
  • How long until I feel better?
  • How can I take care of myself at home?
  • What new or worsening symptoms should I look out for?
  • When should I follow up with you?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Parasitic infections affect millions of people around the world. Some people show no signs of these infections, while others develop life-threatening symptoms. Providers can cure most parasitic infections with medication. You can also take precautions to protect yourself against infections, especially when you’re traveling. If you have symptoms of a parasitic infection, talk to a healthcare provider. They can tell you about treatment options and answer any concerns you have.

VIRAL INFECTION

Viral infections are any illness you get from a virus (a small germ that uses your cells to reproduce). Common viral illnesses include colds, the flu, COVID-19, norovirus (“stomach flu”), HPV (warts) and herpes simplex virus (cold sores). Many viruses go away on their own, but some cause life-threatening or chronic illnesses.

What is a viral infection?

Viral infections are illnesses you get from tiny organisms that use your cells to make more copies of themselves (viruses). Viral infections commonly cause respiratory and digestive illnesses, but viruses can also infect most other parts of your body.

What is a virus?

A virus is a type of germ (pathogen) that’s so small, you can only see it under a microscope. All viruses carry a small piece of genetic information (DNA or RNA) inside a protective coating (capsid). You can think of it like an envelope carrying instructions. Our cells, on the other hand, are like an entire factory: They contain instructions and all the equipment needed to carry them out. These instructions tells us how to build proteins and make more cells.

Unlike you and me, viruses don’t have cells, which means they don’t have all the “machinery” they need to make more of themselves. So, if they want to make copies of their instructions (replicate), they have to break into our cells and use our machinery to do it. Viruses replicating is what makes you sick with a viral infection.

How do you tell if a disease is viral or bacterial?

Viruses and bacteria can cause similar symptoms, like fever, cough and rashes. The only way to know what kind of infection you have is to have a healthcare provider assess you. If you have symptoms that last more than a few days or that concern you, see your provider.

What are the types of viral infections?

You might hear viruses described by what part of your body they infect, how they spread or what symptoms they cause. Some viruses, like herpes viruses and adenoviruses, can cause many different types of illness. Types of viral infections include:

  • Respiratory infections.
  • Digestive system infections.
  • Viral hemorrhagic fevers.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Exanthematous (rash-causing) infections.
  • Neurological infections.
  • Congenital infections.

Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections affect your nose, throat, airways and lungs. Many respiratory viruses can cause bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections or pneumonia. Examples include:

Viral infections in your digestive system

Viral infections in your digestive system can affect your stomach and intestines (GI tract) or your liver. These include:

  • Norovirus, rotavirus and astrovirus can cause gastroenteritis, sometimes called “stomach flu.”
  • Hepatitis viruses cause liver disease. These infections often last a long time (chronic).

Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Hemorrhagic fevers affect how your blood clots and can weaken your blood vessels, causing potentially life-threatening bleeding. Examples include:

Sexually transmitted viruses

Sexually transmitted diseases are mainly spread by sexual contact, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. Examples include:

Exanthematous viral infections

Exanthematous viral infections cause rashes that can appear as bumps or blisters on your skin or spots of blood under your skin. They can also cause respiratory or other symptoms. Examples of exanthematous infections include:

Neurological infections

Some viruses attack the cells of your nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). These can cause paralysis, swelling of your brain or its covering (encephalitis or meningitis) and other life-threatening conditions. Examples include:

Congenital viral infections

Congenital viral infections are those you’re born with. They pass from a pregnant person to the fetus while it’s developing or during birth. Depending on the virus, this can cause various health issues, including vision or hearing loss, developmental delays and neurological conditions. Viruses known to cause congenital infections include:

Who do viral infections affect?

All of us will get viral infections at some point. But you’re at increased risk of serious illness from certain types of viruses if you:

What are the symptoms of a viral infection?

Symptoms of a viral infection depend on where you’re infected, but some common ones include:

  • Flu-like symptoms: fever, head and body aches, fatigue.
  • Upper respiratory symptoms: sore throat, cough, sneezing.
  • Digestive symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • Skin conditions: rashes, sores, blisters, warts.

Many viral infections don’t cause any symptoms.

What causes viral infections?

Many different types of viruses can cause infections, though only a few infect humans. They can get into your body through your nose, mouth, eyes, anus or genitals, or through a break in your skin. Once there, they get inside of your cells and use them to make more copies of themselves.

How do you get a viral infection?

Common ways you can get viral infections include:

  • From other people (through coughing, sneezing or close contact).
  • From surfaces or objects that someone with a virus has touched (like countertops, doorknobs or phones).
  • Through vaginal, oral or anal sex.
  • From a bite from an infected animal, mosquito or tick.
  • From eating contaminated food or swallowing contaminated water.

Are viral infections contagious?

Yes, nearly all viral infections are contagious (can spread from person to person). Viruses need to infect living things to reproduce, so human viruses survive by spreading between people.

How are viral infections diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can often diagnose you with a viral infection by listening to your symptoms and examining you. To diagnose a specific virus, your provider might swab your nose or throat or take a blood sample for testing.

If they think you have a viral infection causing serious inflammation in your lungs, brain or another internal organ, your provider might get X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT imaging. Imaging can’t diagnose a viral infection, but it can help your provider understand how it’s affecting your body.

Tests for viral infections

Your provider might send body fluid or tissue samples to a lab to look for signs of a viral infection (viral DNA/RNA, antibodies or antigens). Types of samples they might take include:

How are viral infections treated?

Specific medications are only available for a few viral infections. For viruses that can cause life-threatening or chronic illness, a provider may prescribe antiviral medications or treatment that prevents you from getting sick after being exposed to a virus.

For infections that rarely cause serious illness, like the common cold, you can usually treat the symptoms at home while you wait for them to go away on their own.

What medications are used to treat viruses?

Medications a healthcare provider might prescribe to treat viral infections include antiviral medications, convalescent plasma and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Antiviral medications

Antiviral medications stop viruses from making more copies of themselves (replicating). They can be used to manage chronic infections or shorten the length of some respiratory infections. They can only treat one type of virus — they don’t work on other viruses. Antivirals are available for the flu, COVID-19, hepatitis B and C, HIV and mpox.

Convalescent plasma

In some cases, providers can treat someone with a life-threatening viral infection with a blood transfusion. For convalescent plasma treatment, someone who has recovered from an infection with the same virus donates their blood. Your provider gives you the plasma from the blood through an IV. The plasma contains antibodies, which help you fight the infection. Providers have treated some cases of COVID-19 and Ebola with convalescent plasma.

Post-exposure prophylaxis

Treatments for certain life-threatening viral infections can prevent you from getting sick after being exposed. A provider has to give you these treatments before you have symptoms. These include antiviral medications and immunoglobulin (antibody) treatment. Post-exposure prophylaxis is available for:

  • HIV.
  • Rabies.
  • Hepatitis B.
  • Chickenpox.

Do antibiotics work on a viral infection?

No, antibiotics can’t treat or cure illnesses caused by a virus. You provider will only give you antibiotics if they think you have a bacterial infection.

How do I manage my symptoms?

If you have a mild respiratory or GI tract infection without complications, you can often manage the symptoms at home. Using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest can help get you through until you’ve fought off the virus. It’s always a good idea to ask a healthcare provider what medications are OK to take.

How can I prevent viral infections?

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of a viral illness is to get vaccinated. A healthcare provider can tell you which vaccinations are recommended for you. Vaccinations are available for:

Other ways to protect yourself and others from viruses include:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season.
  • Practice safe food habits. This includes storing food properly, heating meat and poultry to a safe temperature, and washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Use a condom or dental dam during any kind of sex.
  • Protect yourself from bug bites. Wear protective clothing, use bug spray and sleep under mosquito netting if necessary.
  • Don’t handle wild or aggressive animals. Don’t leave your pets outside unsupervised, where they could potentially get bitten by an animal with rabies.
  • Avoid being around other people if you’re sick.
  • Get post-exposure prophylaxis. If you’ve been exposed to certain viruses, post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent you from getting a life-threatening illness. Talk to a provider right away if you think you’ve been exposed to rabies, HIV, hepatitis B or chickenpox.

What can I expect if I have a viral infection?

What to expect depends on what kind of viral infection you have. You can usually manage less serious infections, like the common cold or skin infections, at home. Other viral infections can cause life-threatening or long-lasting illness.

How long do viral infections last?

Viral infections can vary a lot in how long they last, for instance:

  • Respiratory infections can last a few days to two weeks.
  • A wart on your skin can last for a year or longer.
  • Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic infections that last for years.
  • HIV infections aren’t curable and are lifelong.

Complications of viral infections

Viral infections can cause serious complications, both shortly after getting sick or years later. Complications include:

  • Inflammation in your lungs (pneumonia). Respiratory illnesses can infect your lungs and cause swelling that can make it hard to breathe. You may have to be treated in the hospital for severe pneumonia.
  • Inflammation in your brain or its lining (encephalitis or meningitis). If a virus moves to your brain from another part of your body, it can cause swelling. This can be life-threatening.
  • Severe bleeding. Hemorrhagic illnesses, like severe dengue, can cause life-threatening bleeding.
  • Reactivation. Some viral infections can stay in your body for a long time, even if you no longer have symptoms — or you never had symptoms at all. A virus that’s not reproducing or causing symptoms in your body is called dormant. Viruses like Epstein-Barr (EBV), HPV, herpes simplex and varicella can reactivate in your body and cause symptoms years later.
  • Cancer. Some viruses that stay in your body for long periods of time can cause cancer (oncoviruses). HPV, Epstein-Barr, HIV, hepatitis B and C, human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) have all been linked to specific cancers.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • You have symptoms of a viral infection that aren’t getting better or are getting worse after several days.
  • You have symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 and are at risk for serious illness. Your provider may be able to treat you with antiviral medications.
  • You’ve been exposed to HIV, rabies, hepatitis B or chickenpox. You need post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible after exposure.

When should I go to the ER?

Go to the nearest ER or seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of a serious infection, including:

  • High fever (103 degrees Fahrenheit/39.4 degrees Celsius).
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Severe stomach (abdominal) pain.
  • Confusion or other mental changes.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

  • How do I prevent spreading this to other people?
  • How do I use my medication?
  • How long will it take to feel better?
  • What can I do to manage my symptoms at home?
  • When should I follow up with you?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Viral infections are common and usually not serious. We manage colds, the occasional stomach bug, and bumps and sores on our skin on a regular basis. But some viruses cause life-threatening illnesses, and some common illnesses — like the flu — can turn serious. This is why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you from viral infection. Vaccinations, good hand-washing habits and safe sex can all help you stay healthy.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Fungal infections are any disease or condition you get from a fungus. They usually affect your skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes but they can also infect your lungs or other parts of your body. You’re at higher risk for fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system. Antifungal medications are usually used to treat fungal infections.

What are fungal infections?

Fungal infections, or mycosis, are diseases caused by a fungus (yeast or mold). Fungal infections are most common on your skin or nails, but fungi (plural of fungus) can also cause infections in your mouth, throat, lungs, urinary tract and many other parts of your body.

What are fungi?

Fungi are living things that are classified separately from plants or animals. They move around by spreading out or sending spores (reproductive parts) into the air or environment. Many fungi live naturally in our body (mouth, GI tract, skin) but can overgrow under certain circumstances.

Scientists estimate that there are millions of fungi in the world, but only a small number of them are known to cause disease in people. This includes certain yeasts and molds.

What does a fungal infection look like?

Fungal infections on or in your skin can look red, swollen or bumpy. They can look like a rash or you might be able to see a lump under your skin. Fungal infections in your nails can make them discolored (yellow, brown or white), thick or cracked. Fungal infections in your mouth or throat can cause a white coating or patches.

Who is most at risk for fungal infections?

Anyone can get a fungal infection, especially ones that affect your skin or nails. Fungal infections are more common in places on your body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. You’re at higher risk for infection, especially severe ones, if you have poor circulation or diabetes, or if you have a weakened immune system from:

Is a fungal infection serious?

The most common fungal infections, like those on your skin or nails, aren’t usually serious. If you have a weakened immune system, you’re at higher risk of serious illness from certain fungal infections.

What are the types of fungal infections?

Fungal infections can be on the surface of your skin, nails or mucous membranes (superficial or mucocutaneous), underneath your skin (subcutaneous) or inside other organs of your body — like your lungs, brain or heart (deep infection).

Superficial fungal Infections

Superficial fungal infections affect your nails, skin and mucous membranes (like your mouth, throat or vagina). Examples of superficial fungal infections include:

  • Ringworm (dermatophytosis). A group of fungi that live off of skin, hair and nail cells (dermatophytes) cause ringworm. They can infect your feet (tinea pedis/athlete’s foot), your groin and inner thighs (tinea cruris/jock itch), your scalp (tinea capitis), your hands (tinea manuum), your facial hair and skin around it (tinea barbae) and other parts of your body (tinea corporis).
  • Onychomycosis. Many types of fungi cause infections of your fingernails or toenails (onychomycosis). This can cause discolored and cracked nails.
  • Candidiasis. Candida (usually Candida albicans) causes skin and mucous membrane (mucocutaneous) infections called candidiasis. These include oral thrush, some types of diaper rash, vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginitis), esophageal candidiasis and candida intertrigo.
  • Tinea versicolor/pityriasis versicolor. The fungus Malassezia causes skin discoloration called tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor.

Subcutaneous fungal infections

You can get a fungal infection under the surface of your skin (subcutaneous) if fungus gets into a cut or wound, usually through injury while working with plants (like a scratch from a thorn). They cause rashes, ulcers and other symptoms on your skin.

Subcutaneous fungal infections are more common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Examples include:

  • Sporotrichosis (rose gardener’s disease). Sporothrix fungus causes sporotrichosis. You can also get sporotrichosis in your lungs or other parts of your body.
  • Chromoblastomycosis. Many different fungi can cause chromoblastomycosis. It can cause a long-lasting (chronic) skin infections. Rarely, it spreads to other parts of your body.
  • Eumycetoma. Many different fungi can cause eumycetoma. It most commonly affects your feet.

Deep fungal infections

Deep fungal infections are found in places in your body other than your skin, like your lungs, blood, urinary tract or brain. Some are opportunistic infections, meaning that they usually only cause disease in people with weakened immune systems.

Deep or invasive fungal infections include:

  • Histoplasmosis. Histoplasma, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, can infect your lungs, brain or other parts of your body. It’s commonly found in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.
  • Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). Caused by the fungus Coccidioides, coccidioidomycosis can infect your lungs and, rarely, move to other parts of your body. It’s most common in California and Arizona.
  • Blastomycosis. Blastomyces, the fungus that causes blastomycosis, commonly infects your bones, skin and lungs. Rarely, it can also infect your brain and spinal cord.
  • Aspergillosis. Aspergillus, the mold that causes aspergillosis, can cause several types of lung infections, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. It can also infect other parts of your body or form a fungus ball (aspergilloma).
  • Candidal urinary tract infection. Bacteria cause most urinary tract infections (UTIs), but some are caused by yeast such as Candida.
  • Invasive candidiasis. Various Candida species cause invasive candidiasis. It can infect your heart, blood (candidemia), brain, eyes (endophthalmitis), bones or other parts of your body.
  • Pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP). The fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii can infect your lungs and cause Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP).
  • Mucormycosis. A group of molds called mucormycetes cause mucormycosis. Mucormycetes can infect your sinuses and brain (rhinocerebral mucormycosis), lungs (pulmonary mucormycosis), intestines (gastrointestinal mucormycosis), skin (cutaneous mucormycosis) or many parts of your body at the same time (disseminated mucormycosis).
  • Cryptococcosis. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii cause cryptococcosis. They usually infect your lungs, but sometimes can infect your brain and spinal cord (cryptococcal meningitis).

What are the symptoms of fungal infections?

Symptoms of fungal infections depend on what kind of fungal infection you have and where on your body it is. Symptoms are most common on your skin, nails or mucous membranes (like your mouth, throat or vagina). Sometimes you can have symptoms of an infection in your lungs, brain, eye, intestinal tract or sinuses.

Symptoms of superficial or subcutaneous infections

Symptoms of superficial or subcutaneous infections can include:

  • Itching, soreness, redness or rash in the affected area.
  • Discolored, thick or cracked nails.
  • Pain while eating, loss of taste or white patches in mouth or throat.
  • A painless lump under your skin.

Symptoms of fungal infections in your lungs

Symptoms of fungal infections in your lungs include:

  • Cough, sometimes coughing up blood.
  • Fatigue (tiredness).
  • Fever.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Joint pain.
  • Headache.
  • Night sweats.

Other symptoms of fungal infections

Symptoms of fungal infections in other parts of your body include:

  • Fungal infection in or around your brain: Headache, fever, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion.
  • Fungal infection of your eye: Pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to light.
  • Fungal infection of your intestinal tract: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
  • Fungal infection of your sinuses: Fever, nasal congestion, headache, one-sided facial swelling, face pain.

What causes fungal infections?

Yeast, molds and other types of fungus cause fungal infections. Most fungi don’t cause disease in people, but a few do. Some infections are opportunistic, meaning they usually don’t cause infections, but can take advantage of certain situations, like a weakened immune system.

Some common fungi you can get infections from include:

  • Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that live off of keratin, a substance in your hair, your nails and the outer layer of your skin. They don’t infect living tissue.
  • Candida. Candida albicans is a yeast that naturally lives on your body, usually without causing problems. Under certain conditions, it can grow too much and cause itching and redness. Rarely, it can cause serious infections.
  • Environmental fungi that live in soil or water. Examples include Histoplasma, Coccidioides, Blastomyces and Aspergillus.

How do they spread?

Common ways to get fungal infections include:

  • From damp public spaces, like showers and locker rooms.
  • Through a break in your skin or an injury.
  • From breathing fungus in from the environment (like soil or dust).
  • From taking antibiotics, which can allow some fungi that are naturally found on your body to grow out of control.
  • You can get some dermatophyte infections from direct contact with an infected person or animal.

Are fungal infections contagious?

Some superficial fungal diseases, like ringworm, can spread from person to person through direct contact. Studies suggest that Pneumocystis jirovecii infections can also spread from one person to another. Other deep infections, like fungus that you breathe into your lungs from the environment, aren’t usually contagious.

How is a fungal infection diagnosed?

How your healthcare provider diagnoses fungal disease depends on where it is on your body. They may look for signs of fungus in — or try to grow (culture) fungus from — samples of your:

If they think you have a fungal infection in your lungs, brain or other internal organ, they might get X-rays, MRI or CT imaging to look for signs of infection.

How do you cure fungal infections?

Many fungal infections can be cured with antifungal medication, which kills fungus in and on your body. What form of medication your healthcare provider prescribes depends on where the fungus is.

Some treatments may be available without a prescription (over-the-counter, or OTC), but it’s a good idea to check with your provider before treating a fungal infection.

What medications are used to treat them?

To treat a fungal disease, your provider may prescribe antifungal treatment in the form of:

  • Oral medication (pills).
  • IV medication, given to you at a doctor’s office or hospital directly into a vein.
  • Lotion, cream or powder.
  • Mouthwash or lozenges.
  • Eye drops.
  • Shampoo.

How can I reduce my risk of a fungal infection?

Ways to reduce your risk of various fungal infections include practicing good personal hygiene and protecting yourself from fungi that are found in the environment. Tips for avoiding fungal infections include:

  • Shower after getting dirty or sweaty. Don’t let areas of your skin stay damp.
  • Don’t walk barefoot in public bathrooms, showers or locker rooms.
  • Wear clean, dry, cotton underwear.
  • Take care of your teeth and mouth.
  • Clean and use contact lenses as directed by your eye care provider.
  • Keep your nails short and clean.
  • Only take antibiotics as prescribed. If you take antibiotics for too long, yeast can overgrow in your body and cause an infection.
  • Don’t share sporting equipment, towels or other personal items with other people.
  • Wear protective clothing, like gloves, boots, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when working with soil. Wear an N95 mask to avoid breathing in harmful fungus if you live in an area where it’s commonly found.
  • If you live in an area with harmful fungus in the soil, wear a mask or stay indoors with the windows closed during dust storms.

What can I expect if I have a fungal disease?

What to expect when you have a fungal infection depends on whether you have underlying conditions and where the infection is on your body. Fungal infections of your hair, skin and nails are usually not serious, but can take a while to completely go away with treatment. Deep fungal infections, like those in your lungs or other organs, can be life-threatening, especially if you’re living with a weakened immune system.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you have symptoms of a fungal infection, especially in your lungs or other internal organs, contact your healthcare provider. Make sure to follow up with them if you’ve been treating a fungal infection and it’s not getting better.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

  • What caused this infection and how can I avoid it in the future?
  • How do I prevent spreading the infection to other people?
  • When should I follow up with you?
  • How do I use this medication?
  • How long will it take to feel better?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Fungi is around us all the time — in fact, some types of fungus live naturally on our bodies without us even thinking about it. So it’s not surprising that most of us will get a fungal infection at some point in our lives. Most can be resolved with treatment. If you have a weakened immune system or are at risk for severe or long-lasting infections, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can protect yourself.

BACTERIAL INFECTION

Bacterial infections are diseases that can affect your skin, lungs, brain, blood and other parts of your body. You get them from single-celled organisms multiplying or releasing toxins in your body. Common bacterial diseases include UTIs, food poisoning, STIs and some skin, sinus and ear infections. They’re often treated with antibiotics.

What is a bacterial infection?

Bacterial infections are any illness or condition caused by bacterial growth or poisons (toxins). You can get sick from getting harmful bacteria in your skin, gut (GI tract), lungs, heart, brain, blood or anywhere else in your body.

Harmful bacteria from the environment, an infected person or animal, a bug bite or something contaminated (like food, water or surfaces) can cause infections. Bacteria that’s not normally harmful but that gets into a place in your body where it shouldn’t be can also cause infections.

What is bacteria?

Bacteria are living things with only a single cell that can reproduce quickly. There are millions of bacteria that live all around us — in soil or water and on surfaces in our homes and workplaces. There are even millions of bacteria that live on your skin and inside of your body.

Most bacteria aren’t harmful, and many are even helpful. They can help you digest food and kill off other harmful forms of bacteria that try to invade your body. But even the helpful ones can hurt you if they grow where they’re not supposed to.

What’s the difference between a bacterial infection and viral infection?

Living, single-celled organisms that can reproduce on their own cause bacterial infections. Only a few types of bacteria cause illness in people.

An organism that’s not made up of cells causes viral infections. Viruses always need to infect humans or other living things to create more copies of itself.

Antibiotics can treat most bacterial infections, but only a few viral infections have medications that treat them.

What are the types of bacterial infections?

Bacteria can cause many types of infections, depending on how you’re exposed and what part of your body it infects. Some common types of bacterial infections include:

What are some examples of bacterial infections?

Common bacterial infections include:

Is a bacterial infection serious?

There are many bacterial infections that aren’t usually serious or can be treated easily with antibiotics. Impetigo and boils are examples. However, any bacterial infection that gets deep into your body, like in your blood, heart, lungs or brain, can be life-threatening.

How do bacterial infections spread?

Bacterial infections can spread through droplets or dust in the air, direct or indirect contact, a vector (like a tick or mosquito) or contaminated food or water (vehicular).

Airborne or droplet

You can get bacterial infections through the air from contaminated dust or droplets of water or mucus (like phlegm or snot). Legionnaires’ disease, pertussis (whooping cough), tuberculosis, meningococcal disease and strep throat spread this way.

Contact

You can get bacterial infections from direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, or from indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Bacterial diseases you get by contact include skin infections and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Vector

Infections you get from bugs (like mosquitos, ticks or fleas) are called vector-borne. You can get Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and shigellosis through vectors.

Vehicular

While it sounds like something you get from your car, “vehicular” usually means you get sick from water or food (the “vehicle” of transmission). You can get gut (gastrointestinal) infections from E. coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria in contaminated food or water.

Who do bacterial diseases affect?

Anyone can get a bacterial disease, and most of us will at some point in our lives. You’re at higher risk for getting an infection if you have:

How does a bacterial infection affect my body?

Bacteria can hurt your body either when they reproduce or by releasing poisons (toxins) that damage your cells. Infections that only affect the surface of your skin or mucous membranes (like your throat or intestines) aren’t usually serious, but sometimes, bacteria can spread in your body and cause life-threatening illnesses. If bacteria gets into your blood, it can cause sepsis, a reaction to the infection that causes organ damage, which is sometimes fatal.

What are common symptoms of a bacterial infection?

Symptoms of bacterial infections vary depending on where in your body is infected. The main symptom is often fever, except skin infections, which usually cause redness or pain on your skin. Common symptoms of bacterial infections include:

  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Fatigue (tiredness).
  • Headache.

Additional symptoms can include:

  • Skin: Redness, blisters, ulcers, swollen or painful skin.
  • GI tract: Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
  • Lungs: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and phlegm (sputum).
  • Lining around your brain (meningitis): Neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and confusion.
  • In your bloodstream and spreading (septicemia): High fever, weakness, sweating and low blood pressure.
  • Heart (endocarditis): High fever, chest pain, night sweats, shortness of breath, cough, muscle and joint pain.
  • Urinary tract or genitals: Burning or pain when you pee, discharge from your penis or vagina, increased need to pee and painful intercourse.

What causes bacterial diseases?

Many kinds of bacteria cause infections. You usually get bacterial infections when bacteria get into your body through your mouth, your nose, your eyes or a cut in your skin. Sometimes, bacteria that normally live on your skin or in your body get into places they’re not supposed to (like through an injury) and reproduce.

How do you get a bacterial infection?

Common ways you can get bacterial infections include:

  • Eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
  • Eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products.
  • Antibiotic use, which can kill the good bacteria that usually fight off bad bacteria.
  • From contaminated surfaces.
  • From other people (through coughing or close contact).
  • From getting contaminated water into your lungs (aspirating).
  • Through oral, anal or vaginal sex.
  • Through contaminated dirt (soil).
  • From a bite from an infected tick, mosquito or flea.
  • From a surgery or intubation (tube in your throat).

Are bacterial infections contagious?

Yes, many bacterial infections are contagious from person to person, including pertussis, tuberculosis, strep throat, meningococcal disease, bacterial STIs and MRSA. Infections you get from food, mosquitos or ticks are usually not contagious.

How are bacterial infections diagnosed?

A healthcare provider diagnoses a bacterial infection by listening to your symptoms, doing an examination (listening to your heart and lungs, feeling your abdomen, looking at your skin) and taking samples to test for bacteria.

If they think you have bacteria in your lungs, brain or other internal organ, they might get X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT imaging to look for signs of infection.

Tests for bacterial infections

Your provider might send body fluid or tissue samples to a lab to look for signs of an infection (antibodies or antigens). A lab technician might also try to grow bacteria from your samples. Types of samples they might take include:

How are bacterial infections treated?

Not all bacterial infections need to be treated — some go away on their own. When you do need treatment, healthcare providers use antibiotics. Depending on where your infection is and how serious it is, antibiotics can be prescribed as:

  • Oral medication (pills).
  • IV medication, given to you at a doctor’s office or hospital directly into a vein.
  • Ointment or cream.
  • Eye drops.

Complications/side effects of the treatment

Sometimes, certain antibiotics stop working and don’t kill or slow down bacteria (antibiotic resistance). Because of this, doctors and nurse practitioners are careful about when and how they prescribe antibiotics. They only prescribe them if they think they’ll help you. It’s important for you to take any medication as prescribed for the full course, even if you start to feel better.

How can I prevent bacterial infections?

Ways to reduce your risk of various types of bacterial infections include:

  • Get vaccinated. There are vaccines for many bacterial diseases, including tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and bacteria that cause certain forms of meningitis (Neisseria meningitides), pneumonia (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b) and bloodstream infections.
  • Practice good hygiene. This includes maintaining good hand-washing habits, wearing clean and dry clothes and not sharing personal items with other people.
  • Keep wounds clean. Breaks in your skin allow bacteria to get in. Clean and cover cuts or wounds in your skin.
  • Practice safe food habits. This includes storing food properly, heating meat and poultry to a temperature that kills bacteria and washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Use a condom or dental dam during any kind of sex.
  • Protect yourself from bug bites. Wear protective clothing, use bug spray and check yourself and your pets for ticks after being outdoors.

What can I expect if I have a bacterial infection?

What to expect depends on what kind of bacterial infection you have. Less serious bacterial infections are treatable with medication at home. Others require a hospital stay and can cause lasting damage. Bacterial infections in your internal organs or blood can be life-threatening.

Complications of bacterial infections

Bacterial infections inside of your body can cause serious complications. The most serious complication is sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to an infection that causes organ damage. Sepsis can be fatal.

How long do bacterial infections last?

If you’re prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, you’ll usually have to take them for a week or two, though you’ll probably feel better sooner. Take all of your medication as prescribed, otherwise, you might not get rid of all of the bacteria.

What is the cure for bacterial infections?

Antibiotics usually cure bacterial infections. They sometimes go away on their own or can be treated without antibiotics, but it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider for the best way to treat them.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a bacterial infection, especially if you’ve had them for more than a couple of days. Make sure to follow up with your provider if you’ve been treating an infection and your symptoms aren’t getting better or are getting worse.

When should I go to the ER?

Go to the nearest ER or seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of a serious infection, including:

  • High fever (103 degrees Fahrenheit or 39.4 degrees Celsius).
  • Confusion or other mental changes.
  • Neck stiffness with other symptoms of meningitis (headache, nausea, vomiting).
  • Low blood pressure.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

  • What caused this and how can I avoid it in the future?
  • How do I prevent spreading this to other people?
  • How do I use my medication?
  • How long will it take to feel better?
  • When should I follow up with you?
  • What can I do to help my symptoms at home?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Bacteria live all around us — millions even live on or in us. They help us digest nutrients, protect us from harmful invaders and even help in making delicious foods. But, like puppies in a shoe factory, they can cause a lot of damage if they’re somewhere they’re not supposed to be. Bacterial infections can be a temporary nuisance, but they can also turn into a life-threatening situation. Always check with a healthcare provider to make sure you know the best way to manage a bacterial disease.