Category: Health

Hookworms are parasites that live in the intestines of people who are infected. Hookworm eggs (larvae) spread in poop of people with hookworm disease. Many people have no symptoms, but signs of a hookworm infection include skin rash, fever, stomach pain and diarrhea. Medication can treat the infection.

What is hookworm?

Hookworm is a parasite that infects your intestines. There are two main types of hookworm that infect humans: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.

Hookworm larvae (eggs) break through your skin. They travel through your body and hatch once they reach your intestines. As the name implies, hookworms have a hook-like head that attaches to your intestinal walls. These tiny worms can cause a number of health problems, including iron-deficiency anemia, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Hookworm infection is most common in tropical and subtropical areas, especially if sanitation isn’t as good and people walk barefoot on contaminated soil. In the past, hookworm was a serious problem in the southern United States, but improved sanitation has made it much less common.

What is a parasite?

A parasite is an organism that needs to live on or inside another organism (animal or human). The parasite relies on its host (the creature it lives in or on) to survive.

Hookworms are parasites that live inside your intestines. There, they feed on blood from your intestinal wall, mature and lay eggs.

How common are hookworms in humans?

Hookworm disease is widespread in many parts of the world. As many as 740 million people worldwide have hookworm disease.

How do you tell if you have hookworm?

Many people with a hookworm infection have no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may experience mild ones at first. Symptoms progress as the infection gets more severe.

Possible hookworm symptoms include:

• Skin rash on your feet where the larvae entered your body.
• Fever.
• Coughing or wheezing.
• Abdominal pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Iron-deficiency anemia.

How do hookworms infect humans?

Hookworm larvae pass in the feces (poop) of someone already infected with hookworm disease. If a person with hookworm disease poops outdoors, the larvae enter the soil. Using human feces as fertilizer can also contaminate the soil.

If you walk barefoot on infected soil, the larvae can enter your body by breaking through the skin on your feet. After infected larvae enter through your skin, they travel through your body:

• They move through your blood vessels to your heart and then your lungs.
• You cough up the larvae from your lungs and swallow them.
• The larvae follow the digestive tract into your small intestine, where they attach to the walls, grow and mature.
• Fertilized eggs leave your body in your poop to potentially infect another host.
• The whole process can take two to three months. The worms can live in your body for two years or more.

Are hookworms contagious?

Yes. You can get hookworm by coming in contact with poop from an infected person. Hookworm infections also spread through contact with infected soil.

Can you get hookworm disease from your pets or other animals?

Hookworm infections in dogs, cats and other animals typically come from a different species than the ones that infect humans. Animal hookworms can sometimes penetrate a person’s skin, but they don’t mature or lay eggs inside a human host.

Animal hookworms can cause a rash as they move under your skin. This itchy rash, called cutaneous larva migrans, shows up as a thin, raised red line that spreads across your skin.

Who is at risk for hookworm disease?

Hookworm disease is most common in warm, humid and tropical locations. It’s especially common in places lacking indoor sanitation.

How serious is hookworm in humans?

Hookworms feed on blood in your intestines. An untreated, severe infection results in blood loss. Blood loss can lead to anemia and protein deficiency. Severe anemia can cause:

• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle cramps.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.

Children infected with hookworms over long periods of time can develop severe effects from lack of iron and protein. This can slow both their physical and mental development.

How is hookworm disease diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of hookworm disease, your healthcare provider will test a sample of your poop (stool). They’ll analyze the stool sample under a microscope to look for hookworm eggs.

If you’ve recently traveled to an area where hookworm is common, your provider may recommend blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) can show eosinophilia (higher than normal white blood cell count). This sign of hookworm disease can show up weeks before eggs are present in your poop.

How do you get rid of hookworms?

If tests show that you have hookworm disease, your provider will prescribe medications that treat the infection. In most cases, hookworm treatment includes an anthelmintic medication (medication used to destroy parasitic worms) orally (by mouth) for one to seven days.

Your provider may prescribe these medicines to get rid of parasitic worms:

• Mebendazole (Vermox^® or Emverm^®).
• Albendazole (Albenza^®).

Your provider may also prescribe iron supplements if you have anemia from hookworm disease.

Do hookworms go away on their own?

Hookworms may go away on their own, but it can take many years. During that time, they can cause serious health complications, like malnutrition and anemia. With treatment, you can get rid of hookworms and avoid any possible complications.

How can I prevent hookworm disease?

You can prevent hookworm disease by:

• Wearing shoes when walking on soil that may be contaminated with poop.
• Practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating.
• Disposing of poop properly.
• Not using human feces as fertilizer.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with hookworm disease?

Hookworm disease is easily curable with appropriate medication. Most symptoms — including anemia — will go away once the infection clears.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should call your healthcare provider if you have:

• A rash on your foot.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue or dizziness.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Do I need to worry about contracting hookworm disease when traveling out of the country?
• What steps can I take to prevent infection in areas where it’s prevalent?
• How long can hookworms live in the intestines?
• Do I need to be tested for anemia?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Hookworm disease is a common parasitic infection in many parts of the world. Most people get the parasite by walking barefoot in soil infected with hookworm eggs. Left untreated, it can lead to unpleasant — and sometimes serious — symptoms. A single course of medication that kills the parasites is usually enough to treat the infection. While hookworm can go away on its own, it can take years. So don’t wait — see your healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms of a hookworm infection.

Pinworms, also known as threadworms, are tiny, white or light gray worms that cause the common infection called enterobiasis. The infection is highly contagious and occurs most often in children. Healthcare providers treat them with oral anti-parasitic medications that can kill the worms in just two doses.

What are pinworms (pinworm infection)?

Pinworms, also called threadworms, are parasitic worms that live in the intestines and rectums of infected people — most commonly children. Pinworms are small and thin (about ¼ inch to ½ inch long), and white or light gray.

Pinworms are called Enterobius vermicularis. A pinworm infection is called enterobiasis.

Your child will need treatment if they have a pinworm infection. Luckily, pinworms don’t usually cause serious medical problems and are easy to cure.

How common are pinworm infections?

Enterobiasis is the most common type of worm infection in the United States. It affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and 1 billion people worldwide.

People of all ages can become infected with pinworms. Still, pinworm infections are most common in children, especially between ages 4 to 11. Rarely, adults get pinworms. Caregivers and family members of infected children have a higher risk of infection.

Pinworm infections pass easily from person to person in places where children are in close contact, including daycare centers, preschools and schools. People who live in institutions also commonly get infected.

What are the symptoms of a pinworm infection?

About a third of infected people don’t experience symptoms. Others experience intense itching near the anus (butthole), especially when they’re trying to sleep. Watch out for these symptoms, which may signal a pinworm infection:

• Anal itching, especially at night: Female pinworms lay eggs around your anus at night, causing itching and irritation. The itching can be severe.
• Vaginal itching: Pinworm eggs on the skin surrounding your vagina can cause itching and discharge.
• Sleeplessness: The itching can lead to restlessness and keep you (or your child) from a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you tired during the day and have trouble concentrating.

How does a person get pinworms?

Pinworm infection occurs when your child swallows pinworm eggs. They become the host for the pinworm life cycle. While this may sound like something obvious to avoid, it’s easy to get infected. Here’s how it usually happens:

1. Pinworms lay their eggs on the skin around your child’s anus, sometimes causing itching.
2. When your child touches or scratches the area, the microscopic eggs (which are super sticky) attach to their fingers and get stuck beneath their fingernails.
3. Unless they wash their hands, your child transmits the eggs to other people and surfaces they touch.
4. When another person touches these surfaces and puts their fingers on their mouth, the eggs enter and travel through their digestive system. The eggs hatch in that person’s intestines.
5. Once hatched, the female pinworms travel to the person’s anus to lay their eggs, and the cycle restarts.

Each female worm can produce 10,000 or more eggs. Your child may have anywhere from a few worms to hundreds of them.

Can you get pinworms without being around an infected person?

Yes. Pinworm eggs can survive from two to three weeks on contaminated surfaces. You can get pinworms through:

• Bedsheets, underwear and towels. Eggs can spread through contact with contaminated sheets, towels or underwear.
• Toys. Children with pinworm infection can contaminate toys they share with other children at school or in daycare.
• Inhalation: The tiny eggs can rarely travel through the air. Once you breathe them in, the eggs travel through your digestive tract and hatch into pinworms that lay their own eggs. For example, shaking out your child’s bedding before you wash it can spread the eggs and put you at risk of infection.

Are pinworms contagious?

They’re highly contagious. Transmission is easy because the eggs can survive for a long time on surfaces or your fingers if you don’t wash your hands. The tiny eggs are microscopic. There’s no way to know you’re touching a contaminated surface or object. It’s easy to absentmindedly touch your fingers to your lips without knowing you’ve transferred pinworm eggs.

What are the complications associated with pinworms?

While serious complications are rare, pinworms can lead to:

• Bacterial infections: Scratching too much can break your skin, causing it to bleed and become infected.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): The worms can travel to your vagina, enter your urinary tract and cause infections.
• Gastrointestinal and abdominal problems: In rare cases, pinworms have been linked to appendicitis, diverticulitis (the growth of pouches in your large intestine), and inflammation of your vagina (vaginitis) and the lining of your uterus (endometritis).

How are pinworm infections diagnosed?

You’ll know you have a pinworm infection if you find signs of either the pinworm or the eggs. You can see adult pinworms with just your eyes, but your healthcare provider uses a microscope to see the eggs.

Checking for the worm

Check for pinworms about two to three hours after you fall asleep. Around this time, pinworms make their way out of your rectum to lay eggs around your anus. Pinworms look small, thin and grayish-white, like little pieces of thread. This is why they’re sometimes called threadworms.

You may also find them wriggling in underwear or bedsheets. If your child has many pinworms, they may appear in their stool (poop) or on toilet paper, but this is rare. It’s much easier to identify them on your child’s skin.

You can capture the worms using clear Scotch tape or just let your provider know you saw them.

Checking for the pinworm eggs

You can also use tape to collect the eggs. This is called the “tape test.” Here’s what you do:

1. Place a piece of clear tape (sticky side down) over your child’s anal area as soon as they wake up in the morning. The eggs will stick to the tape.
2. Take the tape to your child’s pediatrician, following their directions about how to safely share the sample. They’ll use a microscope to check for the eggs.

It’s best to do the tape test as soon as your child wakes, before bathing or using the bathroom. Both activities can remove the eggs from skin. You should do the tape test a few times (ideally, for three consecutive days) to get the most accurate results.

Your child’s pediatrician may also collect egg samples from underneath their fingernails.

How are pinworms treated?

Your child will need to take an oral (taken by mouth) anti-parasitic medication to kill the worms. They’ll take one dose immediately and another dose two weeks later to be sure all the worms are gone.

The medicines used to treat pinworms are:

• Pyrantel pamoate (the most common pinworm treatment, available without a prescription).
• Albendazole (available with a prescription).

Pediatricians recommend that an infected child’s family members and caregivers also get treated at the same time to reduce the risk of reinfection. Preventing reinfection is one of the biggest challenges in getting rid of pinworms.

Washing all clothing, bed linens and towels in as hot water as possible while taking the treatment can help reduce the risk of reinfection.

What are the side effects of treatment for pinworms?

Before using pyrantel pamoate, consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or your child is younger than 2 years old. Side effects of pyrantel pamoate include:

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Headache.

For all three medications, side effects include an upset stomach.

Do pinworms go away if they’re untreated?

No. Untreated pinworms lay more eggs, making it easier to spread the infection. Your child will need medicine to get rid of them.

What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of a pinworm infection?

Your child may still have itching after treatment for about a week. To relieve the itching, you can:

• Wash their anal area with warm water and soap.
• Use a 1% hydrocortisone cream on the skin around their anus.

How can I prevent pinworm infections?

The most effective way to prevent a pinworm infection (or reinfection) is by preventing the eggs from reaching your child’s (or your) mouth. Model good hygiene and the following practices for your child:

• Wash your hands often: Using soap and warm water, wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Wash your hands before handling food or touching your mouth or nose.
• Keep surfaces clean: Clean toys, counters, toilets, utensils, dishes and other surfaces frequently with soap and water to lower the risk of spreading the infection.
• Shower often: People with pinworms should shower daily to remove eggs from their skin. Avoid bathing since bathwater can become contaminated with eggs. People with pinworms shouldn’t bathe with others until the infection is gone.
• Care for your fingernails: To avoid transferring the eggs, keep your fingernails clean and trimmed. Work on quitting if you bite your nails.
• Avoid touching the anal area: Tell your child not to touch or scratch the affected area.
• Wash sheets, towels and underwear frequently: Wash linens, pajamas and underwear daily in hot water until the treatment is complete. Don’t shake out the laundry before washing since eggs can scatter and spread infection.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with pinworms?

Medications cure pinworms 90% to 100% of the time. With proper treatment, pinworms go away and don’t cause long-term health problems.

When should I call my doctor about pinworms?

If your child has anal itching at night, contact their pediatrician to see if it’s pinworms.

Children or families can have pinworm infections several times. If your child’s symptoms return after treatment, go back to their pediatrician. If you or another family member has symptoms, see a healthcare provider.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

The thought of your child playing host to a wriggly parasitic worm may give you the willies. But take heart that there’s an easy cure. Preventing reinfection will likely be the biggest hurdle. It may feel exhausting to clean surfaces and do the laundry as much as needed to destroy all the eggs, but you’ll get through it. In the meantime, take the time to teach your child about proper handwashing and good hygiene both at home and at school or daycare. Pinworms are contagious but preventable. A pinworm infection this time can teach your child how to lower their risk in the future.

An overgrowth of the fungus candida causes a vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection causes the skin around your vagina to burn and itch, and it may change the consistency of your vaginal discharge. Treatment includes antifungal medication.

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is a type of fungal infection. Your body contains a kind of yeast called candida, which causes vaginal yeast infections. Yeast is a type of fungus, and candida is a specific type of yeast. When this yeast is in balance within your body, there are no problems. But when the yeast is out of balance, it rapidly grows, and you can get a yeast infection. A yeast infection causes burning, itching, redness in your vulva (the outside parts of your vagina) and changes to your vaginal discharge. A yeast infection isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Other names for a vaginal yeast infection include vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis. A vaginal yeast infection is a type of vaginitis, a condition where the vagina is swollen, painful and possibly infected. There are several types of vaginitis — each with similar symptoms — but vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common.

Candida and vaginal yeast infections

It may be strange to think about, but fungus lives in several places within your body. The yeast that you have living in your mouth, digestive tract and vagina is candida. Normally, candida doesn’t cause a problem. It’s supposed to be in your body, and other bacteria help keep its growth under control. However, certain factors make it hard for the “good” bacteria to fight off the “bad” bacteria. Sometimes the “bad” bacteria win, and you end up with an illness.

What does a vaginal yeast infection look like?

The way your vulva looks and feels and the type of discharge that comes from your vagina may change if you have a yeast infection. The area of skin just outside your vaginal opening may itch and burn. The itching and burning can feel worse when you pee or have sex. Your vaginal discharge may become thicker and lumpier, but it shouldn’t smell different. Not everyone experiences symptoms or has the same symptoms.

Who gets vaginal yeast infections?

Anyone with a vagina can get a yeast infection. They’re most common after puberty and before menopause. Certain factors can put you at a higher risk of developing a yeast infection, but yeast infections are very common and highly treatable.

How common are vaginal yeast infections?

Up to 75% of women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will have at least one vaginal yeast infection in their life, and over half will get two or more in their lifetime. Yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis is the most common).

What increases my risk of getting a yeast infection?

Certain factors can increase your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection. Some of those are:

• Using antibiotics, birth control pills or certain steroids.
• Being pregnant.
• Having a health condition that weakens your immune system.
• Having unmanaged diabetes.

Certain lifestyle risk factors also increase your risk of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:

• Sitting in a wet bathing suit.
• Not changing out of sweaty clothes.
• Wearing scented tampons or using a vaginal deodorant.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?

There are several tell-tale signs of a vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms can include:

• An itchy or burning sensation in your vagina and vulva.
• A thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese.
• Redness and swelling of your vagina and vulva.
• Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva because of fragile skin in the area.
• A burning feeling when you pee.

In some cases, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection can be pain during sex.

Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms people feel when they have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other vaginal infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms so they can examine you.

Why do vaginal yeast infections happen?

When the bacteria in your vagina is out of balance, it can cause candida to multiply. This can happen for a lot of reasons, including:

• Taking antibiotics: Antibiotics that treat infections in your body kill the good bacteria in your vagina. Good bacteria keep the yeast in check. The balance shifts without good bacteria, leading to a yeast infection.
• Pregnancy and hormones: Anything that disrupts or changes your hormones can disrupt the balance of candida in your vagina. This includes being pregnant, using birth control pills and normal changes during your menstrual cycle.
• Having unmanaged diabetes: High blood sugar impacts the bacteria in your pee.
• Having a weakened immune system: If you have a disease like HIV or AIDS, your medications can suppress your immune system. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer can also suppress your immune system.

How is a yeast infection diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider diagnoses a vaginal yeast infection. You’ll need to go in for an appointment and discuss your symptoms. Your provider may need to take a sample of discharge from your vagina to confirm a yeast infection. The combination of your symptoms and the discharge sample will tell your healthcare provider what type of yeast infection you have and how to treat it.

How do I treat a vaginal yeast infection?

Antifungal medications treat most vaginal yeast infections. The specific medication depends on the severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the best treatment based on your symptoms and condition.

Antifungal medications work by fighting yeast overgrowth in your body. Medications are either oral (usually given in one dose of fluconazole by mouth) or topical (used daily for up to seven days). You may apply topical medications to your vaginal area or place them inside your vagina (suppository) using an applicator. Some common antifungal medications are miconazole (Monistat®) and terconazole.

Your healthcare provider will give you information about each form of medication and directions on how to use each one properly. It’s important to always follow your provider’s instructions when using these medications to make sure that the infection is fully resolved and doesn’t return.

If you’re taking medication for a yeast infection, you shouldn’t have sex until you’re finished with treatment. Sex can cause more irritation, and certain antifungal medications can weaken the materials used in condoms and diaphragms.

Can I use over-the-counter treatment for a vaginal yeast infection?

Sometimes you can treat a vaginal yeast infection with over-the-counter medicines. However, you may want to avoid this if you aren’t completely sure you have a yeast infection. It’s usually best to talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you’re buying the right treatment.

How long do yeast infections last?

Most yeast infections clear up with medication after a few days, but it may take a full week. More severe cases may last longer and take longer to treat. Make sure you use the medication as directed and don’t stop taking it too soon, or the infection may come back.

Will my yeast infection go away on its own?

No, a yeast infection can’t go away on its own. Only a medication that destroys fungus (yeast) will treat a vaginal yeast infection.

How can I reduce my risk of a yeast infection?

You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:

• Not douching — douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
• Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
• Not using scented tampons or pads.
• Changing out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
• Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
• Using water-based sexual lubricants.
• Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.

What should I do if I have frequent yeast infections?

If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections per year, have a discussion with your healthcare provider. Your provider may:

• Test to confirm that you have a vaginal yeast infection.
• Order a blood sugar test for diabetes.
• Test for HIV/AIDS.
• Discuss any possible hormonal changes (birth control or pregnancy).

Your healthcare provider will use your test results to make sure you receive the right treatment. It can be important to treat the underlying cause while treating your yeast infection. Managing the reason for the infection can help prevent future vaginal yeast infections.

Does my sexual partner need to be treated if I have a vaginal yeast infection?

It’s possible to pass a yeast infection to your partner. If your partner has a vagina, they’re at risk and should watch for symptoms. If your partner doesn’t have a vagina or has a penis, the chances of passing a yeast infection to them are quite low.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Yeast infections are a very common fungal infection that most women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will have in their lifetime. It’s highly treatable with medication, some of which are available to purchase at your local drug store without a prescription. Even though you may know the signs of a vaginal yeast infection, it’s important to get examined by your healthcare provider. They can recommend the best treatment based on the type of yeast infection you have and its severity.

Thrush, a fungal infection of your mouth, happens most often to toddlers and children but can affect anyone. It can result in creamy white lesions on your tongue or inner cheeks. Causes include certain medications and some health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. With oral thrush (oral candidiasis), you may develop white, raised, cottage cheese-like lesions (spots) on your tongue and cheeks. Thrush can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness.

Thrush happens when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. Another name for thrush in your mouth or throat is oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Healthcare providers treat thrush with antifungal medication. If your immune system is healthy, thrush is a minor problem that goes away a couple of weeks after you start treatment.

Who can get thrush?

While thrush can affect anyone, some people are more at risk, including:

• Babies under 1 month old.
• Toddlers.
• Adults aged 65 or over.
• People with weakened immune systems (where symptoms are harder to control).

What are the symptoms of thrush?

Thrush usually develops suddenly. A common sign is the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth — usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. You may also have lesions on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils or back of your throat.

Other symptoms may include:

• Redness and soreness inside and at the corners of your mouth.
• Loss of sense of taste (ageusia).
• Cottony feeling in your mouth.

The lesions can hurt and may bleed a little when you scrape them or brush your teeth. In severe cases, the lesions can spread into your esophagus and cause:

• Pain or difficulty swallowing.
• A feeling that food gets stuck in your throat or mid-chest area.
• Fever, if the infection spreads beyond your esophagus.

Thrush can spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, liver and skin. This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.

What causes thrush?

Most people have small amounts of the Candida fungus in their mouth, digestive tract and skin. When illnesses, stress or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush.

Medications that can make yeast flourish and cause infection include:

• Corticosteroids.
• Antibiotics.
• Birth control pills.

Is thrush contagious?

Thrush can be contagious to those at risk (like people with weakened immune systems or who take certain medications). In people with healthy immune systems, it’s unusual to pass thrush through kissing or other close contact. In most cases, thrush isn’t particularly contagious (meaning, it doesn’t spread from person to person), but it is transmittable (meaning, you can catch it in other ways).

If you’re worried about getting thrush from another person who has it, avoid coming into contact with their saliva (spit). It’s smart to wash your hands as often as possible if you’re near someone who has thrush.

What are the risk factors for thrush?

Candida infection is more likely to develop in babies and people with:

• Diabetes.
• Anemia.
• HIV/AIDS (thrush in your esophagus — or swallowing tube — is common in this group).
• Cancer.
• Dry mouth (xerostomia).
• Pregnancy (due to the hormonal changes that occur).
• Smoking.
• Ill-fitting dentures.

What are the complications of thrush?

Thrush rarely causes complications in people with healthy immune systems. But if you have a weakened immune system, Candida can enter your bloodstream and spread to other areas of your body, such as your eyes, brain or heart. This type of infection is serious and may lead to septic shock, a life-threatening condition.

How is thrush diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can usually tell right away if you have thrush by looking for the distinctive white lesions on your mouth, tongue or cheeks. Lightly brushing the lesions away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly. A microscopic exam of tissue from a lesion can confirm whether or not you have thrush.

If thrush extends into your esophagus, your healthcare provider might:

• Take a throat culture (swab the back of your throat with sterile cotton and study the microorganisms under a microscope).
• Perform an endoscopy of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine (examine the lining of these areas with a lighted camera mounted on the tip of a flexible tube).
• Take X-rays of your esophagus.

How is thrush treated?

The typical treatment for thrush is antifungal medications:

Antifungal medications

Healthcare providers usually prescribe antifungals (like nystatin) to treat thrush. These medicines are available in tablets, lozenges or liquids that are “swished” around in your mouth before swallowing. Usually, you need to take these medications for 10 to 14 days. Your healthcare provider will recommend specific treatment based on your age and the cause of the infection.

Kids and adults with healthy immune systems typically respond well to antifungal treatment. But thrush symptoms may be more severe and harder to treat in those with weakened immune systems.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Antifungals can clear up thrush in one to two weeks. You may need to continue the medication for a few more days to kill any fungus that’s left behind.

How can I lower my risk for thrush?

You can do these things to reduce your risk for thrush:

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
• Avoid certain mouthwashes or sprays. Some of these products can destroy the normal balance of microorganisms in your mouth. Talk to your dentist or doctor about which ones are safe to use.
• See your dentist regularly. This is especially important if you have diabetes or wear dentures.
• Limit the amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat. Foods such as bread, beer and wine encourage Candida growth.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco use. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to help you quit smoking.

What can I expect if I have thrush?

With treatment, thrush usually goes away within one to two weeks. But if your symptoms linger or get worse, let your healthcare provider know.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you develop signs or symptoms of thrush — such as soreness, bleeding or raised white areas inside your mouth — schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

If you’ve already taken antifungals for thrush but your symptoms return, call your provider right away. It could indicate a more serious infection.

Are there any home remedies for oral thrush?

You’ll need antifungal medication to clear up thrush. But you might try some of these home remedies to ease your symptoms:

• Swish with warm saltwater.
• Take probiotics.
• Eat yogurt that contains healthy bacteria.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, throat and other areas of your body. It’s an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition. But in people with healthy immune systems, it’s easily treatable with antifungal medications. People with compromised immune systems may have a more difficult time getting rid of thrush. If you develop thrush symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Prompt treatment can get you back on track and feeling better.

Ringworm is an itchy, contagious fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped pattern on your skin. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments can stop the fungus from spreading to other parts of your body or to others.

What is ringworm?

You might be surprised to learn that a fungus — and not a worm — causes ringworm. Fungi thrive in warm and humid areas such as locker rooms and public showers. This common and contagious skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque (a type of scaly rash). It spreads easily and through close contact.

You get ringworm from contact with an infected person, animal or object. Ringworm goes by different names depending on which body part it affects. Ringworm on your body is called tinea corporis. This type of ringworm affects your arms, legs, torso and face. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication available either over the counter or as a prescription.

Types of ringworm

Ringworm has different names based on where it appears on your body — and it can appear just about anywhere. Ringworm infections include:

• Athlete’s foot: Also called tinea pedis, this fungal infection causes an itchy, burning skin rash between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Your skin may become scaly and cracked or develop blisters. Sometimes, your feet smell bad.
• Jock itch: Tinea cruris, or jock itch, causes a red, itchy rash in your groin, upper thighs or rectum. Some people get blisters.
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This causes scaly, red, itchy bald spots on your scalp. If left untreated, the bald spots can grow bigger and become permanent.
• Hands (tinea manuum): Signs of ringworm on your hands include dry, cracked palms and ring-like patches.
• Beard (tinea barbae): Ringworm appears on your neck, chin and cheeks. The patches might become crusted over or filled with pus.
• Toenails or fingernails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis): Nails become thick, discolored and deformed.

What does ringworm look like?

Ringworm typically begins as a flat, discolored patch, which may appear red in lighter complexions and brown in darker complexions. The patch has a ring-like or circular shape with a raised, scaly border.

Who gets ringworm?

Ringworm affects people of all ages. You’re more at risk for ringworm if you:

• Have a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disease like lupus.
• Participate in high-contact sports, such as wrestling (this ringworm is called tinea gladiatorum).
• Sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis).
• Use public locker rooms or public showers.
• Work closely with animals that might have ringworm.

How common is ringworm?

Ringworm is contagious and extremely common. It can affect 20% to 25% of the world’s population at any given time.

What are the signs of ringworm?

Signs typically appear between four and 14 days after your skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, including:

• Circular, ring-shaped scales or plaques.
• Flat patches with a raised, round border.
• Itchy skin.
• Hair loss or bald spots in the affected area.

What causes ringworm?

Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm. This type of fungus naturally lives on your skin, hair and nails. However, when their environment gets hot and damp, the fungi start growing uncontrollably. You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone else’s skin.

How contagious is ringworm?

Ringworm is contagious. It can live on your skin, on surfaces and in soil. The main ways ringworm spreads are:

• Skin-to-skin contact with a person who has ringworm.
• Contact with an infected dog, cat or animal (livestock or pets).
• Contact with a contaminated surface, such as a locker room floor or sweaty gym clothes.
• Sharing objects with an infected person or animal such as a brush, towel or bedding.
• Contaminated soil.

How is ringworm diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can diagnose ringworm by looking at your skin and assessing your symptoms. They may scrape the area to look at the skin cells under a microscope, too. Examining the scales typically confirms ringworm.

How is ringworm treated?

Several nonprescription (over-the-counter) and prescription antifungal medications are available to treat ringworm. Antifungals come in various forms like creams, gels or powders. Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication.

Antifungal creams and powders

Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. OTC products include:

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin® or Mycelex®).
• Miconazole (Desenex®).
• Terbinafine (Lamisil AT®).
• Tolnaftate (Tinactin®).

If your symptoms get worse or don’t clear after two weeks, you may need an oral prescription medication from your healthcare provider.

Oral medication

Your healthcare provider may write you a prescription for oral antifungal medication if you have ringworm on your scalp or on many parts of your body. Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months. Oral antifungal medications include:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan®).
• Griseofulvin (Griasctin®).
• Itraconazole (Sporanox®).
• Terbinafine (Lamisil®).

Antifungal shampoo

Antifungal shampoo, such as ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral A-D®), may stop scalp ringworm from spreading. It won’t cure it, but it may help contain the infection. You also need to take a prescribed oral antifungal medication. Unaffected family members may benefit from using the shampoo as well.

Home remedies for ringworm

Home remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree have little to no benefit. Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties but its effects aren’t well-known.

Your home may require treatment as well. The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months. Disinfectant sprays like Lysol® or bleach can remove the fungus. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading.

Steroid creams

Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm. In fact, they may worsen the infection.

What cures ringworm?

Mild cases of ringworm clear up within a few weeks. More serious infections may require treatment for six to 12 weeks.

Some other things you can do to promote healing:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry.
• Apply antifungal lotions, creams or ointments for the entire treatment period.
• Avoid touching the area and wash your hands before touching other areas of your body.

Does ringworm go away by itself?

Although ringworm can go away by itself, it’s not common. While ringworm is present on your skin, you’re still contagious to others.

How can I prevent ringworm?

Ringworm thrives in damp, warm areas. The fungus can live on towels, clothes, sheets and household surfaces for months. Preventing ringworm involves:

• Changing your socks and underwear daily or more frequently if they become damp or soiled.
• Showering immediately after contact sports or exercise.
• Wearing sandals or shower shoes at the pool and in public locker rooms and showers.
• Drying your skin thoroughly after showering, especially between your toes.
• Avoiding sharing towels, washcloths, sheets, clothes, combs or other personal hygiene items.
• Washing clothes, athletic gear, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent.
• Disinfecting surfaces with bleach or sprays like Lysol®.
• Treating pets for ringworm, if they’re infected.
• Washing hands thoroughly after contact with animals.

A weak immune system or living in a damp, warm climate increases your risk of a fungal infection.

Can ringworm come back?

Yes, ringworm can come back. Ringworm will go away if you treat it appropriately. Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan until the infection clears completely. If you stop treatment or treatment ends too soon, the infection can come back.

What are the complications of ringworm?

If you suspect you or your child has ringworm, don’t use anti-itch creams containing corticosteroids. These creams weaken your skin’s defenses. They can allow the infection to spread and cover larger sections of skin. On rare occasions, the ringworm fungus goes deeper into your skin, making it even harder to treat.

Scalp ringworm can lead to a painful inflammation called kerion. With kerion, you may develop crusty, pus-filled sores, often with hair loss and scarring.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your healthcare provider if the ringworm infection:

• Appears on your scalp.
• Looks infected (redness and swelling).
• Occurs during pregnancy.
• Spreads to other areas of your body.
• Doesn’t improve after using over-the-counter antifungal medication as directed.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You’re sure to have questions if you or your child develop ringworm. You might ask your healthcare provider:

• How did I get ringworm?
• How long is ringworm contagious?
• Should I (or my child) stay home from work/school until the ringworm infection is gone?
• What steps can I take to prevent ringworm from spreading to other parts of my body?
• What steps can I take to prevent ringworm from spreading to other people?
• What’s the best treatment for ringworm?
• Should I avoid any medications or treatments?
• What steps can I take to keep from getting ringworm again?
• How can I tell if my pet has ringworm?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Ringworm can be unpleasant, but antifungal medications will help you get rid of the fungus that causes ringworm. The treatment may take time, but it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan for as long as recommended. Ending treatment too soon can cause ringworm to return and make the infection harder to treat. Ask your provider about how you can keep ringworm from spreading to other parts of your body and to other people.

Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, is a highly contagious bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis. It often infects people who’ve recently taken antibiotics. Antibiotics that kill other bacteria in your gut but don’t kill C. diff allow it to quickly grow out of control. You have to take a different antibiotic to treat C. diff.

What is C. diff (Clostridioides difficile)?

C. diff is a nickname for a bacterium whose full name is Clostridioides difficile (klos-TRID-e-OY-dees dif-uh-SEEL). This bacterium can infect your colon (large intestine), causing diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Bacterial infections in your colon are common, and most aren’t serious. But C. diff infection can be more aggressive and harmful to your colon. C. difficile releases toxins that damage the cells in your intestinal lining. This causes inflammation in your intestinal lining and colon (colitis). Whether you have symptoms, and how severe they are, will depend on the extent of the damage from these toxins. When it’s severe, it can be life-threatening.

Clostridioides difficile is a newer name for Clostridium difficile.

How common is Clostridioides difficile infection?

C. diff infection (CDI) is a global health concern, although the exact rates of infection worldwide are unknown. In the U.S., 500,000 infections cause 15,000 deaths each year.

What are the symptoms of C. diff infection?

The most common symptom, and usually the first to appear, is watery diarrhea. A mild infection will cause diarrhea at least three times a day, often with some abdominal cramping.

As C. diff infection becomes more severe, diarrhea increases. It may occur as much as 10 to 15 times a day. You may notice traces of blood in your poop or other symptoms, like:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Swollen, distended abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Rapid heart rate

C. diff symptoms may resemble food poisoning or stomach flu at first. If you’re taking antibiotics, it’s possible to mistake C. diff diarrhea for a normal side effect of medication.

But sometimes, C. diff infections can occur without diarrhea.

What does C. diff poop look like?

C. diff diarrhea is typically mushy or porridge-like, but not completely liquid. Sometimes, it has a green tint, though other bacterial infections can also cause this. Occasionally, it contains blood, mucus or pus.

What does C. diff poop smell like?

Many people notice a distinctive odor with C. diff diarrhea. They describe it as unusually strong and oddly sweet. This smell may be because C. diff increases the levels of bile acids in your poop.

What causes C. diff infection?

A healthy immune system normally protects your gut from C. diff infection by keeping C. diff levels under control. If they grow out of control, it’s because something has affected the balance between “helpful” bacteria and “unhelpful” bacteria. Everyone has bacteria in their intestines. Helpful types of living bacteria help to keep other bacteria, like C. diff, in check.

The most common cause of C. diff infection is taking antibiotics. Using them upsets the balance between helpful and unhelpful bacteria in your gut microbiome, allowing C. diff to dominate and overgrow.

How does C. diff spread?

C. difficile reproduces by releasing spores. These spores can also spread on skin, surfaces and other items. This means if you touch something with the spores on it, and then eat or touch your mouth, you can get C.diff that way.

Why is C. diff so contagious?

Outside your body, C. diff turns into spores that are very hard to kill, both inside and outside of your intestines. They’re resistant to heat, acid and many antibiotics and disinfectants. They can also survive for months on surfaces.

Researchers estimate about 5% of the population has C. difficile in their colon without signs or symptoms of infection. You can have C. diff under control, but still carry and spread it to others.

Can you be around someone with C. diff?

Yes, you can be around someone with C. diff if you take precautions. To minimize the risk of spreading the infection, you should:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes
• Disinfect surfaces
• Use gloves, a face mask, a gown and other protective equipment

Who is at higher risk for developing C. diff?

Medical conditions that may reduce your defenses against C. diff infection include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, wear down your intestines over time. They destroy the mucosa in your intestinal lining, which affects your gut immunity.
• Weakened immune system. You may have reduced immunity in general, not just in your gut, if you have an immunodeficiency disorder or another chronic disease that affects your immune system — like cancer, HIV, kidney disease or diabetes. The same is true if you take immunosuppressants.

Other risk factors associated with C. diff infection include:

• Age. Being over 65 increases your risk of C. diff infection. This may be due to lower immunity, taking multiple medications or living in a hospital or personal care home. Infants also get C. diff more often.
• Hospitalization or correctional facilities. C. diff spreads easily in places that contain many people living together. Spores can live for months on common surfaces and spread from person to person through shared spaces like restrooms.

Sometimes, it isn’t clear what allowed C. diff to take over. While many factors can affect your gut immunity, it’s important to know that infection can occur even if you don’t have any known risk factors.

What complications can occur with C. diff infection?

Complications can occur with more severe infections. How severe your infection becomes will depend on several factors, including the strain of the bacteria you have and how strong your immune system is.

People who have more risk factors for getting a C. diff infection in the first place may be more at risk of a severe infection. They may also have repeat infections, which cause more damage over time.

Common complications include:

• Recurrent infection. As many as 20% of people will experience a relapse within two to eight weeks of completing treatment. As many as 40% will have another relapse after that.
• Dehydration and electrolyte losses. Losing fluids and electrolytes faster than you can replace them has dangerous side effects, including low blood volume, low blood pressure and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
• Pseudomembranous colitis. A severe type of colitis that can cause thick, scab-like plaques to form on the lining of your colon.

As toxic damage in your colon progresses, you may have further complications, including:

• Fluid leakage. Your colon may begin to leak fluids into your abdominal cavity (ascites), causing it to swell. You may also lose proteins from your colon, leading to low albumin — which can cause swelling, fatigue and other symptoms.
• Reactive arthritis. Severe infection may trigger reactive arthritis, which can cause inflammation, swelling and pain in your joints and other places in your body.
• Toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon is rare but serious. It happens when swelling from inflammation is so severe that it disables your colon. It can eventually lead to sepsis.

How is C. diff infection diagnosed?

If your healthcare provider suspects C. diff infection based on your symptoms, they’ll take a sample of your poop and send it to a lab. The lab will test it for C. diff toxins.

If you test positive, your healthcare provider may conduct further tests to find out how severe the infection is. These may include blood tests and imaging tests that look inside your colon.

What is the treatment for C. diff infection?

Treatment for C. diff infection is based on how severe it is. If you developed a C. diff infection while taking antibiotics, your provider might begin by simply stopping those medications.

For some people, this is enough. Their natural gut immunity returns and overcomes the infection. If this doesn’t happen, your provider will prescribe antibiotics that can stop C. diff.

Antibiotics to treat C. diff include:

• Metronidazole
• Vancomycin
• Fidaxomicin

If you have a mild infection, you’ll take the prescription home with you. Most people will start improving in a few days. If your infection is more severe, you might need to stay in the hospital.

In the hospital, your provider might give you antibiotics through an IV, along with fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, they might deliver medications directly into your colon as an enema.

Complicated C. diff infection

If you have severe complications, you might need intensive care. In rare cases, providers recommend emergency surgery to remove the source of the infection in your colon. This is called colectomy.

If you’ve recovered but you continue to have repeat infections after treatment, your options are:

• Repeat antibiotic therapy. Your provider may give you a different drug, or a longer prescription for the same drug. After antibiotics, your provider may recommend that you take probiotics to help restore your gut bacteria.
• Fecal microbiota transplant. When repeat antibiotic therapy fails, fecal transplantation has proved highly effective in preventing recurrent C. diff infection. Fecal transplantation involves transferring a poop sample from a healthy donor into a diseased colon. The sample will restore balance to your gut microbiome.

What precautions can help to prevent C. diff. from spreading?

Healthcare providers take special precautions when dealing with C. diff infection to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. You can follow their example to help keep others safe:

• Isolation. If you have the infection, it’s best to stay isolated in your own room. Anyone entering the room to care for you should wear disposable gloves and remove them after they leave. You should also avoid sharing toilets since the infection spreads through your poop. If you must share a toilet, disinfect the handle, seat and surrounding area with a bleach-based cleaner after use.
• Handwashing. Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water is especially important with C. diff, since hand sanitizer doesn’t affect it. It’s important for everyone you interact with.
• Disinfection. Many common disinfectants don’t work against C. diff, but products containing bleach can. It’s important to disinfect any surfaces you’ve touched, especially in the bathroom.
• Taking antibiotics as prescribed. Don’t take other people’s antibiotics or save antibiotics for later.

What can I expect if I have C. diff?

Most C. diff infections are mild and go away with treatment. But the circumstances that cause C. diff infection sometimes allow it to spread very quickly. C. diff infection can be sudden and severe.

If you have risk factors that make you more vulnerable to C. diff infection, you may be more likely to have a more severe infection or have repeat infections and need more extensive treatment.

Does C. diff. ever go away on its own?

It can go away on its own if your healthy gut bacteria return to defeat it. This is more likely if your intestinal flora is normally strong and you don’t have any long-term health factors that usually weaken it.

If you got the infection because you were taking antibiotics, it might go away after you stop taking them. But don’t wait too long for this to happen. If you don’t feel better in a few days, contact your provider.

Once you have C. diff, do you always have it?

It’s likely that some of the bacteria will survive after treatment, but you can have some without having an infection. As long as helpful gut bacteria also survive, they should help to control C. difficile.

If you have repeat infections, it’s because these other bacteria haven’t been restored yet. Repeat infections may be the original one relapsing, but they aren’t always. Sometimes, they’re new infections.

Will I have long-term problems after C. diff. infection?

The most common long-term problem is ongoing or repeat infection with C. difficile. This happens when your colon is having trouble recovering completely. Your colon may be slower to recover if:

• You had a more severe infection that did more damage to your intestinal lining
• You had to take antibiotics for a long time or had to take them for C. diff after taking others
• You have a long-term health condition that affects your intestines or immune system
• You’re older than 65

More rarely, some people develop autoimmune disorders after a severe infection. This means that their immune systems continue to act as though they have an infection even when they don’t anymore.

Autoimmune disorders that start after C. diff infection include post-infectious IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and reactive arthritis.

What questions should I ask my provider about C. diff infection?

You might want to ask:

• How serious is my infection?
• Am I at risk of complications?
• How will I know when C. diff is getting better?
• When should I call you? When should I go to the ER?
• Do I need a referral to a gastroenterologist?
• What are my options for treating repeat infections?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Clostridioides difficile is an ordinary bacterium, and it can live in your gut without doing harm. But when it starts taking over, it can be aggressive. You may feel worried about frequent diarrhea and how it’ll impact your life. Having a condition that affects your poop can be embarrassing to discuss. Don’t let these feelings stop you from seeking help.

Most people won’t have complications from C. diff, and it’ll go away quickly and completely. But it can become severe, especially if certain risk factors make you more vulnerable. It’s highly contagious and can be persistent, coming back again and again.

If you develop diarrhea after taking antibiotics, tell your healthcare provider. Don’t take anti-diarrhea medications, which won’t help and might make it worse. If you suspect you have C. diff, contact your provider right away.

A sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease) is a serious condition that can develop after you have sex. Common STI symptoms include itching and burning around your genital area. The good news is that most STI treatments can cure the infection, but not all types. You can get an STI again, even after treatment to cure it.

What is a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are infections or conditions that you can get from any kind of sexual activity involving your mouth, anus, vagina or penis. Another common name for STIs is sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. There are several types of STIs. The most common symptoms are burning, itching or discharge in your genital area. Some STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you may not have any symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infections are highly contagious. If you’re sexually active, you can have (and pass on) an STI without even knowing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular STI screenings or testing if you’re sexually active.

STIs are serious illnesses that need treatment. Some, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have no cure and can be life-threatening without treatment.

What is the difference between a sexually transmitted infection and a sexually transmitted disease?

A sexually transmitted infection is the same as a sexually transmitted disease. STI is the most accurate term to describe the condition.

What are the types of sexually transmitted infections?

The most common types of sexually transmitted infections include:

• Chlamydia.
• Genital herpes.
• Genital warts.
• Gonorrhea (clap).
• Hepatitis B.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Pubic lice (crabs).
• Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis (trick).
• Vaginitis.

How common are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections are common. More than 25 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the United States. Around the world, an estimated 374 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year. According to the CDC, there were approximately 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in the U.S. in 2021. About half of these cases occur in people ages 15 to 24.

What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections?

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) vary by type. You might not have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may appear around your genital region and could include:

• Bumps, sores or warts on or near your penis, vagina, mouth or anus.
• Swelling or severe itching near your penis or vagina.
• Discharge from your penis.
• Vaginal discharge that has a bad odor, causes irritation or is a different color or amount than usual.
• Vaginal bleeding that’s not your period.
• Painful sex.
• Painful urination or frequent urination.

In addition, you may also have symptoms throughout your body, including:

• A skin rash.
• Weight loss.
• Diarrhea.
• Night sweats.
• Aches, pains, fever and chills.
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes).

What causes sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections develop when various bacteria, viruses or parasites infect your body. You can get these microorganisms from bodily fluids (like blood, urine, semen, saliva and other mucous-lined areas) during sex — usually vaginal, oral and anal sex or other sexual activities.

Are sexually transmitted infections contagious?

Yes, sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) are contagious. Most STIs pass from person to person by sexual contact through bodily fluids or from skin-to-skin contact by touching the infected part of a person’s body, usually the genitals. Some STIs, like syphilis, can spread while giving birth to a baby.

If you have an STI, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider to receive treatment. Some STIs are curable. You can prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active, talking to your sexual partners about your diagnosis and using protection during sex.

What are the risk factors for sexually transmitted infections?

If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease).

You can also get an STI if you share personal items like needles that contain your blood. This may occur in the following instances:

• Unregulated tattoos.
• Unregulated piercings.
• Sharing needles while using intravenous drugs (substance use disorder).

A lack of communication due to stigma or shame about having an STI can put you and your partner(s) at a greater risk of spreading the infection. Before having sex, you should ask your partners the following questions:

• Do you have an active STI?
• When was your last STI test?
• Are you currently being treated for an STI?
• Do you consistently use protection with your sexual partners?

Asking these questions can help you protect yourself.

It’s common to feel strong emotions after an STI diagnosis. You might want to avoid telling your sexual partner because you feel embarrassed. Being open and honest with your sexual partners helps build trust and understanding. If you have an STI, you can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to your sexual partner(s) by talking it over with them before engaging in sexual activities.

What are the complications of sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections can cause lifelong complications if left untreated. Common complications from untreated STIs include the following:

• HIV can lead to AIDS.
• Syphilis can damage your organs, nervous system and infect a developing fetus.
• Risk of spreading STIs to your sexual partners.

STI complications for women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage your uterus and cause infertility.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Infertility.
• Chronic pelvic pain.

In men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB), untreated STIs can lead to:

• Infections in the urethra and prostate.
• Swollen, sore testicles.
• Infertility.

How are sexually transmitted infections diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease) after a physical exam and testing. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and your medical and sexual history — answer honestly, so you can get the help you need. After a positive STI diagnosis, you need to notify your sexual partner(s) that they should also get tested. This can be a very emotional process, but telling your partners can help them get the care they need and prevent the spread of the infection.

What is STI testing?

A sexually transmitted infection test is a medical test to determine if you have an STI. A healthcare provider will review your symptoms and offer a test or tests to determine the cause. There are different tests for each type of STI. Your provider will talk to you about what test(s) you need. STI testing could include:

• Urine test.
• Cheek swab.
• Blood test.
• A fluid sample from skin sores.
• A discharge or cell sample from your body (usually the vagina, urethra, cervix, penis, anus or throat).

STI testing is mostly painless. You might feel a small pinch during a blood test or a sting from a swab touching a sore.

How often should I get tested for STIs?

Most healthcare providers recommend annual sexually transmitted infection testing. You may choose to get tested more often, like every 3 to 6 months, if you have multiple sexual partners. Some providers recommend testing before having sex with a new partner. Regular testing helps find and treat STIs you may not even know you have. Talk to a healthcare provider about a testing schedule that makes sense for you.

How are sexually transmitted infections treated?

The goal of sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease) treatment is to:

• Cure many (not all) STIs.
• Lessen your symptoms.
• Reduce your likelihood of spreading the infection.
• Help you get healthy and stay healthy.

Treatment for STIs could include taking medications like:

• Antibiotics.
• Antivirals.

You can take these medicines orally (by mouth), or a provider will give you an injection.

Should I get the HPV vaccine?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral STI in the U.S. People with HPV may have no symptoms, or they may develop warts or bumps around the genitals. High-risk HPV can even cause cervical cancer.

There’s a vaccine to prevent HPV and genital warts. Healthcare providers advise children ages 11 to 12 to receive it because it’s most effective before you become sexually active. Providers recommend the vaccine for everyone up to age 26, and updated information shows people up to the age of 45 years may benefit from the HPV vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.

What is expedited partner therapy?

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is where your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for your partner without examining them when you’re diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Typically the healthcare provider would wait to examine your partner before providing a prescription. But the logical assumption is that if you have one of these STIs, then your partner probably does, as well. This prevents reinfection and stops additional transmission as soon as possible.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

If your provider gave you antibiotics or antivirals to treat a sexually transmitted infection, you should start feeling better within a few days. Make sure to complete all the medicine as directed, even if you’re feeling better. And never share medicines — don’t give your medicine to others, and don’t take someone else’s medication for your symptoms.

How can I lower my risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection?

The only way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections is to abstain from sex (not have sex). If you’re sexually active, you can:

• Use a latex condom whenever you have any kind of sex. If you or your partner has a vagina, use a dental dam for oral sex.
• Choose sex partners carefully. Don’t have sex if you suspect your partner has an STI.
• Get checked for STIs regularly. Doing so helps prevent the spread of STIs to other people. Ask any new sex partner to get tested before having sex for the first time.
• Avoid alcohol or drugs before having sex. People who are under the influence may engage in sexual activities without taking safety precautions.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of STIs. If you notice symptoms, visit a healthcare provider quickly.
• Educate yourself about STIs. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your partners.

Can the spread of sexually transmitted infections be prevented?

You can take steps to protect yourself and others from sexually transmitted infections:

• If you have symptoms of an STI, don’t have sex until you see a healthcare provider and receive treatment. You can resume sex when your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment.
• Return to your healthcare provider to get rechecked after completing treatment.
• Be sure your partner(s) know about your positive diagnosis and also receive treatment.
• Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.
• Get vaccinated for certain STIs (HPV) to prevent complications.

What can I expect if I have a sexually transmitted infection?

Most STIs go away after treatment. Some may require lifelong management with medications. You can develop the same STI after it goes away if you get infected with it again.

People who get an STI diagnosis may feel embarrassed or ashamed. But STIs can happen to anyone — millions of people have them. Statistics show that most people will get an STI at least once. If you’re experiencing anxiety or stress about your STI diagnosis, consider reaching out to a friend, loved one or mental health professional for support.

What if I have an STI and I’m pregnant?

If you’re pregnant and have an STI, talk to your healthcare provider right away. They’ll discuss treatment options to keep you and the fetus safe.

What’s the outlook for sexually transmitted infections?

Many sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) can be cured. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for all STIs. Conditions like HIV require lifelong care and treatment. You can get an STI again, even after treatment to cure it.

How do I take care of myself if I have a sexually transmitted infection?

If your healthcare provider gave you a sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, take steps to keep yourself healthy:

• Take all of the medication your provider prescribed as instructed.
• Don’t have sex while you’re getting STI treatment. Wait until your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear.
• Let your sexual partners know you have an STI so that they can talk to their healthcare provider about testing and treatment.
• When you resume having sex, use a condom. If you or your partner has a vagina, be sure to use a dental dam while having oral sex.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if you notice that you or your partner has symptoms of an STI. You should also regularly visit a healthcare provider for annual or more frequent STI testing if you’re sexually active.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you’re sexually active or you’ve had an STI, ask your healthcare provider:

• How can I prevent STIs?
• Will the STI cause any complications or problems in the future?
• Should I get checked regularly for STIs?
• Should my partners get checked?
• What type of treatment do I need?
• When will the STI go away?
• Are there side effects of the treatment?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Sexually transmitted infections are common. If you feel uncomfortable burning or itching around your genitals or other signs of a possible STI, talk to a healthcare provider. Antibiotics can usually treat the infection successfully. Most of the time, you can cure an STI without long-term complications. In some instances, like with HIV, you may need lifelong treatment. Using a condom or other STI preventative measures when you’re sexually active can reduce your risk of STIs.

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:

• Urethra (urethritis).
• Kidneys (pyelonephritis).
• Bladder (cystitis).

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:

• Pain in your flank, abdomen, pelvic area or lower back.
• Pressure in the lower part of your pelvis.
• Cloudy, foul-smelling pee.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Frequent urination.
• Urge incontinence.
• Pain when you pee (dysuria).
• Blood in your pee (hematuria).

Other UTI-associated symptoms may include:

• Pain in your penis.
• Feeling extremely tired (fatigue).
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Mental changes or confusion.

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:

• Nitrofurantoin.
• Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs), such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.
• Amoxicillin.
• Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin.
• Doxycycline.
• Fosfomycin.
• Quinolones, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.

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 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:

• Bloodstream infections.
• Prostatitis (prostate infection).
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis).
• Wound infections.
• Pneumonia (rare).
• Meningitis (rare).

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:

• Newborns and young children.
• People over the age of 65.
• People who have weakened immune systems (for example, those with HIV or cancer or who take immunosuppressive medications).
• People with diabetes.
• People with ulcerative colitis.

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:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).
• Ciprofloxacin.
• Rifaximin.
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).
• Nitrofurantoin.

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, 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:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody).
• Fever.
• Stomach pains or cramps.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headache.

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:

• Ciprofloxacin.
• Ceftriaxone.
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).
• Azithromycin.

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.