Nearly everyone has experienced getting a cut or wound at some point in their lives. It's an injury in which either an external or internal tissue, mostly the skin that ruptures. These injuries can be body scratches, small cuts, burns, pressure sores, lacerations, etc. Wounds can also be surgical like a cut during an operation or traumatic from any accident, fights, bites, falls, or a weapon. Generally, minor damages are non-life-threatening and, with proper care, can be easily treated … [Read more...] about How to Tell if My Wound Is Infected
Bacterial Infection
Is My Rash A Concern?
Nobody wants a rash. They’re unsightly and can be irritating, but they can also be a sign of something deeper and scarier going on. Determining the cause of your rash is the quickest way to decide whether or not you need to see a doctor. Rashes of All Kinds A rash is often a sign that your skin came into contact with an allergen or other skin irritant. A rash is a visible notice that our skin or in some cases our entire body is reacting to negative stimuli. While it might be hard to … [Read more...] about Is My Rash A Concern?
Strep: Group A and Group B Infection
Children often come down with sore throats commonly caused by colds, viruses and, environmental factors such as smoke, dust in the air, and plant allergens. The concern is when a sore throat involves Strep, which is different and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. The throat infection is caused by bacteria named Group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is contagious and most often affects children younger than 16. It is most common in winter and spring, according to Centers for … [Read more...] about Strep: Group A and Group B Infection
Respiratory Infections
When is a Respiratory Infection an Emergency? As the world devotes rapt attention with COVID-19, it is important to know what a respiratory infection is and when it is an emergency. The symptoms can be very much like COVID-19 and knowing the differences in symptoms is critical. Risks of Transmission for Respiratory Infections The common cold is the most common cause of doctor visits in the United States. URIs (Upper Respiratory Infections) spread from one person to another through … [Read more...] about Respiratory Infections
Prenatal Infection Prevention
Ways to Prevent Disease and Infection Before and During Pregnancy International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month happens each February and is a worldwide observance to promote awareness of infections transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or during the delivery process. Prenatal infection prevention is essential for the wellbeing of the infant and the protection of the mother. (US Dept. of Health 2013) The incidence of prenatal infection depends on the causative agent; … [Read more...] about Prenatal Infection Prevention
Cellulitis Symptoms & Treatment
Cellulitis is a fairly common but potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Your skin begins to appear red and swollen and is accompanied by pain. Your skin also tends to feel warm to the touch. It can occur on any part of the body. When a crack or break in your skin occurs the bacteria responsible for cellulitis has the potential to enter. It can spread to your lymph nodes and enter your bloodstream, thus becoming life-threatening if left untreated. Signs and symptoms Redness of … [Read more...] about Cellulitis Symptoms & Treatment
Flood Cleanup and Tetanus Risk
Many health concerns have been raised following the devastating floods that hurricane Harvey brought to Texas. Civilians and first responders have been wading through debris ridden flood waters which increase the possibility of disaster-related injuries. Due to the contaminated flood water, the risk of exposure to higher levels of bacteria that is normal is increased. Because of these conditions, questions have been raised about the increased risk of contracting tetanus from … [Read more...] about Flood Cleanup and Tetanus Risk
Causes of Meningitis
Most of us have heard of meningitis, but what most of us are not aware of is that there are actually many causes of meningitis. Meningitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually cause by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by many different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and … [Read more...] about Causes of Meningitis
Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?
We have all been sick with a viral illness at one time or another in our lives. As a matter of fact, viruses are one of the most common causes of fever in children. So you may be wondering exactly what a virus is. It is a molecule with genetic material, it can only replicate inside of the living cells of other organism. The virus’s genetic material takes control of the host cell and forces it to reproduce. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, including plants, … [Read more...] about Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?
