A disease-causing organism, such as a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite, enters your body and causes an infection.
Infection can happen in a variety of ways, including by coming into contact with an infected person directly, drinking contaminated water or food, or even being bitten by an insect.
Types
Viral infections
In their most basic form, viruses are made up of a piece of genetic material encased in a protein shell, though some viruses may also have an additional envelope or other features on their surface. Viruses are extremely small infectious organisms that are even smaller than bacteria.
In order to complete their life cycle, viruses must enter a host cell where they can use the cell’s resources to reproduce. When this happens, new viruses are released from the host cell, which can occasionally result in the host cell’s demise.
Viral infections can take the following forms:
- influenza (the flu)
- common cold
- measles
- rubella
- chickenpox
- norovirus
- polio
- infectious mononucleosis (mono)
- herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- human papillomavirus (HPV)
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis that is contagious and caused by viruses
- viral meningitis
- West Nile Virus
- rabies
- ebola
Bacterial infections
Single-celled microorganisms known as bacteria come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and are incredibly diverse.
Some bacteria can withstand extreme temperatures or even radiation exposure and can be found in or on our bodies, soil, bodies of water, and many other environmentsTrusted Source.
In fact, the bacteria in our digestive tract can aid in the process of food digestion, despite the fact that there are many bacteria in and on our bodies.
A bacterial infection, on the other hand, can occasionally enter our bodies and result in:
- strep throat
- coliform bacteria frequently cause bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- food poisoning from bacteria, frequently brought on byE. coli,Salmonella, orShigella
- cellulitis caused by bacteria, such asStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA)
- bacterial vaginosis
- gonorrhea
- chlamydia
- syphilis
- Clostridium difficile
- tuberculosis
- whooping cough
- pneumococcal pneumonia
- bacterial meningitis
- Lyme disease
- cholera
- botulism
- tetanus
- anthrax
Fungal infections
Yeasts and molds are just two examples of the diverse group of organisms known as fungi, which can also be found in the environment, on or in our bodies, and indoors in moist places like bathrooms.
When you notice mold on your bathroom tile, for example, you may be able to see fungi because they are visible to the naked eye in some cases but not in others.
Though not all fungi can cause illness, certain fungi can cause infections, such as:
- vaginal yeast infections
- ringworm
- athlete’s foot
- thrush
- aspergillosis
- histoplasmosis
- Cryptococcusinfection
- fungalmeningitis
Parasitic infections
There are three different kinds of parasites that can harm humans: parasites that live on or inside hosts and eat the hosts or take up their nutrients.
- Protozoa:small, one-celled organisms
- Helminths:larger, worm-like organisms
- Ectoparasites:lice, ticks, and other parasitic organisms
The following are some instances of parasite-related infections:
- malaria
- toxoplasmosis
- trichomoniasis
- giardiasis
- tapeworm infection
- roundworm infection
- pubic and head lice
- scabies
- leishmaniasis
- river blindness
Symptoms of infection
Depending on the type of infection you have, the signs and symptoms can change. Here are some typical signs and symptoms that may be an infection:
- fever or chills
- body aches and pains
- feeling tired or fatigued
- coughing or sneezing
- diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress
Causes of infection transmission
Direct contact
Some infections, but not all, can be spread through physical contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual activity, with someone who has an infection.
In some cases, infections can also be spread through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, such as:
- blood
- nasal secretions
- saliva
- semen
- vaginal secretions
Final point: During childbirth or through the placenta, some infections can be transferred directly from an infected mother to her child.
Indirect contact
Your environment may contain some contagious organisms, which you may come into contact with and infect yourself with.
Influenza virus can spread through the air or onto surfaces like door and faucet handles when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, for instance; if you touch one of these surfaces and then touch your face, mouth, or nose, you could contract the illness.
Through contaminated food or water
You can catch these infections by eating things like: In some cases, food or water may be contaminated with contagious organisms.
- unhygienic food preparation or preparation
- foods like produce, meats, and seafood that are raw or undercooked
- improperly canned foods
- unpasteurized milks or juices
- foods that have been incorrectly chilled or stored
From an infected animal
The rabies virus is one example of an infection that can be transferred to humans from an infected animal through a bite.
Another illustration is the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis, which can be contracted by cleaning a cat’s infected litter box.
From a bug bite
There are many different kinds of biting bugs, such as ticks, mosquitoes, and lice, and in some cases, if a bug carrying an infectious microorganism bites you, you could contract an infection like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, or malaria.
ALL INFECTIONS ARE DIFFERENT
It’s always important to take the specific infection into account when discussing transmission because not all infections are spread in the same way. For example, one infection may be spread by infected blood, while another may be spread by an insect bite.
Identifying an infection
Based on these symptoms, your medical history, and a physical examination, your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis of some infections.
Some bacterial and viral infections, for instance, can present with symptoms that are very similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the two types of organisms that might be causing your condition.
Depending on the nature of your illness and the type of organism suspected, your doctor may take a sample from your body to be tested in a laboratory when it’s unclear what’s causing your infection.
- blood
- urine
- stool
- nasal or throat
- sputum
- cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Preventing infection
Keep in mind the following advice as you take one of the many steps available to you to stop the spread of infections:
- Practice good hand hygiene.Always wash your hands after using the restroom, before touching your face or mouth, and especially before handling or eating food.
- Get vaccinated.Measles, whooping cough, and hepatitis B are just a few of the infections that can be avoided by receiving the appropriate vaccinations.
- Avoid sharing personal items.These consist of razor blades, toothbrushes, and drinking glasses.
Practice safe sex.
Cover cuts or scrapes.Avoid picking or scratching them as this can reduce the likelihood that they will contract an infection.Use insect repellents or sprays.You can stay away from ticks and mosquito bites with the aid of these products.Be careful with food.Make sure to always heat food to the right temperature before eating and to prepare it in a sanitary manner.Avoid wild animalsA doctor should be consulted if an animal bit you.Know before you go.Be aware of any infections that are widespread in the area where you’ll be staying if you’re traveling; some of them may even be preventable with vaccines.Cover your mouth when you cough.If you have a cold, cough into the crook of your elbow rather than your hand, and remember to throw away all used tissues properly.Stay home if you’re sick.Ask your doctor when you can go back to work or school, as this can help you avoid spreading an infection.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMEN
One of the most well-known holistic medical systems is homeopathy, which bases treatment decisions on the theory of individualization and symptom similarity.:
Comments are closed.