Hello again guys, today I am going to spend time talking about those wounds that get yucky, crusty and just generally nasty looking along with other types of infections. We are going to take a look at the different types of infections, what causes them, how to get rid of them, and what we can do to prevent them from coming back. This is a pretty serious issue, as I am sure we all are aware they are many types of infections out there, some that effect the outside of the body such as open wounds and sores, to the ones that effect the inside of the body such as the sinus's, heart and brain. While a lot of these infections need a lab to diagnose this is just a general guide to types of infections, their signs and symptoms, and causes. So why dont we dive into this one and head into it. We know that most infections are caused by a bacteria of some sort, however, some virus's can also lead to an infection as well. We will cover all of these infection more in depth in future blogs, this is just a basic introduction to them.
Staphylococcus, also known as Staph, is actually a bacteria that can be found normally on the outside of the body, but can be quite a problem just the same. This is a common source of infection in wounds, and the skin, but can also be the cause of many infections. It has the ability to affect any organ in the human body, there are different strains of staph. We will go more into depth on the different strains and types on later blogs, where this is just a general overview. Typically, Staph first infects the skin, and structures in the skin, such as cuts, scrapes and abrasions. Now keep in mind, you don't need a wound for a Staph infection, because it can also infect hair follicles, and sweat glands. Signs and symptoms vary greatly depending on the location of the infection, and we will cover them more in depth in a later blog, simply because of this being a general introduction. Some common signs and symptoms are red, swollen and tender at the area of infection for cuts and abrasions. Boils for hair follicles and sweat glands. There are two forms of treatment for a staph infection, surgical and antibiotic treatments. There are any number of antibiotics that will treat this type of infection as well, so we will get more in depth in a later blog for this. Also, MRSA is a type of staph infection, known as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is immune to most antibiotics used to treat a staph infection.
Now we are going to talk about a rare, but serious infection known as Nectrotizing Fasciitis. This is more commonly known as the Flesh Eating Bacteria. This is a very serious infection and 1 out of 4 patients who become infected with it, usually do not survive. People at a higher risk of this infection are those with any cuts on their body, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, a weak immune system or those on steroids. This infection is caused by several bacteria as well, including the same bacteria that cause strep throat, which cause a mild infection usually, but can be more severe. While you normally obtain this infection from open wounds it is important to note that you can also get it from wounds that come in contact with ocean water, raw salt water fish and raw oyster. Even a wound from handling an water based animal such as a crab can cause this infection. Any intestinal trauma can lead to this infection as well, such as surgery, or a gun shot wound. A muscle strain or bruise as well can lead to a case of this infection, even if there is no damage to the skin. It can be passed person to person by close contact. The symptoms often start suddenly after an injury, and may get better with in 24 to 36 hours and get worse again. If that happens you need immediate medical attention. The pain may also be worse than you would normally expect for the size of the wound. You may have red, swollen skin that is hot to the touch, a fever with chills, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. This infection spreads rapidly after onset and will destroy skin, muscle and fat. Early treatment is very important with this infection. It usually requires both surgery and antibiotic treatment. We will cover this more in depth in a later blog as well.
Norovirus, is an infection that can cause many problems in a disaster or survival situation. This infection is know by many other names as well. It is usually a short lived infection, lasting only around 2 days normally. The cause of the norovirus infection, is well, the Norovirus. It is a stomach infection for a lack of better words and is ususally known as the Stomach Flu. Most infections come from places where people are grouped close together such as ships, hospitals, and shelters. It is transmitted by person to person contact along with contaminated food and water supplies. The signs and symptoms include, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort or cramping that develop rapidly. You may expierence a low grade fever, below 101.0, headache, weakness and loss of taste. This is known as a self limiting infection, lasting normally 2 to three days. However in a survival or disaster situation, those two to three days can lead to dehydration.
Tetanus, or Lock Jaw, is infection we all get a shot for every 10 years. This infection mainly effects the muscles of the body causing severe and uncontrollable spasms of the muscles. The bacteria that causes this is found easily in the environment in soil, dust and animal wastes. Something simple as getting a splinter or stepping on a rusted nail can introduce the bacteria into the body. However, other open wounds and burns can also allow the bacteria into the body. There are four types of this infection, which are based on the problems that are found in the infected person. The most common signs and symptoms are the muscle spasms and rigidity, however the list is rather extensive and we will cover it more in depth later. Since the mid 1990's there have only been 40 to 50 cases due to the vaccine and wound care. By ensuring that you keep your tetanus shot up to date, you can greatly limit your chances of this infection.
Well, this has been a rather long blog, so I think we will wrap it up with these four infections for now. Again, stay tuned as we cover these and more infections in depth later in the blog. Remember, stay stay and until next time..
Country Boy
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