Types of infection

The following are the different types of pathogenic organisms (agents) that cause infection-

• Bacteria
• Virus
• Fungi
• Protozoa
• Parasites
• Prions

Bacterial Infection-

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms called prokaryotes. Bacteria can live in most environments, such as extremes of heat and cold. Some bacteria can even survive on radioactive waste. The following are some examples of bacterial infections-

• Food poisoning
• Eye infections
• Pneumoniae
• Skin infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Bacterial meningitis
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Tuberculosis
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Stomach inflammation (gastritis)
• Sinus
• Urine infection

Viral infection-

Viral infections are caused by viruses. Viruses can remain dormant for a long time before multiplying, making it appear that a person is healthy, but if the virus becomes active again, he can become ill. The following are some examples of viral infections -

• Gastroenteritis
• Zika virus
• HIV
• Common cold
• Encephalitis and Meningitis Dengue
• Swine flu
• Ebola warts and skin infections
• Hepatitis C
• Polio
• Influenza

Fungal infection-

Fungi are mostly multicellular parasites. There are some good bacteria in the body that maintain the balance of microorganisms in the body parts. If these good bacteria are destroyed, then fungus starts growing in the body and health problems can occur. The following are some examples of fungal infections -

• Athlete's foot
• Shingles
• Certain eye infections

Symptoms of infection

Each disease caused by infection has different symptoms. Some of its common symptoms are as follows -

• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Fever
• Diarrhea

Problems caused by infection

Problems caused by infection occur in the following ways -

Fungi-

Diseases such as ringworm and "athlete's foot" are caused by fungi. Some other types of fungi can affect your lungs and nervous system.

Bacteria-

Bacteria cause infections such as sore throats, urine infections, and tuberculosis.

Virus-

Viruses are smaller than bacteria but can cause infections ranging from the common cold to AIDS.

Parasites-

Malaria is caused by small parasites, which are transmitted through mosquito bites. Other types of parasites can also be spread through contact with animal feces.

Risk factors for contracting infection

Anyone can get an infection, but if your immune system is not working properly, you are at a higher risk of getting an infection. Along with this, following are more at risk for catching infections-

• You don't get enough sleep.
• You have cancers that directly affect the bones, such as "leukemia" and "lymphoma."
• You have had or are undergoing chemotherapy.
• You are taking steroids or medicines that block the function of your immune system.
• You have HIV or AIDS.
• You have certain types of cancer or a disorder that affects your immune system.
• You are too old.
• You have sugar.
• "Radiation therapy" has been used on large parts of your body or on the pelvis, legs, chest, and abdomen.
• Medical devices inserted into the body.
• You have malnutrition.

Prevention measures for infections

• You can take the following measures to avoid infection –
• Take a good and balanced diet.
• Do not eat raw food or unwashed vegetables.
• Wear gloves when doing household chores, especially cleaning.
• Do not come into contact with animal feces and urine.
• If you are sick, stay at home.
• Brush your teeth and gums with a gentle brush.
• Use a mouthwash if your doctor or dentist recommends it.
• Do not eat raw milk and its products.
• Get yourself tested for sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and hepatitis B, and protect yourself from them by using a condom.
• If you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, don't go to work, and don't send your child to school if they have these symptoms.
• Do not come into contact with sick people.
• Do not share food, utensils, toothbrushes, or makeup items.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially after coming from the bathroom and before eating.
• Take a bath every day.
• Apply lotion to prevent cracking and drying of the skin.
• Be careful when using sharp objects like scissors and knives.
• Vaccines are available for most diseases, so ask your doctor about giving your child these vaccines.
• Get enough rest.

Treatment methods of Infections

Your doctor chooses the right treatment after knowing the type of germ causing the infection. The treatment methods are as follows -

Antifungals-

Antifungal medications are used to treat skin and nail infections. Oral antifungal medications can be used to treat the lungs and mucous membranes. Intravenous antifungal drugs are used to treat severe infections of internal organs.

Anti-parasitics-

Some diseases, such as malaria, are caused by tiny parasites. Medicines are available to cure infections caused by these parasites, but they are not effective on some parasites.

Antibiotics-

If the type of bacteria causing the infection is known, it becomes easier to treat. Sometimes it becomes difficult to find out which germ is causing the infection. Just as some types of pneumonia are caused by viruses, some are caused by bacteria.

Antivirals-

Antiviral drugs have been created to treat certain viruses, such as HIV/AIDS, herpes, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza. Many diseases, like colds, get cured on their own. And drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies prevent infection, such as gooseberry, garlic, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. Therefore, these can be included in your diet.

When to see a doctor?

See your doctor immediately in the following circumstances-

• Rash and swelling.
• Prolonged fever without any reason.
• Cough that lasts more than a week.
• A fever with a severe headache.
• Sudden vision problems.
• Breathing difficulties.