There are more than enough bacterial infections to go around. Most people experience at least one infection or bacterial disease in their lifetime. They are by no means any fun, and can actually be life threatening in some cases. It is important to know how a bacterial infection can harm you and what bodily systems can be affected. It may mean the difference between a healthy, happy life and one filled with pain, or even death.
Types of Bacterial Infections
There are several types of bacterial infections and can attack most of the body’s systems.
- The respiratory system can become infected with bacteria that can cause pneumonia.
- The digestive system can be fouled up by food poisoning.
- The infections that can attack the urinary tract are nothing to sneeze at, and can be very uncomfortable and cause severe pain.
- A parent’s worst nightmare is the deadly infection bacterial meningitis, which attacks the nervous system.
- In the blood, these tiny unicellular organisms can cause sepsis.
It is important to know which bacterial infections are most common and how you can avoid them.
Bacterial Infections in Women
One of the most common infections is found in women of all ages is bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms are unmistakable and can cause great discomfort.
If you are a woman and you are experiencing a foul, fishy smelling discharge, along with burning and/or itching, then you probably have what is commonly referred to as a yeast infection. This happens when E coli bacteria from the anus infects the vaginal canal.
In a healthy vagina, there are always some bacteria present. This helpful bacterium is called lactobacilli. It is a product of eating yogurt and is found in the digestive system. Lactobacilli need to be present to help balance a woman’s system. Fortunately, an infection of bacterial vaginosis can be cleared up with Cleocin 2% and/or antibiotics that kill bacteria.
Bacterial infections can be quite deadly if not taken seriously. An E coli infection is nothing to play around with, especially if it is E coli 0157. This particularly nasty strain has been responsible for many deaths over time. In 2006, there was an outbreak of E coli bacteria found in contaminated spinach. Thankfully, no one died, but over two hundred and forty people became ill and will probably never forget being so sick.
Bacterial Infections are Contagious
Sometimes not becoming infected is not an option. People with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to bacterial infections, but with a little precaution, they too can minimize their risks.
Washing your hands with soap and hot water for three minutes, each time and avoiding contact with anybody who has these infections are two simple steps you can take to minimize the exposure risk.
While bacterial infections are going to occur sometime in your life, you can take steps to avoid another infection by being informed about the different types. It could definitely pay off in the long run because you do not want to put your health at risk. One bout of food poisoning will convince you that bacterial infections can be quite deadly and painful.