Serious Bacterial Infection

Serious Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are some of the most common infections humans face. While some of them are relatively harmless, some can be very serious, potentially even life-threatening. The symptoms of a serious bacterial infection might include fever, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, confusion, and chest pain. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if these symptoms present themselves.

Types of Serious Bacterial Infections

There are many types of serious bacterial infections. Some of these include:

• Strep throat and scarlet fever
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Whooping cough
• Tuberculosis
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• MRSA
• Gonorrhea

Treatments

Treating serious bacterial infections begins with diagnosing the infection. There are a variety of tests that can be done to diagnose the infection and determine which type of bacteria is causing it. Treatment involves taking antibiotics to fight the infection. Depending on the type of bacteria and the severity of the infection, the doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics, such as penicillin, or intravenous antibiotics, which will be administered through an IV.

Prevention

The best prevention for serious bacterial infections is proper hygiene. Washing hands regularly, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, is key. Avoiding contact with infected individuals is also important to reduce the risk. Vaccines are available to protect against some of the more serious bacterial infections, such as whooping cough, meningitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Vaccines can help reduce the incidence of serious bacterial infection.