Beginner’s Guide: All You Need to Know About Infections
Infections are among the leading causes of visits to our emergency room in Houston. In America alone, infections account for up to 3.7 million visits to the emergency rooms annually. Ideally, most infections are preventable through the use of vaccines, which are available at Heights emergency center.
What Exactly Is an Infection?
Infection usually takes place when a foreign microorganism enters your body and causes you harm. These microorganisms depend on your body for survival and reproduction, and may even try to colonize your cells.
These pathogens (microorganisms) typically multiply very fast. The pathogens include:
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Parasites
They are usually transmitted in several different ways, including:
- Contact with feces
- The transfer of bodily fluids
- Skin contact
- Inhaling airborne droplets
- Touching an object that an infected person has touched
- Eating contaminated food
Types of Infection
How an infection spreads and the subsequent effects are dependent on the type of pathogen. The immune system is designed to fight off these pathogens. However, there are times when you will need medical help from our 24-hour emergency clinic near you.
The different types of infections that can land you in our freestanding ER near you are:
- Viral Infections – which are caused by viruses
- Bacterial infections – which are caused by two main types of bacteria: the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
- Fungal infections – which are caused by fungi
- Parasitic infections – which are caused by protozoa, helminths, or ectoparasites
Difference Between Bacteria and Viral Infection
Viruses and bacteria can cause a plethora of infections that can easily land you in our ER near you.
Bacteria can live in almost any environment, including the human body. They can live and multiply on their own.
On the other hand, viruses are smaller than bacteria and are parasitic. Meaning they need the cells of your body to grow and multiply. Other viruses will even kill your cells as part of their life cycle.
What Is the Best Emergency Treatment for an Infection?
The treatment that you will receive will depend on the type of infection. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics in our emergency room near you. When given antibiotics, finish the entire dose even though you are feeling better to prevent bacterial resistance.
Viruses don’t respond to antibiotics, but we use antiviral medications in Heights emergency center. You will also need plenty of rest and fluids to aid with alleviating the symptoms.
Our doctors in our Heights emergency center are dedicated to treating all types of infections. You can contact us today if you need medical assistance.