4.2 Describe the causes and spread of infection

Course- Level 3 diploma in care (RQF)

Unit 8 – Promote Health, Safety, and Well-being in Care Settings

L.O 4 – Reduce the spread of the disease

4.2 Describe the causes and spread of infection

Infection is the invasion of an organism’s body tissues by disease-causing microorganisms, usually bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection may cause minor problems such as a skin infection, or it may cause a life-threatening illness.

Infection can spread through contact with an infected person, animal, or object. It can also be spread through the air or by water. The most common way to prevent infection is to keep clean and to practice good hygiene.

The most common way for infection to spread is through the skin. When the skin is broken, it provides a path for germs to enter and infect another part of the body or even another person. The most common types of infections caused by bacteria entering through the skin are:

1. Skin infections caused by staph bacteria (MRSA). These include boils, impetigo, and cellulitis. These are often treated with antibiotics or other medications that kill the germs that cause them.

2. Skin infections caused by strep bacteria (scarlet fever & strep throat). In this case, a person with a strep skin infection will have a sore throat and fever, along with a rash on the chest, stomach, and back. This type is also treated with antibiotics.

The most common way for infection to spread is through the air. An example of this is pneumonia caused by the pneumococcus bacterium.

Infection can spread through contact with an infected person, animal, or object.

1. An insect bite is a common way for some types of infections to spread. Insect bites can spread West Nile Virus and mosquitoes are the most common disease carrier for this virus; many people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not experience any symptoms at all, but some will develop a fever and a headache.

2. An animal bite is another common way that some infections spread. Animal bites can carry viruses such as rabies, which affects the nervous system and causes a large number of potentially life-threatening complications if not treated quickly. If you have been bitten by an animal, seek medical attention immediately as it is possible to get a rabies vaccine after being bitten, but only if treatment is begun before symptoms develop.

Many times people can get infected by touching an object that has germs on it and then touching their mouth or nose. For example, a person may get infected by:

1. Handling raw meat and not washing his/her hands

2. Touching a doorknob and then touching his/her eyes

3. Drinking from a public water fountain that was contaminated with germs

4. Reading a book at the library that has been exposed to germs

5. Using a toy that an infected child has put into his mouth or nose

6. Playing on a playground where someone with a cold has been recently.

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