How you can properly Identify a Sign of Infection.

Infection cases in the United States are increasing due to the pandemic. Knowing the signs of infection is important in order to seek medical attention promptly and ensure you are on top of your own health. The sign of Infection can vary depending on what type of infection you may have. In this article, we will share the common types of infections, how to identify them and when to seek care from iCare Argyle Urgent Care.

What is an infection?

An infection is a bacterial or virus that can cause symptoms and signs. Infections can be hard to identify as they often mimic common colds, flu, and other illnesses. Quite simply an infection is when an organism, in this case, a virus or bacteria, invades the body and multiplies. Infections can cause mild signs to serious illnesses and conditions such as sepsis or pneumonia that could lead to death.

Common types of infections.

The most common types of infections are bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic.

Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria which can cause symptoms such as fever, chills and sweats, body aches and pains, tenderness or swelling at the infection site, fatigue and weakness. Urinary tract infections are a type of bacterial infection.

Viral infections are caused by viruses and can cause signs like fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Common viral infections include colds, respiratory influenza and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Fungal infections are caused by fungi which can present signs such as red patches on your skin, itching, coughing, and fatigue.

Parasitic infections are caused by parasites that can cause signs such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

What are the 5 signs of infection?

The signs of an infection can vary depending on the type, but here are five signs you should look out for:

1. Fever – having an elevated body temperature is one of the most common signs of an infection.

2. Coughing and sneezing – these are symptoms related to colds and flu, which can be signs of an infection.

3. Chills – feeling cold and having chills can be a sign of an infection.

4. Fatigue or weakness – feeling tired or weak is often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.

5. Pain or discomfort – pain or tenderness at the site of the infection can be a sign of an infection.

What are the types of bacterial infections?

Common bacterial infections include strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTI), food poisoning and pneumonia.

Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus. The signs of this infection are sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area.

UTI is a type of infection that affects the urinary tract, signs can include burning sensation when urinating and strong-smelling urine.

Food poisoning is an infection caused by eating contaminated food, signs can include nausea, vomiting and cramping.

Pneumonia is a type of infection that affects the lungs, signs can include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.

Signs of Bacterial Infection: Cuts, Burns, and in the Body

Cuts, burns and injuries can often lead to signs of bacterial infection. If you have a cut or burn that is swollen, red, tender and warm to the touch it may be infected. Other signs of an infection include drainage of pus from the wound, red streaks around the area and fever.

How do bacterial infections spread?

Bacterial infections can spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids or objects. They can also be passed on through contaminated food or water, and even air-born particles. To prevent bacterial infections, you should:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid contact with people who are sick
Avoid sharing food, drinks, and other personal items with other people
Cook all food thoroughly before eating it

Skin Infections, warning signs, & causes

Skin infections can range from mild to severe, and signs of an infection can include redness, swelling, pain, tenderness or warmth at the infected area. Skin infections are typically caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus (staph) and streptococcus pyogenes (strep).

Signs of a skin infection are:

Redness
Swelling
Tenderness
Warmth at the infected area
Pus or discharge from the wound

For signs of skin infection, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. If left untreated, skin infections can spread and become more severe. It is also important to practice good hygiene to help prevent the spread of skin infections, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items.

What’s the difference between a bacterial infection and a viral infection?

Bacterial and viral infections are both caused by microorganisms, but they have different signs and symptoms. Bacterial infections are typically characterized by signs such as fever, chills, fatigue, pain or tenderness at the site of infection. On the other hand, signs of a viral infection include coughing and sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches. Treatment for bacterial infections typically includes antibiotics, while treatment for viral infections involves over-the-counter medications to help alleviate symptoms.

What are the early warning signs of sepsis?

One of the major risk factors for untreated infections is the development of sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can develop when an infection spreads to other parts of the body, leading to organ malfunction and failure. Early signs of sepsis include fever, chills, confusion, dizziness and shortness of breath. This is one of the top reasons to seek medical care quickly before there is a risk of sepsis.

When Should You Visit iCare Argyle Urgent Care?

At iCare Argyle Urgent Care, we provide medical assistance to those with signs of infection. Our team is trained and certified to diagnose and treat any signs of infection in a timely manner. We understand that infections can be dangerous if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as signs of infection are noticed.

We have the necessary tools and technology to accurately diagnose your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment. We also offer vaccinations for common infections, such as influenza and pneumonia. Additionally in the event you need emergency medical care, we are connected to the wise health emergency center for seamless transitions and immediate care.