Although these microscopic enemies are invisible, they can greatly affect our daily lives. Although our immune system quickly steps in and starts a war to neutralize them when they enter our body, sometimes infections cause serious problems, especially when our defense system is weakened.
For a long-term effort, “What is an infection?” Knowing the answer to the question is directly related to understanding the most common types and taking precautions against them. Then “Neither with you nor without you.” Since we are so sincere, let’s take a closer look at the infections we mentioned.
We got the infection in full detail:
- “What is infection?” Let’s get to know them first with a general definition.
- How do infections enter our body?
- What are the most common types of infections in the world?
- sepsis
- lung inflammation
- Urinary tract infection
- Meningitis
- wound infections
- Tuberculosis
- Diarrhea
- Infections rank 4th in the list of causes of death worldwide.
- Deaths due to infections also vary according to income groups.
- How can we protect ourselves from infections?
“What is infection?” Let’s get to know them first with a general definition.
Infections that begin with the entry and proliferation of microorganisms into the body include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Each of them has different ways of entering the body and proliferation strategies.
While viruses multiply by using our cells as a “factory”, bacteria generally multiply freely in body fluids. Our body’s procedure for dealing with each is also different; In some cases, we produce antibodies, and in others, we intervene directly through our special cells. Of course, antibiotic treatment is necessary for some of them to disappear.
How do infections enter our body?
We take the infections that are around us all the time into our body through various means. Types of infection spread can be listed as follows:
- Airborne: Through droplets released into the air by coughs and sneezes.
- Direct contact: Skin-to-skin contact or touching an infected surface
- Contaminated food and water: Consuming infected food or water
- Through blood: Transfusion of infected blood or contaminated needles
- Via vectors: Disease-carrying organisms such as mosquito bites
What are the most common types of infections in the world?
sepsis
Septic shock, which occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and grow rapidly, affects one in five individuals in the world. In sepsis, which causes organ failure and death if left untreated, sometimes the type of bacteria causing the infection cannot be identified, which makes the treatment process difficult.
lung inflammation
Lung inflammation, which has symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever, chills, phlegm and cough, is among the leading causes of death in children under the age of five in the world. Although pneumonia, which is a type of infection caused by bacteria and viruses, has become a preventable condition with vaccination, it affects the health of many people.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections, which occur when bacteria enter the urinary system and multiply, are among the most common types of infections in the world. This infection, which manifests itself with a burning sensation when urinating, blood in the urine and a sharp needle, can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, in some cases, if the infection turns into sepsis, it can cause death.
Meningitis
Meningitis, caused by a virus or fungus, surrounds the brain and spinal cord, causing significant damage. While the meningococcal type is the most severe, it becomes fatal in a short time.
Although meningitis is included in the routine vaccination schedule in many countries to prevent this disease, unfortunately it is included in paid vaccinations in our country. You can find more detailed information on the subject here.
wound infections
Whether it is surgery or a minor injury, bacteria entering through an open wound settle in the body and bring infection with it. 40 million people worldwide are affected by chronic wounds every year. Wound infections are common, especially in type 2 diabetic patients.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that infects the lungs, is one of the types of lower respiratory tract infections. Resistance to the drug puts this infection on the path to becoming a killer strain. On the other hand, the tuberculosis vaccine is among the most common vaccines in the world.
Diarrhea
The second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 is diarrhea, and more than half a million children die every year due to diarrhea. Although there have been deaths due to dehydration accompanying diarrhea, sepsis has recently been added to these rates. E. Coli infection is shown as one of the most common causes of diarrhea.
Infections rank 4th in the list of causes of death worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 report, infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The cause of 7.7 million deaths worldwide is related to infections caused by 33 types of bacteria. This is equal to 1 in 8 of all global deaths.
Lower respiratory tract infections became the world’s deadliest infectious disease, ranking fourth. In 2000, there was a decrease of 460 thousand in the number of deaths due to this infection. In 2019 reports, the number of deaths due to lower respiratory tract infection is shown as 2.6 million.
While HIV/AIDS was among the top 10 causes of death in 2000, this type of infection is not included in the 2019 data. HIV and AIDS death rates are decreasing by 51 percent, falling to 19th place in 2019.
Deaths due to infections also vary according to income groups.
The death rate of people living in low-income countries is higher due to infectious diseases. Malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are in the top 10. There is a decrease in all three compared to 2000. The biggest decrease is again HIV/AIDS, with a rate of 59 percent.
Lower respiratory tract infections rank 6th among deaths in high-income countries.
How can we protect ourselves from infections?
There are many ways to protect yourself from infections. It is beneficial to pay attention to some points in our lifestyle, avoid infections as much as possible, and use some of the prevention systems introduced by medicine. Vaccines are available to protect against some infections such as COVID-19, flu, tuberculosis and meningitis. Of course, it is possible to get an infection after vaccination, but the symptoms can often be less severe.
As long as safe food is used, it is among the formulas to protect against infection. Washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, not consuming uncooked or undercooked seafood, and washing food preparation surfaces with soap and water are just a few of the things that can be done.
Making changes in our daily habits is also effective in preventing diseases. In addition to hygiene rules such as washing hands before preparing food and after going to the toilet, infection prevention methods include covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, avoiding contact with people with contagious diseases, not drinking dirty water, and using a condom in all kinds of sex.
Although better procedures are being developed in the fight against these diseases thanks to advances in science, expanding preventive health services and vaccinations, raising hygiene standards, and the value of early diagnosis and treatment are important points to be made in controlling infectious diseases.
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