What is a cross infection?
A cross infection is the transfer of harmful microorganisms,
usually bacteria and viruses. The spread of infections can occur between
people, pieces of equipment, or within the body.
These infections can cause many complications. So, medical
professionals work hard to ensure equipment safety and a clean environment.
The symptoms of a cross infection depend on the source of the
infection. And also the part of the body that is infected. One of the first
symptoms of a cross infection is a fever. This is the body’s first course of
action to help get rid of an infection.
Many different types of infections can occur. Some examples
include:
- a urinary tract infection (UTI) from an infection
caused by a catheter
- a surgical wound infection that may cause redness,
swelling, and pus
- an infection related to the presence of a peripheral or
central venous access line
Cross infections can be caused by:
- bacteria
- fungi
- parasites
- viruses
These microorganisms can be transmitted by:
- unsterilized medical equipment
- coughing and sneezing
- human contact
- touching contaminated objects
- dirty bedding
- prolonged use of catheters, tubes, or intravenous lines
Media coverage has raised concerns over cross infection in
hospitals by “superbugs” like Mycobacterium abscessus.
But infections can be spread in any setting, including:
- schools
- banks
- stores
- government buildings
- homes
The risk for infection is greater when undergoing a medical
procedure. But cross infection can happen within the body. An infection in one
part of the body can spread to another, like a respiratory infection spreading
to the ears or eyes.
Doctors may use a combination of ways to diagnose cross
infection. These include:
- physical exams
- blood tests
- culture tests
- urine tests
- X-rays
- health history reviews
Treating a cross infection depends on the condition. Antibiotics
are used for bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, but not for most
viral infections.
Over time, bacteria can adapt and become resistant to
medications. This leads to the evolution of “superbugs.” These are strains of
bacteria immune to multiple antibiotics. This can make them more difficult to
kill, and can increase complications.
Prescription anti-viral drugs are used to treat specific types
of viruses. Anti-fungal medications in topical or oral form can be used to
treat fungal infections. And parasites transferred through cross infection may
be treated with antibiotics and dietary changes.
Untreated infections can lead to:
- diarrhea
- sepsis
- pneumonia
- meningitis
- dehydration
- multisystem organ failure that could include the lungs,
heart, liver, and kidneys
- death
The risk for life-threatening complications during medical
procedures increases when cross infection is present.
It’s important to call your doctor immediately if you notice
symptoms of infection. The earlier an infection is identified, the easier it is
to treat.
Cross infection is best treated at the source. Medical
professionals follow special procedures to help prevent infections. Aseptic
technique is a common process used to sterilize equipment so harmful
microorganisms can’t spread from patient to patient.
Hospitals and other healthcare settings all have procedures to
prevent infection. Before undergoing a procedure, you can check the facility in
advance and ask about preventative measures.
Cross infections can complicate a condition or procedure. The
best way to avoid getting one is to prevent it from transferring. Many public
institutions have strict rules to help reduce cross infection.
Schools may not allow students to attend classes while sick. And
some companies send employees home if they show symptoms of the flu.
These measures can significantly reduce the chance of cross infection. Also, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, and practicing good hygiene, greatly reduces the risk of cross infection.
SOURCE: RETRIEVED
OCTOBER 9, 2020 FROM https://www.healthline.com/health/cross-infection
TASK: Briefly summarise what you have learnt from the above arcticle. use the comment section to make your summary. Remember to state your name.
Tracey-Ann
ReplyDeleteI have that a cross infection is the transfer of harmful microorganisms which are usually bacteria and viruses.This infection can occur between people,pieces of equipment or inside the body, which can cause alot of complications,first symptoms of cross infection is a fever.
There are many different types of infections such as a urinary tract infection cause by a catheter or a surgical wound infection that may cause swelling and pus.
Cross infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, transmitted by coughing and sneezing, touching and contaminated objects or human contact,cross infection can be spread in any setting including schools,banks, homes and government buildings.
Treating cross infection depends an the condition.A Antibiotics are used for bacterial fungal and parasites infection while prescription anti viral drugs are used for treating specific types of viruses such as fungal infections.
Preventing cross infection is best treated at the source, medical professional follow special procedure to help prevent infection A Asopectic technique is used to sterilized equipment so harmful viruses cannot spread from patient to patient.
The best way to avoid getting one secure is to prevent it from transferring many public institution is to have strict rules to help reduce cross infection.
Tracey Ann
ReplyDeleteLearnt
Nadine
ReplyDeleteI have learn that a cross infection is the transfer of harmful microorganisms usually bacteria and viruses. The spread of infections can occur between people, pieces of equipment or within the body. So it is very important to uterlized ewuipments before using them at all times
Awesome work. Where are the others?
ReplyDeleteYanique Pusey
ReplyDeleteCross infection is a transmitted harmful microorganism that are usually bacteria an viruses. It is also known as a communicable disease because it spreads from one person to another, or surface to persons that is why it's called a cross section.
These types of infection can cause complications, the symptoms normally depends on the type of infection and the part of the body infected and one of the first symptom is normally fever.
Infection can be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics if it is caused by bacterial infections.
Untreated infection can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
I learn that a cross infection is the transfer of harmful microorganisms usually bacteria and viruses. Infections can cause many complications so medical professionals work hard to ensure equipment safety and a clean environment. Cross infection caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and microorganisms can be transmitted by dirty bedding and unsterillized medical equipment.
ReplyDeleteI have learnt that Cross infection is the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, or place to another, or from one part of the body to another. Cross infections can be caused by:
ReplyDeletebacteria
fungi
parasites
viruses
These microorganisms can be transmitted by:
unsterilized medical equipment
coughing and sneezing
human contact
touching contaminated objects
dirty bedding
prolonged use of catheters, tubes, or intravenous lines
Treating a cross infection depends on the condition. Antibiotics are used for bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, but not for most viral infections.
Over time, bacteria can adapt and become resistant to medications. This leads to the evolution of “superbugs.” These are strains of bacteria immune to multiple antibiotics. This can make them more difficult to kill, and can increase complications.