Influenza, Rabies,

Meningococcemia
Group 8
Aggabao, Conde,
Ibana, Romero, and
Soriano
Influenza
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that attacks the lungs, nose, and
throat. It’s a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from
mild to severe.

Children under the age of 5 and adults ages 65 and older have a higher
risk for infection.

The risk of the flu also increases if you have a weakened immune system
or a chronic condition, such as:

heart disease
kidney disease
diabetes type 1 or 2
 What are the symptoms of the flu?
In the beginning, the flu can mimic a common cold. Early symptoms may
include:
sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose

Symptoms often worsen as the virus progresses and can include:

fever, achy muscles, body chills ,sweating, headache, dry cough, nasal
congestion, fatigue, weakness

The flu doesn’t usually require a doctor’s visit. Symptoms often improve with
home treatment in about a week. You can relieve symptoms with over-the-
counter (OTC) cold and flu medications.
 What are the symptoms of the flu?
High-risk groups include those who are:

• under 2 years old

• 65 years or older
• pregnant or have recently given birth
• 18 or younger and taking aspirin or salicylate-containing medications
• of American Indian or Alaska Native descent
• have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or HIV
• living in a nursing home or care facility

Your doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs. Taken within the first 48 hours of
symptoms, antivirals can reduce the length and severity of the flu.
 Complications of the flu
Most people recover from the flu without complications. But
sometimes a secondary infection can develop, such as:

pneumonia
bronchitis
ear infection

If your symptoms go away and then come back a few days later, you
may have a secondary infection. See a doctor if you suspect a
secondary infection.
How does the flu spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), it’s possible to transmit the flu to
someone as early as 1 day before symptoms begin and up
to 5 to 7 days after you become sick.

After coming in contact with the virus, you’ll begin to

show symptoms within 1 to 4 days. You can even transmit
the virus to someone before you realize you’re sick.

The flu is primarily transmitted from person to person. If

someone with the flu sneezes, coughs, or talks, droplets
from them become airborne. You can also contract the
flu from handshakes, hugs, and touching surfaces or
objects contaminated with the virus.
Examples of flu Photos of the 1918
Flu Pandemic
Between 1918 and 1919, an outbreak of influenza spread rapidly
across the world, and killed more than 50 million—and possibly
as many as 100 million—people within 15 months. The numbers
of dead bodies overwhelmed hospitals and cemeteries.
Quarantine centers, emergency hospitals, public use of gauze
masks, and awareness campaigns were all undertaken swiftly to
halt the spread. These are the images when the flu killed up to 6
percent of the Earth’s population in just over a year.
 Examples of flu Photos of the 1918
Flu Pandemic

Policemen stand in a street in Seattle, Washington, wearing protective

masks made by the Seattle Chapter of the Red Cross, during the
influenza epidemic in 1918.

An open-air barber shop. Public events were encouraged to be held

outdoors to hinder the spread of the disease during the influenza
epidemic. Photographed at the University of California, Berkeley, in
Influenza victims crowd into an emergency hospital near
1919.
Fort Riley, Kansas in 1918.

Combating influenza in Seattle in 1918, workers wearing masks on their

faces in a Red Cross room.
 Examples of flu Photos of the 1918
Flu Pandemic

Court is held in the open air in San Francisco in 1918

Japanese school girls wear protective masks to guard against the
In Sydney, Australia, nurses leave Blackfriars Depot in Chippenedale influenza outbreak.
during the flu epidemic in April of 1919.

The congregation prays on the steps of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of

the Assumption, where they gathered to attend mass and pray during
the influenza epidemic, in San Francisco, California

Physics class, University of Montana, Missoula, 1919.

During the influenza epidemic, classes were held
outdoors.
 Examples of flu Photos of the 1918
Flu Pandemic

Graves of U.S. soldiers who died of influenza in Devon, England, photographed on

March 8, 1919. The graves contain the bodies of 100 American wounded soldiers
at Paignton Military Hospital that died from the epidemic of influenza that spread Convalescing influenza patients, isolated due to an
over England overcrowded hospital, stay at the U.S. Army's Eberts Field
Nurses in Boston hospitals are equipped with masks to fight influenza
facilities in Lonoke, Arkansas, in 1918.
in the spring of 1919.

An American soldier has his throat sprayed to

prevent influenza in December of 1918 at Love
Field in Dallas, Texas.

An emergency hospital set up in Brookline,

Massachusetts, to care for influenza cases,
photographed in October of 1918
 Examples of flu Photos of the 1918
Flu Pandemic
Volunteer nurses from the American Red Cross
tend to influenza patients in the Oakland Municipal
Auditorium, used as a temporary hospital in 1918.

Soldiers gargle with salt water to prevent influenza on September 24, 1918,
at Camp Dix, New Jersey.

Recovering soldiers watch a motion picture show wearing flu masks at U.S.
Army Hospital Number 30 in Royat, France.

Reference of photos:
Photos of the 1918 Flu Pandemic. (2018, April 10). The Atlantic.
https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2018/04/photos-the-1918-flu-pandemic/557663/
How many types of flu viruses are there?
There are three different types of flu viruses that affect humans: type A, type B, and
type C. (There’s a fourth, type D, that doesn’t affect humans.)

Type A
flu virus that can be transmitted form animals to humans
This virus constantly changes and can cause annual flu epidemics.

Type B
can only be transmitted from humans to humans
less severe and causes milder symptoms and severe complications
cause seasonal outbreaks during the winter months

Type C
affects humans and some animals
It causes mild symptoms and few complications.
 Treatment options for the flu
It’s important you stay home and avoid contact with other people when you first
notice flu symptoms.

You should also:

Drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, soup, and low-sugar flavored
drinks.
Treat symptoms such as headache and fever with OTC medications.
Wash your hands to prevent spreading the virus to other surfaces or to other
people in your house.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues. Immediately dispose of those
tissues.
Wear a face covering when in public.
 Treatment options for the flu
Contact your doctor as soon as symptoms appear if you’re at high risk for flu-
related complications.

High-risk groups include:

people with weakened immune systems
women who are pregnant or up to 2 weeks postpartum
people who are at least 65 years old
children under 5 years old (in particular, those under age 2)
people who live in chronic care facilities or nursing homes
people who have chronic conditions, such as heart or lung disease
people who are of Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native)
descent
 How is the flu vaccine created?
The flu virus changes from year to year. The flu vaccine works by stimulating the
immune system to create antibodies to fight the infection.

To create an effective vaccine, the World Health Organization determines which

strains of the flu virus to include in the next year’s vaccine. The vaccine contains
either an inactive or weakened form of the flu virus.

The virus is mixed with other ingredients, such as preservatives and stabilizers. Once
you receive the flu vaccine, your body begins producing antibodies. This helps fight
any exposure to the virus. After getting a flu shot, you may have flu-like symptoms,
such as a low-grade fever, a headache, or muscle aches.

However, the flu shot doesn’t cause the flu. These symptoms typically go away within
24 to 48 hours. The most common complication of the flu vaccine is tenderness at
the injection site.
 What causes the flu?
First, you can contract the virus from a person near you who has the flu and sneezes,
coughs, or talks. The virus can also live on inanimate objects for 2 to 8 hours.

You can get a vaccine against the flu. An annual flu vaccine helps your body prepare for
exposure to the virus. But flu viruses are morphing and changing. That’s why you need the
flu shot every year, and especially while COVID-19 is still active.

A flu shot helps you by activating your immune system to make antibodies against
particular strains of influenza. Antibodies are what prevent infections.

It’s possible to get the flu after receiving the flu shot if you come into contact with other
strains of the virus. This is because different strains of influenza share common elements
(called cross-protection), which means that the flu vaccine is able to work against them,
too.
 How can the flu be prevented?
Wash your hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also
avoid touching your nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces and objects for up to 48 hours. Use
disinfectant wipes or spray on commonly touched surfaces in your home or at
work.
If you’re caring for someone who has the flu, wear a face mask to protect yourself.
It’s best to cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.
Consider getting an annual flu vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for
everyone over the age of 6 months.
Although the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective, it can reduce the risk of flu by 40
to 60 percent, according to the CDC.
The flu vaccine is administered by injection in the arm. There’s also a nasal spray
flu vaccine option for non-pregnant individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.
 Takeaway
What you can do about the flu:

Get a flu shot. This will help protect you from life threatening complications such as
pneumonia.
It takes 2 weeks for your body to make flu antibodies after you receive a vaccination.
The earlier you get a flu vaccine, the better.
If you have an egg allergy, you can still get vaccinated. For people with severe egg
allergy, the CDC recommends vaccination in a medical setting that can treat allergic
reactions. Some forms of the vaccine may contain trace amounts of egg protein, but
allergic reaction is unlikely.
Wash your hands frequently.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
Wipe down frequently touched surfaces in your home and office.
 Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the
central nervous system (CNS), in particular the
brain.

Domestic dogs, cats, and rabbits — and wild

Rabies
animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats —
are able to transfer the virus to humans via bites
and scratches.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC), around 59,000 people
worldwide die from rabies every year. About 99
percent of them have been bitten by a rabid dog.
What are the symptoms of the rabies?
The period between the bite and the onset of symptoms is called the incubation
period. It usually takes 3 weeks to 3 months for a person to develop rabies
symptoms once they’ve contracted the infection, per the CDC. However,
incubation periods can also range from 1 week to 1 year, according to the World
Health Organization (WHO).

The initial onset of rabies begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle
weakness, and tingling. You may also feel burning at the bite site.

There are two different types of the disease that can develop: furious rabies and
paralytic rabies.
What are the symptoms of the rabies?
1. Furious rabies
People who develop furious rabies will be hyperactive and excitable and may display
erratic behavior. Other symptoms include:

insomnia
hallucinations
anxiety excess salivation or foaming at the mouth
agitation problems swallowing
confusion fear of water

2. Paralytic rabies
This form of rabies takes longer to set in. People with the infection slowly become
paralyzed, will eventually slip into a coma, and die. According to the WHO, 20 percent
of human rabies cases are paralytic.
 How do people catch rabies?
Animals with rabies transfer the virus to other animals and humans via a scratch or
saliva following a bite and any contact with the mucous membranes or an open wound
can also transmit the virus. The transmission of this virus is considered to occur
exclusively from animal to animal and animal to human.

Once a person has been bitten, the virus spreads through their nerves to their brain.
Bites or scratches on the head and neck are thought to speed up the brain and spinal
cord involvement because of the location of the initial trauma.

Following a bite, the rabies virus spreads by way of the nerve cells to the brain. Once in
the brain, the virus multiplies rapidly. This activity causes severe inflammation of the
brain and spinal cord after which the person deteriorates rapidly and dies.
 Animals that can spread rabies
Both wild and domesticated animals can spread the rabies virus. The following
animals are the main sources of rabies infection in humans:

dogs cows beavers

bats goats coyotes
ferrets horses foxes
cats rabbits monkeys
raccoons skunks woodchucks
 Who’s at risk of contracting rabies?
These include:

living in an area populated by bats

living in a rural area where there’s greater exposure to wild animals and little
or no access to vaccines and preventive therapy
traveling to developing countries
frequent camping and exposure to wild animals
being under the age of 15 years old (rabies is most common in this age
group)
 How do doctors diagnose rabies?
There’s no test to detect the early stages of rabies infection. After the onset of symptoms,
a doctor can use tests such as a blood, tissue, or saliva test to help determine whether you
have the disease. Tissue tests include the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test and a
biopsy of the neck. If you’ve been bitten by a wild animal, a doctor will typically administer
a preventive shot of the rabies vaccine to stop the infection before symptoms set in.

Can rabies be cured?

After being exposed to the rabies virus, you can have a series of injections to prevent an
infection from setting in. Rabies immunoglobulin, which gives you an immediate dose of
rabies antibodies to fight the infection. Then, getting the rabies vaccine is the key to
avoiding the disease.

If the animal isn’t rabid, you can avoid the large round of rabies shots. However, if the
animal can’t be found, the safest course of action is to take the preventive shots.
 What does the rabies vaccine entail?
The rabies vaccine is given in a series of five shots over 14 days. Doctors will
treat your wound by washing it for at least 15 minutes with soap and water,
detergent, or iodine. Then, they’ll give you a shot of the rabies immunoglobin
and you’ll start the round of four injections for the rabies vaccine. This protocol
is known as post-exposure prophylaxis.

The rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine can rarely cause side effects, including:

pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site stomach pain

headache muscle aches
nausea dizziness
 How can you prevent rabies?
Rabies is a preventable disease. There are simple measures you can take to
help keep you from catching rabies:

Get a rabies vaccination before traveling to developing countries, working

closely with animals, or working in a lab handling the rabies virus.
Vaccinate your pets.
Keep your pets from roaming outside.
Report stray animals to animal control.
Avoid contact with wild animals.
Prevent bats from entering living spaces or other structures near your
home.
 Why am I foaming at the mouth?
Foaming at the mouth is a physical and rare symptom. It occurs when an excess of saliva
mixes with air or gasses to create a foam.

3 Foamy saliva causes

1. Drug overdose
Two of the most popular categories of drugs are opioids (painkillers) and stimulants, or
“uppers.”
Common opioids are: heroin, OxyContin, Vicodin
Common stimulants are: Ritalin, Adderall, methamphetamine
Common signs of opiate or stimulant overdose are: foaming at the mouth or a foam
cone, loss of consciousness, difficulty or stopped breathing, seizures

Overdose causes foaming at the mouth because organs like the heart and lungs can’t
function properly. There is no treatment for stimulant overdose.
 3 Foamy saliva causes
2. Seizures
When a person starts convulsing uncontrollably, they are having a seizure. Beyond
convulsions, seizures can also cause: loss of consciousness, frothing at the mouth or
drooling, falling, biting your tongue, incontinence

Foamy saliva can occur during a seizure because the mouth is forced closed, which
stimulates the salivary glands and makes you produce extra spit. When the mouth opens
again, drool or frothy saliva can come out. Treatments for seizures include antiepileptic
medication and brain surgery.

3. Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Only warm-blooded
animals can get rabies. Common carriers of the rabies virus are: racoons, foxes, skunks,
bats, cayotes, wolves
 3 Foamy saliva causes
Animals less commonly affected by rabies are: cows, dogs, cats, ferrets, humans

The rabies virus is present in the saliva. If an affected animal bites you or licks an open
wound or scratch you have, you may get it. Rabies can only be diagnosed from a brain
tissue sample. This happens because the virus affects the nervous system and the animal
or person can’t swallow their saliva.

Other symptoms are: fever, lost appetite, agitation, violence and biting, convulsions,
paralysis

There is no way to treat rabies. If you think you have been exposed to rabies, clean your
wound with soap and water and put a muzzle on your pet. Then immediately visit an
emergency room where you will be given a rabies vaccine.
 Treatment for frothing at the mouth
The three causes of foaming at the mouth are very specific and require
unique treatment methods:

Some drug overdoses can be treated with an injection of narcan.

Epileptic seizures can be treated with antiepileptic medication.
Nonepileptic seizures can be treated with medication or
psychotherapy.
Rabies can be prevented with a rabies vaccine and a series of other
injections.
 What is an animal bite infection?
Dogs cause more bite injuries, cat bites are more likely to become infected. According to
the American Academy of Pediatrics, infection occurs in about 10 to 15 percent of dog
bites and up to 50 percent of cat bites.

Animal bites often lead to infection on bites that often occur on the fingers or hands.
These areas are where the body may have a harder time fighting infection. Also, the
bacteria often come from the animal’s mouth or may be present on the human’s skin.
Animal bite infections are serious and can even be life-threatening if left untreated.

Animal bites that don’t break the skin are not at risk for infection. Scrapes or scratches
that just graze the skin’s surface have a minimal risk of infection. Cuts or lacerations have
a higher risk of infection. Puncture wounds caused by cats are considered to have the
highest risk of infection.
 What are the different types of animal bites?
Dog bites
Injuries from a dog bite make up 85 to 90 percent of animal bites in the United States,
and 1 percent of injury-related visits to the emergency room, according to American
Family Physician. Children are more likely than adults to experience dog bites.

Cat bites
Cat teeth can cause deep puncture wounds that are hard to clean. This can trap bacteria
inside the wound. Most people bitten by cats are women. And most cat bites are the
result of intentional contact, like attempting to feed or pet the cat.

Bites by wild animals

Rabies is a life-threatening viral disease. Seek medical attention for any wild animal bite
that breaks the skin’s surface. Also seek medical attention if a bat is found in a room you
were sleeping in, even if you do not see visible bites.
 What causes animal bite infections?
Infection from animal bites is caused by bacteria. The bacteria can be found in
the mouth or saliva of the animal. The bacteria then enter the wound after
being on the skin. The bacteria can also be present in the environment.

Animal bites are often polymicrobial, which means that multiple species of
bacteria are involved.

Tetanus, a bacterial disease affecting the nervous system, can develop from
the bacteria. This is a serious condition. Puncture wounds from animal bites
are the most likely to lead to tetanus.
What are the symptoms of animal bite infections?
The most common symptoms of infection from animal bites are redness, pain,
swelling, and inflammation at the site of the bite.

Other symptoms of infection include: pus or fluid oozing from the wound, tenderness
in areas near the bite, loss of sensation around the bite, limited use of the finger or
hand if the hand was bitten, red streaks near the bite, swollen lymph nodes, fever or
chills, night sweats, fatigue, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness or tremors

You should also seek medical treatment as soon as possible if any of these fewer
common symptoms are present, particularly if the symptoms are not improving on
their own.
 What are the risk factors for animal bite
infections?
Cat bites carry a much higher risk of infection than dog bites.

Other risk factors that increase the chances of a bite turning into an
infection include:

not thoroughly and swiftly washing the bite

the bite caused a deep wound
the bite also caused a fracture or other damage
a weakened immune system
 How are animal bite infections diagnosed?
To diagnose infection from an animal bite, your doctor will ask about the bite.
Questions to expect from your doctor include:

What kind of animal bit you?

What prompted the bite?
Has the animal had a rabies vaccine?
When did you have your last tetanus shot?

Your doctor might also order an X-ray to determine whether the infection has spread
to the bone, especially if the bite is on the finger or hand. Blood tests can also
diagnose a spreading of the infection, known as sepsis. Sepsis and infection of the
bone are life-threatening concerns.
 How are animal bite infections diagnosed?
The first step with an animal bite is to properly clean and assess the wound. This could
help prevent infection in an animal bite. To properly clean an animal bite, take the
following steps.

For a minor wound:

Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Cover the area with a fresh, clean bandage.

For a deep wound, suspected rabies, or a wound showing symptoms of infection:

Apply pressure to stop any bleeding using a clean cloth.
Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek immediate medical attention to look for signs of infection.
 How are animal bite infections diagnosed?
If an infection develops, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. A typical round of
treatment will last five to 10 days. However, the length of your treatment may vary
based on many factors, including: the type of bite, the severity of the bite, existing
health issues

For infected bites, your doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) antibiotics until the
infection clears. But most infected bites will only need oral antibiotics. Your doctor
might also suggest a tetanus booster shot. This depends on how severe the bite is
and your vaccination status.

If left untreated, infection from animal bites could spread and cause serious medical
problems. Infection generally develops within 24 to 48 hours.
What are some complications caused by animal
bites?
You should seek immediate medical treatment if: symptoms worsen, do not improve,
return after going away, new symptoms appear. You should also contact your doctor
immediately if the animal that bit you starts showing symptoms of illness.

Tetanus
Symptoms of the bacterial disease tetanus include: difficulty swallowing, stiff jaw and
neck muscles, stiffness in the abdominal muscles, painful body spasms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should
receive five tetanus shots by the time they reach the age of 6. Teens and adults should
receive the vaccine every 10 years. If you are uncertain how long it’s been since your
last shot, you should opt for another dose of the vaccine. There is no cure for tetanus.
What are some complications caused by animal
bites?
Rabies
The symptoms of the viral disease rabies are: high fever, difficulty swallowing,
convulsions

Once symptoms are present, rabies can lead to death. For this reason, medical
professionals will have people begin rabies treatment if they have been bitten by
an unvaccinated animal (wild or domestic) that shows any symptoms of the
disease. If the animal that caused the bite or scratch is wild, it’s important to
capture it but not kill it. If the animal is a pet, the doctor will want to check its
vaccination records first. And they may still want to observe the animal for a
period of time.
 How do you know if a cat bite is infected?
The most common symptoms of infection from a cat bite include: redness or
discoloration, swelling, inflammation, warmth, a bump or blister where the bite wound is
located.

More serious symptoms of a cat bite infection include: pus or fluid emerging from the
wound, loss of feeling near the wound, red or discolored streaks near the wound, swollen
lymph nodes, fever or chills, night sweats, fatigue, muscle weakness, inability to use your
hand (if your hand’s been bitten)

Cat bite infection complications

These include: brain disease (encephalopathy), osteomyelitis (an infection in your bones),
sepsis, amputations, death
 How long after a cat bite does infection set
in?
An infection from a cat bite may set in within a few hours, but it can take 10 days or more
for some infections, like cat-scratch disease, to start showing symptoms. The CDC says
that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of
symptoms) can be weeks to months.

Infected cat bite treatment

A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply
antibiotic ointment. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria
causing the infection.

Your doctor may also recommend an X-ray to diagnose injuries to joints or bones or to
see if there are any fragments from the cat’s teeth that may have broken off.
 Infected cat bite treatment
Other risks of cat bites:
Antibiotics for cat bites Ruptured tendon
Tetanus booster Nerve injury
Surgery or stitches Scars
Foreign objects

What to do if a cat bite you

Animal bites that don’t break your skin, as well as scratches that just graze the surface of
your skin, have a minimal risk of infection. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high
risk of infection. Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. Wash the wound
thoroughly with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage. If a cat hasn’t been
vaccinated for rabies, contact a doctor to decide if you need treatment known as rabies
postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP isn’t generally needed if the cat isn’t showing signs of
rabies, but the cat should be monitored for at least 10 days to be sure.
 When to call a doctor
If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if:

you start having any serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever,

chills, pus or fluid oozing from the wound, or swollen lymph nodes
the wound won’t stop bleeding
the wound appears to be deep or large
the cat that’s bitten you appears aggressive or acts strangely
the cat that’s bitten you is unvaccinated against rabies or you’re unsure
if the cat is vaccinated against rabies
you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
you have a weakened immune system
 Takeaway
A cat bite carries a high risk of infection and can be dangerous. To care for your wound at
home, follow these steps:

Clean bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water.

Apply antibiotic ointment.
Cover with a sterile bandage.

If the following symptoms occur, seek medical attention: inflammation, pain, redness or
discoloration, swelling, more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle
weakness

If you have a pet cat, make sure to take them to regular veterinary visits to stay updated
on vaccines. Stay away from stray or feral cats. Wear thick protective gloves when
handling an injured or stray cat.
 After dog and cat bites, human bites are the next
most common bites seen in emergency rooms.

What are Human bites can often lead to infection because

of the amount of bacteria and viruses in a human
human mouth. If you have a bite that has become

bites? infected, you may need medication or surgery.

According to the American Academy of

Orthopaedic Surgeons, human bite wounds
cause about one-third of all hand infections.
 Who is at risk for human bites?
Biting is most common among young children when they are curious, angry, or
frustrated. Children and their caretakers are frequently at risk for bite wounds.
Fighting can also lead to bites in both children and adults, including skin that’s
broken by a tooth during a punch to the mouth. Sometimes human bite wounds are
accidental, resulting from a fall or collision.

Recognizing if a bite is infected

Symptoms of infection include: redness, swelling, and heat around the wound, a
wound that discharges pus, pain or tenderness on or around the wound, fever or
chills. The large quantity of bacteria in the human mouth, a human bite can easily
lead to infection. Bites near your face, feet, or hands may be more serious. A
weakened immune system increases the potential for complications from a human
bite.
 Treating human bites: First aid and
medical assistance
1. First aid
Cleaning and bandaging the wound are frequent treatments for human bites.
If your child has received a bite, wash your hands with antibacterial soap before tending
to the bite. If possible, wear clean medical gloves to reduce the risk of transmitting any
bacteria into the wound.

If the wound is mild and there’s no blood, wash it with soap and water. Avoid scrubbing
the wound. Use sterile nonstick bandages to cover it. Don’t try to close the wound with
tape, as this may trap bacteria in the wound.

If there’s bleeding, raise that area of the body and apply pressure to the wound using a
clean cloth or towel. After cleaning and bandaging the wound, call your doctor right
away.
 Treating human bites: First aid and
medical assistance
2. Medical assistance
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a round of antibiotic therapy
to fight bacterial infection. In severe cases, your doctor may administer
antibiotics through a vein.

Certain wounds may require stitches, such as those on the face, and
surgery may be necessary if there’s damage to a tendon or joint.
 What is the long-term outlook?
Recovering from a human bite depends on its severity and whether the wound
becomes infected. An infection usually heals within 7 to 10 days if treated
properly. Deeper bites may cause scarring and nerve damage.

If you have a child who bites, talk to your doctor about ways to address this
behavior. The National Association for Education of Young Children suggests
looking for signs that trigger your child’s biting behavior and intervening
before your child bites.

They also advocate using positive enforcement when your child does use
acceptable behavior when dealing with emotional or social stress.
 What is meningococcemia?
Meningococcemia is a rare infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This is
the same type of bacteria that can cause meningitis.

When the bacteria infect the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, it’s called
meningitis. When the infection remains in the blood but doesn’t infect the brain or spinal
cord, it’s called meningococcemia.

It’s also possible to have both meningitis and meningococcemia at the same time. In this
case, the bacteria appear in the bloodstream first and then passes into the brain. Anyone
can get meningococcemia, it’s most common in babies, children, and young adults.

An infection by Neisseria meningitidis, whether it becomes meningitis or

meningococcemia, is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical
attention.
 What causes meningococcemia?
Neisseria meningitidis, the bacteria that cause meningococcemia, can live harmlessly in
your upper respiratory tract. Simply being exposed to this germ isn’t enough to cause
disease. Up to 10 percent of people may carry these bacteria. Fewer than 1 percent of
those carriers become sick. A person with this infection can spread the bacteria through
coughing and sneezing.

Who is likely to develop meningococcemia?

Around half of the total number of cases of meningococcal disease occur in children
under 4 years old. This figure includes both meningitis and meningococcemia.

You’re also at an increased risk if you live with or have been in very close contact with
someone who has the disease. Speak with your doctor if this is the case. They may choose
to give you prophylactic, or preventive, antibiotics.
 What are the symptoms of meningococcemia?
You may only have a few symptoms initially. Common early symptoms include: fever,
headache, rash consisting of small spots, nausea, irritability, anxiety
As the disease progresses, you may develop more serious symptoms, including: blood
clots, patches of bleeding under the skin, lethargy, shock

How is meningococcemia diagnosed?

Meningococcemia is usually diagnosed through blood tests. Your doctor will take a sample
of your blood and then do a blood culture to determine if bacteria are present.
Your doctor may perform a culture using fluid from your spine instead of your blood. In
this case, the test is called a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. Your doctor will get CSF
from a spinal tap, or lumbar puncture.

Other tests your doctor might perform include: skin lesion biopsy, urine culture, blood
clotting tests, complete blood count (CBC)
 How is meningococcemia treated?
You’ll be admitted to the hospital and possibly kept in an isolated room to stop the
bacteria from spreading. You’ll be given antibiotics through a vein to begin fighting the
infection. You may also receive intravenous (IV) fluids.

If you’re having difficulty breathing, you’ll receive oxygen. If your blood pressure becomes
too low, you’ll most likely receive medication. Fludrocortisone and midodrine are two
medications used to treat low blood pressure. Meningococcemia can lead to bleeding
disorders. If this occurs, your doctor may give you platelet replacement therapy.

In some cases, your doctor may also wish to give your close contacts prophylactic
antibiotics, even if they show no symptoms. This can prevent them from developing the
disease. Prescribed antibiotics may include rifampin (Rifadin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), or
ceftriaxone (Rocephin).
 What complications are associated with
meningococcemia?
Meningococcemia can affect your blood’s ability to clot, resulting in bleeding disorders.
It can also sometimes occur with meningitis. Complications associated with meningitis
include hearing loss, brain damage, and gangrene. In some cases, meningitis can be fatal.

How can you prevent meningococcemia?

This includes washing hands thoroughly and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing
and coughing, by avoiding people who are coughing, sneezing, or showing other signs of
illness. Also, don’t share personal items with people who are sick. If you’ve been exposed
to a person who is infected, your doctor may recommend preventive antibiotics. This will
reduce your chances of getting the disease. Your doctor may recommend that you get a
vaccination. Vaccination is recommended for those at increased risk for infection, such as
teenagers, college students, or people about to move into a group living situation for the
first time. Talk to your doctor about possible vaccination options.
 How Contagious Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes around the spinal cord and brain. It can be
caused by fungi, parasites, or even injury. Most often, it’s caused by viral or bacterial
infection. Children are especially vulnerable to bacterial meningitis.

Symptoms begin within a week after exposure. Common symptoms include headache,
fever, and skin rash. Some types of meningitis are even life-threatening. You should
consult your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.

Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis is usually caused by a type of fungus called Cryptococcus. This rare
type of meningitis is most likely to strike people with weak immune systems. Fungal
meningitis is not contagious.
 How Contagious Is Meningitis?
Parasitic meningitis
Parasitic meningitis is extremely rare and life-threatening. It’s caused by a microscopic amoeba
called Naegleria fowleri. This parasite enters the body through the nose, usually in contaminated
lakes and rivers. You can’t get it by drinking contaminated water and it isn’t contagious.

Non-infectious meningitis
Meningitis isn’t always the result of an infection. It can develop as a result of head injury or brain
surgery. It can also be caused by certain medications, lupus, or cancer. Non-infectious meningitis
is not contagious.

Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening.
The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal
mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing. Direct or indirect contact with
an infected person increases your risk of getting the same virus.
 How Contagious Is Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening. It’s most often
caused by Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both are contagious.
Meningococcal bacteria can’t survive outside the body for long, so you’re unlikely to
get it from being near someone who has it.

The bacteria can also spread through: saliva, mucus, kissing, sharing eating utensils,
coughing, sneezing

According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period is between two and
10 days. The largest concentration of meningococcal disease is in sub-Saharan Africa.
 How to avoid meningitis
You can reduce your risk of getting or spreading viruses and bacteria by taking a
few precautions:

Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Wash for a full 20
seconds, taking care to clean under fingernails. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, after changing a diaper,
or after tending to someone who is ill.
Don’t share eating utensils, straws, or plates.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Stay up to date with immunizations and booster shots for meningitis.
Ask your doctor about immunizations before traveling to countries with higher
rates of meningitis.
 How meningitis spreads
About 1 in 10 people carry this germ in their nose or throat without any signs or symptoms of
disease. These people are called carriers.

Carriers can infect other people through activities like: open-mouthed kissing, sharing food or
utensils, coughing, sneezing

The infection affects the delicate tissue that encases the brain and spinal cord. This thin tissue is
called the meninges. Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges and
cerebrospinal fluid. Inflammation and swelling in these tissues can exert dangerous pressure on the
brain or spinal cord.

Meningococcal meningitis can be treated with antibiotic drugs. Even with rapid antibiotic
treatment, a person with meningitis may have serious consequences that can last a lifetime.
Affected people may experience a loss of hearing, loss of limbs, or loss of the ability to think
clearly.
 Precautions
You should seek vaccination before traveling to certain regions where the disease is common.

Certain groups are also more likely to get the infection, including:

U.S. military recruits

college freshmen living in dormitories
people with a damaged or missing spleen
laboratory workers who regularly work with N.
meningitidis
people with a disorder called complement component
deficiency

By getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, you can avoid exposure to meningococcal
meningitis.