While it may not strike us immediately, the human body plays host to billions and billions of bacteria all the time. Even the ones who claim to be extra clean, have these. While some are considered normal flora, if not controlled, they could lead to problems like infection, odour, etc.
Read on to know 5 of the most infected areas of the human body.
1. Mouth: No amount of brushing or rinsing can help in keeping the mouth clean. Our mouth is a host to more than 600 types of bacteria and these are required for maintaining the pH in the mouth. It is only when there is an imbalance that infection occurs along with bad breath. The tongue is another part which can allow bacteria to breed both on it and under it. The color of the tongue is a good indication of bacterial growth. Tongue cleaning or brushing is definitely recommended.
2. Belly button: Again, no amount of time you spend in the shower can help you clean the belly button completely. It has about 2000 plus varieties of bacteria and given its hidden and warm nature (compared to the rest of the body temperature), they are ideal for bacterial growth. People with piercings and obesity definitely carry more bacteria than others. Immediately after the bath, try using a cotton ear bud in your navel and see how much dirt is accumulated.
3. Armpits: Those who shave their armpits are better off than those who flaunt their hair here. It has more than 80,000 bacteria and not many are even identified. It definitely requires more cleaning than the rest of the body. Shaving the armpits regularly improves the hygiene of the armpits to a large extent.
4. Nasal cavity: Air enters the body for respiration through the nose, and this air carries a lot of bacteria. The fine hairs in the nostrils which filter out the air of all these bacteria make the nasal cavity another dirty place. When fingering the nose or itching the nose, these get carried to the fingers and all other areas that get subsequently touched!
5. Nails: Both the finger and toe nails are built such that they are perfect homes for bacteria, especially the skin under the finger nails. Those who do not clean their nails regularly are highly prone to nail and/or skin infections. Added to this, there are people who walk barefoot and the chances are further increased. Hard to believe, but the feet are one of the most ignored body parts in terms of cleaning.
While most of us consider the genitals and the anus to be the dirtiest, which is not totally false, there are more visible parts which need more care and cleaning.
Do you Easily get infected and suffer from cough and cold during monsoon? than these tips will definitely help you.
In Rainy season mosquitoes can easily breed and increases the risk of mosquito transmitted infections.Malaria , Dengue , food and water poisioning , diarrhoea, vomiting , flu.
Viral infections are also common. In highly humid weather numerous one can prone to skin diseases and fungal infections.
Chronic skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis tend to worsen during the monsoon season. The climate is also favourable for fungus to thrive.
People they have problem of recurrent cough and cold or allergic cough also suffer a lot in these season because of their low immunity.
1)What You need to care about Food and drink:
* If you’re fond of street food, the rainy season isn’t the time to indulge. Pollution of water and raw vegetables is very common during rainy season. You can easily fall ill from contaminants.
*you must avoid any sort of fried food While consuming fish, make sure you eat it fresh. Cook fish properly as it is the breeding season for fishes.
*Try to avoid refrigerated food and drinks.
*Monsoons are infamously known for stomach ailments, too. Indigestion and food poisoning are mostly affect people in the months of rains.
Food items cleaned and cooked at home are any day better than frozen, pre-cooked food from the market. Warm and fresh cooked food must be given preference over cold leftovers as the former not only gives a soothing warm effect to your body it also helps in keeping away some common bacterial illnesses away.
*A cup of hot soup is highly recommended during monsoon. It encourages thickened secretions and helps you to get rid of bacteria and viruses from your system.
Frequently Drink antibacterial warm herbal teas .
Take Vitamin C to boost your immune system and help fight off infections.
2)What you need to care about skin and hair:
*Number of leptospirosis cases may peak during the rainy season and outbreaks can occur following excessive rainfall or flooding. it can lead to various fungal infections of the feet and nails.
*Dry your feet whenever they get wet. Don't continue to wear wet socks or wet shoes!
*Get a good pair of waterproof shoes to protect your feet from getting wet,also they are easier to dry off and provide traction that prevents slipping.
*After getting wet in the rain take Shower.Diseases develop when your body experiences a sudden change of temperature in the rain. Taking a hot shower right after being drenched in wet clothes stabilises the cold temperature and is the best way to get rid of all the germs that you may have picked up in the rain. If you get drenched in the rain, add disinfectant to bathing water to avoid skin problems.
*Keep your skin clean by bathing twice a day. Due to humidity many toxins can buildup on the the skin.
*Avoid colds and coughs by keeping your body warm and dry.
*Children's skin is particularly vulnerable during the monsoon season. Impetigo & scabies are common during these season and produces itchy skin. It's important to visit a dermatologist to get these conditions treated before they spread.
*Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing made out of synthetic fabric
3)What you need to take care about Enviornment around you:
*One major thing you need to make sure that there is no water-logging in and around your house. Water-logging provides shelter to mosquitoes and bacteria -- which in turns makes room for several monsoon diseases.
*If you suffer from asthma or diabetes, avoid staying anywhere with damp walls. It promotes the growth of fungus and can be especially harmful.
*Don’t enter air conditioned rooms with wet hair and damp clothes.
*keep your house clean and pest-free to prevent sickness during monsoon
*To enhance your body's natural ability to kill viruses and bacteria, including exercise in your daily routine is suggested. Physical exercises like walking, jogging , running, as a part of your daily routine will aid in healthier metabolism and prevent you from getting sick during monsoons.
Advice :
* Get enough sleep.
*Just because you enjoy to rain,don’t just get drenched everytime.
*If you need to Venture out,carry your rain gear or umbrella to protect yourself
*In case if you are already suffering ,just consult with Homeopathic Doctor . It is best way to get ride of your health issues without side effects and improve your immunity.
What is the plague?
The plague is a serious bacterial infection that can be deadly. Sometimes referred to as the “black plague,” the disease is caused by a bacterial strain called Yersinia pestis. This bacterium is found in animals throughout the world and is usually transmitted to humans through fleas.
The risk of plague is highest in areas that have poor sanitation, overcrowding, and a large population of rodents.
In medieval times, the plague was responsible for the deaths of millions of people in Europe.
Today, there are only 1,000 to 2,000 cases reported worldwide each year, with the highest incidence in Africa.
Plague is a rapidly progressing disease that can lead to death if untreated. If you suspect you have it, call a doctor right away or go to an emergency room for immediate medical attention.
Types of plague
There are three basic forms of plague:
Bubonic plague
The most common form of plague is bubonic plague. It’s usually contracted when an infected rodent or flea bites you. In very rare cases, you can get the bacteria from material that has come into contact with an infected person.
Bubonic plague infects your lymphatic system (a part of the immune system), causing inflammation in your lymph nodes. Untreated, it can move into the blood (causing septicemic plague) or to the lungs (causing pneumonic plague).
Septicemic plague
When the bacteria enter the bloodstream directly and multiply there, it’s known as septicemic plague. When they’re left untreated, both bubonic and pneumonic plague can lead to septicemic plague.
Pneumonic plague
When the bacteria spread to or first infect the lungs, it’s known as pneumonic plague — the most lethal form of the disease. When someone with pneumonic plague coughs, the bacteria from their lungs are expelled into the air. Other people who breathe that air can also develop this highly contagious form of plague, which can lead to an epidemic.
Pneumonic plague is the only form of the plague that can be transmitted from person to person.
How plague spreads
People usually get plague through the bite of fleas that have previously fed on infected animals like mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and prairie dogs. It can also be spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal or by eating an infected animal.
Plague can also spread through scratches or bites of infected domestic cats.
It’s rare for bubonic plague or septicemic plague to spread from one human to another.
Signs and symptoms of the plague
People infected with the plague usually develop flu-like symptoms two to six days after infection. There are other symptoms that can help distinguish the three forms of the plague.
Bubonic plague symptoms
Symptoms of bubonic plague generally appear within two to six days of infection. They include:
fever and chills
headache
muscle pain
general weakness
seizures
You may also experience painful, swollen lymph glands, called buboes. These typically appear in the groin, armpits, neck, or site of the insect bite or scratch. The buboes are what give bubonic plague its name.
Septicemic plague symptoms
Septicemic plague symptoms usually start within two to seven days after exposure, but septicemic plague can lead to death before symptoms even appear. Symptoms can include:
abdominal pain
diarrhea
nausea and vomiting
fever and chills
extreme weakness
bleeding (blood may not be able to clot)
shock
skin turning black (gangrene)
Pneumonic plague symptoms
Pneumonic plague symptoms may appear as quickly as one day after exposure to the bacteria. These symptoms include:
trouble breathing
chest pain
cough
fever
headache
overall weakness
bloody sputum (saliva and mucus or pus from the lungs)
What to do if you think you might have the plague
Plague is a life-threatening disease. If you have been exposed to rodents or fleas, or if you have visited a region where plague is known to occur, and you develop symptoms of plague, contact your doctor immediately:
Be prepared to tell your doctor about any recent travel locations and dates.
Make a list of all over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription drugs you take.
Make a list of people who have had close contact with you.
Tell your doctor about all your symptoms and when they first appeared.
When you visit the doctor, emergency room, or anywhere else where others are present, wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of the disease.
How the plague is diagnosed
If your doctor suspects you may have plague, they will check for the presence of the bacteria in your body:
A blood test can reveal if you have septicemic plague.
To check for bubonic plague, your doctor will use a needle to take a sample of the fluid in your swollen lymph nodes.
To check for pneumonic plague, fluid will be extracted from your airways by a tube that is inserted down your nose or mouth and down your throat. This is called a bronchoscopy.
The samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Preliminary results may be ready in just two hours, but confirmatory testing takes 24 to 48 hours.
Often, if the plague is suspected, your doctor will begin treatment with antibiotics before the diagnosis is confirmed. This is because the plague progresses rapidly, and being treated early can make a big difference in your recovery.
Treatment for the plague
The plague is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent care. If caught and treated early, it’s a treatable disease using antibiotics that are commonly available.
With no treatment, bubonic plague can multiply in the bloodstream (causing septicemic plague) or in the lungs (causing pneumonic plague). Death can occur within 24 hours after the appearance of the first symptom.
Treatment usually involves strong and effective antibiotics such as gentamicin or ciprofloxacin, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and, sometimes, breathing support.
People with pneumonic plague must be isolated from other patients.
Medical personnel and caregivers must take strict precautions to avoid getting or spreading plague.
Treatment is continued for several weeks after fever resolves.
Anyone who has come into contact with people with pneumonic plague should also be monitored, and they’re usually given antibiotics as a preventive measure.
How to prevent plague
Keeping the rodent population under control in your home, workplace, and recreation areas can greatly reduce your risk of getting the bacteria that causes plague. Keep your home free from stacks of cluttered firewood or piles of rock, brush, or other debris that could attract rodents.
Protect your pets from fleas using flea control products. Pets that roam freely outdoors may be more likely to come into contact with plague-infected fleas or animals.
If you live in an area where the plague is known to occur, the CDC recommends not allowing pets that roam freely outside to sleep in your bed. If your pet becomes sick, seek care from a veterinarian right away.
Use insect repellent products or natural insect repellants (like oil of lemon eucalyptus) when spending time outdoors.
If you have been exposed to fleas during a plague outbreak, visit your doctor immediately so your concerns can be addressed quickly.
There is currently no commercially available vaccine against plague in the United States.
Plague around the world
Epidemics of plague killed millions of people (about one-quarter of the population) in Europe during the Middle Ages. It came to be known as the "black death."
Today the risk of developing plague is quite low, with only 3,248 cases and 584 deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2010 to 2015.
Outbreaks are generally associated with infested rats and fleas in the home. Crowded living conditions and bad sanitation also increase the risk of plague.
Today, most human cases of the plague occur in Africa though they do appear elsewhere. The countries in which the plague is most common are Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Peru.
The plague is rare in the United States, but the disease is still sometimes found in the rural southwest and, in particular, in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The last epidemic of plague in the United States occurred in 1924 to 1925 in Los Angeles.
In the United States, reported cases average seven per year. Most have been in the form of the bubonic plague. There hasn’t been a case of person-to-person transmission of the plague in U.S. urban areas since 1924.
While it may not strike us immediately, the human body plays host to billions and billions of bacteria all the time. Even the ones who claim to be extra clean, have these. While some are considered normal flora, if not controlled, they could lead to problems like infection, odour, etc.
Read on to know 5 of the most infected areas of the human body.
Mouth: No amount of brushing or rinsing can help in keeping the mouth clean. Our mouth is a host to more than 600 types of bacteria and these are required for maintaining the pH in the mouth. It is only when there is an imbalance that infection occurs along with bad breath. The tongue is another part which can allow bacteria to breed both on it and under it. The color of the tongue is a good indication of bacterial growth. Tongue cleaning or brushing is definitely recommended.
Belly button: Again, no amount of time you spend in the shower can help you clean the belly button completely. It has about 2000 plus varieties of bacteria and given its hidden and warm nature (compared to the rest of the body temperature), they are ideal for bacterial growth. People with piercings and obesity definitely carry more bacteria than others. Immediately after the bath, try using a cotton ear bud in your navel and see how much dirt is accumulated.
Armpits: Those who shave their armpits are better off than those who flaunt their hair here. It has more than 80,000 bacteria and not many are even identified. It definitely requires more cleaning than the rest of the body. Shaving the armpits regularly improves the hygiene of the armpits to a large extent.
Nasal cavity: Air enters the body for respiration through the nose, and this air carries a lot of bacteria. The fine hairs in the nostrils which filter out the air of all these bacteria make the nasal cavity another dirty place. When fingering the nose or itching the nose, these get carried to the fingers and all other areas that get subsequently touched!
Nails: Both the finger and toe nails are built such that they are perfect homes for bacteria, especially the skin under the finger nails. Those who do not clean their nails regularly are highly prone to nail and/or skin infections. Added to this, there are people who walk barefoot and the chances are further increased. Hard to believe, but the feet are one of the most ignored body parts in terms of cleaning.
In a breakthrough, US researchers have found that women’s bladder is not a sterile place and can contain both beneficial and deadly bacteria, a finding that could lead to better diagnostic tests for urinary tract infections (UTI). The findings debunked the common belief that urine in healthy women is sterile and showed that that bacteria is “shared” between the bladder and vagina and the microbiota includes pathogens such as E. coli and S. anginosus as well as beneficial bacteria such as L.iners and L.crispatus.
The beneficial bacteria residing in both the bladder and vagina could provide protection against urinary infections. “Now that we know the bladder is not sterile, we have to re-evaluate everything we thought we knew about the bladder, and that is what we are doing,” said Alan J. Wolfe, microbiologist at the Loyola University Chicago.
This insight “should alter the way we view the bacteria of the female pelvic floor both by enabling further research and by providing new diagnostic and treatment options for urinary tract infections, urgency urinary incontinence and other associated urinary tract disorders,” the researchers noted.
For the study, published in Nature Communications, the team sequenced the genes of 149 bacterial strains from nearly 100 women. While the microbiota (community of microorganisms) found in the bladder and vagina were similar, they were markedly distinct from the microbiota found in the gastrointestinal tract.
It appears that bacteria travel between the bladder and the vagina, effectively creating one microbiota niche. Urination provides an obvious way for bacteria to travel from the bladder to the vagina.
But it’s a mystery how bacteria could travel from the vagina to the bladder, especially since most of the bacteria examined in the study lack features such as flagella (whip-like structures) or pili (grappling hooks) that would enable them to move, the researchers said.