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The Causes and Spread of Infections

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UNIT 4222-265 The causes and spread of infection Outcome 1: understand the causes of infection Bacteria are a very small, self-sufficient, one-celled organism that thrives in a variety of environments. However, many bacteria thrive in the mild 98.6 health body environment, some of these environmentally content bacteria in your body are actually good for you; its only 1% that isn’t. Some examples of the sicknesses that bacteria cause are; * Impetigo * Meningitis * Tuberculosis * UTI (urinary tract infections) * Conjunctivitis * Gastroenteritis A virus is a capsule containing genetic material, even smaller than bacteria. The main task of virus is to reproduce. However, viruses need a suitable host to …show more content…

The infectious agent that may remain localised or may enter the blood stream. Sexually transmitted infections mostly infect the genitals.HIV, the AIDS virus, are carried in bodily fluids and can be transmitted in spit, seminal fluids or blood. One of the commonest modes of transmission for infection is our hands. As care assistants, our hands come into contact with many possible infectious agents such as body excretions and secretions for example blood, urine, faeces, vomit and sputum. If good hand hygiene isn’t practiced, micro-organisms will be passed from one individual to another. General cleanliness, including general, environmental, equipment and materials reduce the sources of infection within the care home. Our own personal hygiene is of most importance. It’s good practice to start the day clean and tidy, with particular attention paid to fingernails, which should be kept short and clean; hair should be clean and tied back if it’s long. The care home environment must also be kept clean, if the environment is dirty then there is higher chance of the transmission of micro-organisms. Service users should never share soap, nailbrushes, toothbrushes, razors, towels and face clothes. Food hygiene is very important to prevent cross contamination. If strict guidelines are not adhered to in the handling of food serious illness can be caused. UTI’s (urinary tract infection) are an infection to the urinary system. There caused by certain bacteria

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