9 ‘Contagious’ Conditions That Are Not Truly Contagious

The outbreak of Covid-19 made us all acutely aware of infectious diseases and how they can spread. The problem is, symptoms for contagious and non-contagious conditions often overlap, making it hard to know how alert we should be. While taking precautions like frequent hand-washing is never a bad idea, it is also important to be aware that not all diseases are infectious. In fact, some conditions have a false reputation of being highly contagious when it is, in fact, not true at all. The following 9 conditions cannot be transmitted from person to person, though many people believe the opposite.

1. Pneumonia and Bronchitis

Both of these conditions are the result of respiratory infections - pneumonia infects the lungs while bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways. Whether or not these diseases are contagious depends on what caused them. 

 

Two types of pneumonia that can’t be spread from person to person are fungal pneumonia, which is contracted from the environment, and aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia, however, is indeed contagious and is also the most widespread cause of the disease, according to the American Lung Association. Yet, healthcare experts claim it isn’t as infectious as most of us think. The microorganisms that travel from person to person will not automatically lead to pneumonia but might have a much milder effect depending on the individual. 

 

The case for bronchitis is very similar. Acute bronchitis, which is caused by a virus, is contagious, while chronic bronchitis isn’t. The latter is an ongoing condition often caused by long-term smoking or exposure to environmental pollutants.

2. Psoriasis

When we see someone suffering from a skin condition, it is easy to make the mistake of thinking it can be transmitted by touch. While we can’t cover all skin afflictions in one article, we can assure you that one of the most common conditions, psoriasis, is not contagious at all. Psoriasis affects about 2% of the American population and has nothing to do with germs or bacteria that can be passed between people. Rather, it’s an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the skin. Telltale signs of psoriasis include red, itchy patches of skin with white scales on top, mainly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.

 

3. Ear Infection

Ear infections in itself are not contagious, and can’t be ‘caught’. In fact, one of the common causes is water in your ears. The bad news is that oftentimes, ear infections are a complication of the common cold, as the virus leads to fluid buildup in the middle ear. “Due to congestion caused by the cold, the inner ear fills up with fluid and can become secondarily infected by bacteria; these stay in the ear and are therefore not contagious,” explains Matthew Mintz, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine.

It is important to note that if an ear infection started with a cold and the patient still has cold symptoms, those can still be contagious.

 

4. Rosacea

Rosacea is another widespread visible skin condition, which isn’t contagious nor is it caused by bad hygiene. Rosacea, which hits approximately 14 million Americans, can be recognized by redness, visible blood vessels in the face, and sometimes acne-like breakouts. The causes of rosacea are unknown, but experts theorize it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Flare-ups can be triggered by a number of things including hot drinks and spicy foods.

 

The National Rosacea Society explains that antibiotics used to treat rosacea may be effective because they help to combat inflammation, not because they’re killing bacteria.

5. Lyme disease

When it comes to Lyme Disease the only ones who are contagious are the infected ticks, according to the CDC. The bacteria-based disease can only be transmitted when a tick attaches to your skin and feasts on your blood. It cannot be transmitted between humans in any way, not through casual contact and not even through kissing. 

 

Pets aren’t infectious either, though they can carry ticks into your home.

6.Malaria

Similarly to Lyme disease, mosquitos are the only ones guilty of spreading malaria. Only certain species of mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus - and only the females of those species - can transmit the potentially deadly disease. When they bite you, malaria parasites are released into your bloodstream. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pains, feeling hot and shivering, jaundice, among others. 

 

While malaria cannot be transmitted from person to person, it infects red blood cells, which means you could get it through a blood transfusion, by sharing an infected needle, or during pregnancy or childbirth.

 

7. Tetanus

Have you ever been scolded as a child because you were walking barefoot outside? The danger of tetanus likely had something to do with it. Tetanus, also referred to as lockjaw, causes intense muscle spasms which leads to a ‘locking' of the jaw and difficulty in opening the mouth and swallowing. The bacteria responsible for this disease is mainly found in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. 

 

It enters the body through broken skin; the CDC points out that likely ways to get tetanus are via puncture wounds (like from stepping on a nail), wounds that get dirty, and burns. Infected individuals are not contagious. You can get vaccinated against tetanus, and a booster shot is required every 10 years. 

 

 

8. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that live on the outer layer of our skin and are often harmless, most commonly group A strep. It becomes a problem, however, when the bacteria penetrate deep into the skin. “If there is damage — either from a cut, recent surgery, or even athlete’s foot — that damage can allow in bacteria, which can affect the deeper layers of the skin,” explains Dr. Mintz. This can result in a serious infection, characterized by swelling, redness, and fluid-filled blisters. The infected area will typically be warm and painful to touch. 

 

While cellulitis needs to be taken seriously, as it can deteriorate into a life-threatening condition, it isn’t contagious. If there is pus or oozing fluid, however, which is not typical for cellulitis, this material can spread infection.

9. Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires' disease is a rare form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria. It typically begins with fever, headaches, and muscle aches. By the second or third day, people also develop a cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and confusion or other mental changes. Outbreaks of legionnaires disease are likely, although the disease isn't contagious. 

 

This is because the culprits are contaminated water supplies. According to the National Institutes of Health, exposure can come from faucets, showers, whirlpools, and the ventilation systems of large buildings. Transmission can only occur when a person inhales mist or water droplets that contain the legionella bacteria. 

 

Not everyone who is exposed to the bacteria will contract the disease. Those at higher risk groups are people over 50, especially if they have a weakened immune system due to chronic illness or smoking.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

10 Natural Home Remedies For Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a serious and rather common skin infection of subcutaneous tissues and deep skin layers. This condition is often caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria, yet other bacterial infections can also result in cellulitis. These bacteria cause the infected skin region to become warm, red, swollen, and painful, causing a good deal of discomfort. Luckily, there are many different cures for this infection, most of which are perfectly safe and natural. Below, you'll find 10 of the best natural remedies for cellulitis, so read on and start your treatment today!  

 

1. Vitamins  

Vitamins provide a wealth of benefits for many types of illnesses, and cellulitis is no exception. Vitamin A provides the body with anti-infective effects, so it could certainly aid in treating this disease. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, while aiding in the healing of wounds and skin rashes. Vitamin E, on the other hand, could help reduce the development of the infectious tissue, helping to keep it firmly under control.

2. Pineapple

Pineapple contains an enzyme known as bromelain, which has been found to help cure cellulitis quickly and effectively. Try and find creative ways to add pineapple to your daily meals to help both cure cellulitis, as well as to prevent it from resurfacing. 

 

3. Echinacea (Coneflower) 

Echinacea helps cure cellulitis, while strengthening your immune system at the same time. Additionally, it's packed with flavonoids that provide anti-allergic, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. To use echinacea, you can either consume it internally, or apply it to the affected area in the form of a cream or gel. Make sure you consult a doctor before using echinacea to make sure you take the correct dose. 

 

4. Rosemary and Fennel Oil 

The combination of fennel and rosemary oil is a useful and effective skin lubricant, and its application reduces the risk of further infection or future recurrence of cellulitis. Apply 2 to 5 drops of the oil directly onto the affected skin region, until the infection is completely cured. 

 

5. Yogurt

Yogurt works wonders for cellulitis because it acts directly on the infected skin region by reducing and discarding infectious agents and trigger factors. Eat one or two cups of yogurt a day to increase the amount of healthy bacteria inside your body. 

 

6. Manuka Honey 

Manuka honey is very rich in phytochemicals, which are great at managing staph infections, such as cellulitis. An added bonus is that manuka honey can also speed up wound healing. To cure cellulitis, spread a few drops of the honey onto the affected area, leave it there for a few hours, and then wash it off. You can do this 2 or 3 times a day until you get better results.  

 

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the best home remedies for dealing with cellulitis. It contains strong antibiotic and antiseptic properties that can treat (as well as prevent) this infection. In addition, it contains curcumin, which provides wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits. First of all, you need to add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk, before boiling it. Then, all you need to do is to add a little bit of honey. Drink this mixture once or twice a day until the infection is cleared. 

 

8. Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties that are very effective at healing cellulitis. To treat an infection, you first need to moisten some cotton swabs with water. Next, add 1 or 2 drops of essential tea tree oil onto each swab. Finally, dab the swabs onto the affected areas, and leave the oil on for a couple of hours before washing it off. 

 

9. Garlic

Garlic contains the active compound allicin, which is often used as a natural antibiotic for treating skin infections. Apart from eating 3 or 4 crushed garlic cloves a day, there's also another simple way to use garlic to treat cellulitis: Apply some crushed garlic to the infected area, and allow 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Be warned though, this method isn't suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

 

10. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, which can help your body fight bacteria. What's more, it also helps to soothe irritated skin. To help treat cellulitis, all you need to do is to apply some coconut oil onto the affected area. Then, just leave it on there for a couple of hours, before rinsing it off. Reapply several times a day until your infection is cured.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

What is Sepsis and its symptoms

When we have an infection, our bodies work constantly to protect us from it. Antibiotic or anti-viral drugs are sometimes needed, but unfortunately, the fight against bacteria and viruses is not always simple.

When the infection is not properly treated and is out of control, immune system activity can go awry for reasons that doctors can’t explain, leading to sepsis - a life-threatening condition in which the body harms itself to protect its organs. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the dangers of the condition and its symptoms so that you can seek medical help right away as soon as you notice it... it may just save your life.

Why is sepsis so dangerous?  

"If you don’t treat sepsis, it can cause septic shock, which is an advanced state of infection in the body that causes very low and dangerous blood pressure," says Dr. Carmen Polito, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University Medical School. When your body is in a state of septic shock, it's very difficult to improve blood pressure through IV, which means that it is very difficult to regain proper blood flow to the organs needed to keep them functioning. 

 

Since there is no test for sepsis, it’s very difficult to diagnose until the body reaches a state of septic shock, but what doctors do know is that sepsis is caused by four types of infections: pneumonia, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. Symptoms of sepsis are very similar to those of septic shock and both go hand in hand, so if you experience a combination of the following symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult your family doctor to see if you need lifesaving treatment. 

 

5 of the most common sepsis symptom
 

1. Cold, clammy skin 

"When the body experiences sepsis, it focuses on sending blood to the most vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and brain, then to less important areas like the skin," states Christopher Seymour, Assistant Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. However, remember that skin that feels cold and clammy to the touch is a symptom of many diseases, some of which are less dangerous - this is a sign of concern only if you also experience other symptoms of sepsis or you have a significant infection.

2. Decreased or dark colored urine 

The kidneys are the most severely affected organs during sepsis because they are sensitive to any change in blood flow and pressure. Therefore, the effects of this condition can often be seen in the urine. When the body senses that its blood pressure is low, it tries to store as much fluid as possible, which leads to decreased urination or dark colored urine, Dr. Seymour says. 

 

In extreme cases, someone who is suffering from sepsis might stop urinating completely. Therefore, if you notice such changes in your urine and feel sick, it may be more than just dehydration. 

 

3. Changes in mental state 

Confusion, low alertness, and dizziness can all be the result of too little blood in the brain, dehydration, and toxins that enter the body and contaminate it. If you experience septic shock, all of these symptoms will appear, and Dr. Seymour adds, “These will be the most extreme sensations you will ever feel in terms of these symptoms." Dr. Seymour stresses that these symptoms must occur with infection for them to be treated as symptoms of sepsis, as these are also common symptoms of a stroke, for example.

4. Increased heart rate 

In the case of sepsis, you will not only experience an accelerated heart rate, such as after a morning run, but you will feel that your heart is pounding even while relaxed. The average pulse at rest is 60-90 beats per minute, so if you measure your heart rate at rest and find it to be over 90, it may be a sign of sepsis, says Dr. Coopersmith. When afflicted with sepsis the body increases heart rate to improve circulation and prevent tissue damage. 

 

5. Difficulty breathing 

If you do not have a medical condition that causes breathing difficulties, except for pneumonia leading to sepsis, you may have sepsis. As in the case of the previous symptom, this symptom is also caused by the body's need to pump more blood into its organs, in which case it is important to enrich the blood with oxygen. 

 

Because of this, the body tries to breathe faster, which causes unpleasant feelings such as difficulty breathing. Some patients develop shortness of breath that makes it hard to keep a healthy breathing rate. Therefore, if you experience this symptom along with a few others on this list, don’t ignore them and just hope they’ll pass.

As we’ve said before, if you experience a combination of these symptoms along with an infection, all experts recommend that you get medical help. You shouldn't delay as sepsis causes damage to the body that can develop and worsen over a few hours, and the faster you treat it, the more your body will prevent injuries that will worsen your health later in life.

While the treatment varies from person to person, it is usually an aggressive process because quick action is needed; First, the doctors will treat the infection, provide the body with antibiotics and try to increase blood pressure by fluid infusion. They will then try to figure out exactly what the source of the infection is and act accordingly - in some cases, surgery or drainage is needed to control it. 

 

When it comes to sepsis and septic shock, remember that early detection is the most important thing in order to get the best treatment for you. If you are concerned that you are suffering from this condition, contact your doctor immediately.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement