Germs on the loose! Is washing your hands enough?
Germs are everywhere - but what can you do if they get where they don't belong? Especially in the care sector, the correct handling of germs is crucial in order to protect those in need of care in the best possible way. In this article, we show you simple tips and measures on how to prevent the spread of germs - from thorough hand washing to other important hygiene steps.

 

 

 

Germs are in us and around us by the millions. They keep us alive, keep us healthy - as long as they are where they belong. But if they get into the wrong places... then they become pathogens. How we humans react to these "bad" germs depends on how old and how healthy we are. Germs in care are an important issue because most of the people in need of care are older, often previously ill and therefore have a weaker immune system. They are particularly at risk of becoming seriously ill from various pathogens. But what are "bad" germs, where do they come from and when do they become dangerous? You can find out all this and much more in our blog article.

 

What is a germ in the body?

Germs are also referred to as microorganisms, as "microorganisms". They include bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, millions of which can be found in the body and in our environment - you could say that the whole world is full of germs. A germ in the body is therefore something completely normal and healthy. In many cases, it is even very important. It's only when a germ gets into the wrong place that it becomes dangerous for us.

 

"Good" and "bad" germs

Simply put, there are benign and malignant germs. If the latter are in a place where they do not belong, they can cause damage. Then they become pathogens. You have probably heard of salmonella. Many chickens are colonized by them without ever falling ill.

However, for a person who eats undercooked chicken, this salmonella can be dangerous. If these germs get into our bodies, an infection can develop and result in salmonella poisoning. The symptoms of an infection depend on where in the body it occurs. In general, the following symptoms can occur with infections:

• Fever
• cough
• Headaches and aching limbs
• Pain

"Good" germs, also known as probiotic bacteria, on the other hand, play an essential role in human health. They support digestion, strengthen the immune system and help fight harmful microorganisms. These beneficial germs are mainly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi.

They help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn can have positive effects on overall well-being and even mental health. By promoting a balanced gut flora, good germs help to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of various diseases.

 

How is a sprout formed ?

All these microorganisms are constantly changing and reproducing. Many species double every 20 minutes or so through cell division. For example, if there are 10,000 germs at 12 noon, there are already 20,000 at 12:20 p.m. and 40,000 at 12:40 a.m. Many of these germs are found in the blood. They "store" their characteristics in the genes. When the pathogens multiply, they pass on their characteristics.

We speak in technical terms of the "genetic code", which always changes a little. Just as we and the animal world have developed through evolution, microorganisms can also adapt to changing living conditions. This can result in completely new properties - in bacteria, for example, the Ability to resist certain antibiotics.

 

If antibiotics are then taken, other, non-resistant bacteria. The resistant pathogens survive and spread. If a bacterium has become immune to an antibiotic,  it can also transfer this immunity to other pathogens in the environment.

 

How dangerous is a germ?

When a germ causes an infection in the body, it can turn into an inflammation. Depending on how strong our immune system is, the body can either heal the infection itself by forming a protective inflammation, or life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis) can occur without treatment. Incidentally, this can also happen with treatment, namely if the germ is resistant to treatment and no longer responds to antibiotics. You will learn more about this later.

 

How are germs transmitted?

In the Covid19 year 2020, we have all learned one thing: germs are mainly (over 80 percent) transmitted via the hands. Germs also stick to objects - such as door handles, cleaning cloths and sponges, taps, toilet lids, bags, etc. - and remain there for a certain period of time. For this reason, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly several times a day. You should also disinfect frequently used items and devices as often as possible and necessary.

 

Diseases as a result of infections

Germs, however, can not only lead directly to blood poisoning. Depending on the point of entry and type of germ, there are various diseases and symptoms that can occur as a result of an infection.

 

Wound Infection

 

Hospitals are particularly full of germs. They are teeming with sick people and therefore with pathogens. If infections occur in this environment, pus can form, for example on surgical wounds. In most cases, bacteria are the cause of such wound infections. Some types of bacteria can also cause serious secondary diseases. Wound infections are the most common form of hospital infection and healing of the wound is only possible once the infection has been completely eliminated.

A wound infection doesn't seem too dangerous at first. Unfortunately, however, appearances are deceptive and there are many cases of elderly patients who actually "only" had an infection and then died from it. These people do not manage to get rid of the infection in a timely manner until it is no longer possible to cure the illness for which they were originally hospitalized. This highlights the importance of hygiene and infection control in hospitals.

 

Urinary tract infection

 

The second most common form of infection is urinary tract infection. This is usually caused by intestinal bacteria that enter the urethra from the anus. Insufficient hygiene after going to the toilet and unprotected sexual intercourse favor this infection. Women are more often affected by this disease due to their shorter urethra. Other risk groups are people with diabetes mellitus or urinary flow disorders.

This disease is manifested by blood in the urine, chills and fever as well as pain when urinating. The doctor can diagnose this disease using a urine test strip. If the disease is chronic, he or she will identify urine cultures and prescribe a cystoscopy and antibiotics.

 

Pneumonia

 

The most common form of infection in intensive care units is pneumonia. We recognize it by fever, chills and severe coughing. The doctor may listen to and palpate the lungs and order an X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound. In addition to antibiotics, cough suppressants and secretion-liquefying medication are often used for this infection.

 

Blood poisoning

 

Blood poisoning occurs when pathogens spread from the site of inflammation via the bloodstream to the entire body. Strictly speaking, this is not a case of poisoning, but a defense reaction of the body. The infestation of the blood by pathogens cannot be eliminated, which is why our immune system tries to get rid of the bacteria in this way. Unfortunately, the immune system damages the whole body in the process.

We recognize blood poisoning by the following factors:

• a deviation of body-temperature up or down (<36°C or >38°C)
• an increased pulse (>90 beats/minute)
• an increased Breathing rate (>20 breaths/minute)
• a deviation in the number of white Blood cells in the blood ( leukocytes) (<4000/µL o. >12,000/µL)

When organs are impaired, we speak of severe blood poisoning (sepsis). When the heart finally no longer has sufficient pumping power, we speak of a septic shock. Risk groups are people with a weak immune system, such as cancer patients after chemotherapy, people with wounds or injuries, or those who have had catheters inserted into blood vessels. Addictions also favor this infection.

In order to cure sepsis, the underlying disease must first be cured - surgically or with medication. If possible, this starting point of the blood poisoning is eliminated as quickly as possible. This is possible in around 80 % of patients. Simple blood poisoning is treated with antibiotics.

 

Treatment of infections

We have already touched on the treatment options for the individual types of infection. Now we would like to expand on this a little more: there are basically two types of treatment methods that are usually used for an infection: the use of antibiotics and MRSA decontamination.

 

Antibiotics

 

An antibiotic normally kills the pathogen. The patient usually has to take it for a period of 10 days to "eliminate" the infection. Antibiotic treatment becomes difficult with resistant germs. They are immune to the medication and survive the treatment. In this case, a different antibiotic is needed to which the germ is not yet resistant.

 

MRSA remediation

 

MRSA bacteria are resistant germs that can also colonize us without making us sick: on the skin, armpits, groin, throat and usually in the nasal vestibule. Only when these MRSA enter the body through wounds or mucous membranes can an infection break out. The MRSA method can be used to remove these multi-resistant pathogens from the patient's skin and mucous membranes. This usually involves applying an antibiotic ointment to the nasal vestibule. We also wash the entire body daily for five to seven days with a disinfectant wash lotion.

 

Where in everyday life are germs that can make us sick ?

Germs in factory farming

 

Since germs like to spread when many people or animals live in a confined space, we can easily imagine that in factory farming, germs can easily develop and spread to many animals. These animals are then given antibiotics, which in turn end up in us.

 

What to do against germs from factory farming?

• The answer is clear - grab Organic meat. And while you're at it, you can think about whether it has to be meat that ends up on your plate every day.
• Look at Hygiene when preparing the meat. Use a separate cutting board for meat, for example, to avoid transferring germs.
• Brate this Roast the meat for at least 2 minutes at 70 degrees Celsius, this kills the germs.
• The same goes for the Rinsing with hot water and detergent.
• Dishwashing Sponges are bursting with germs after much use. Regularly exchange!
• And always wash your hands thoroughly after preparing raw meat.

 

Germs on clothes and at home

 

Dangerous germs can also end up on our clothes, which can then be transferred to the next person. When we visit those in need of our care, we are putting them at unnecessary risk.

 

What to do about germs on clothes and at home?

Wash your clothes at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius and clean your home regularly. Regular ventilation is also important, which can also strengthen our immune system.

 

Nora's tip: So we have learned that resistant bacteria are mainly caused by the untargeted use of antibiotics. In fact, this is the most common reason why these pathogens develop. So-called broad-spectrum antibiotics, which act on many different bacteria, are often prescribed. This certainly makes sense in an emergency. It is better to have a "Antibiogram"test performed by a doctor. This involves testing which antibiotic works for which pathogen. This allows the doctor to find exactly the right medication for the current pathogen and thus prevent resistance from developing.

Are you looking for a caregiver? Professional caregivers know the high standards of hygiene and behave accordingly. HERE you will find the right caregiver for you.

 

 

In 2020, we realized that we should wash our hands everywhere and as often as possible and keep our distance, and we do this every day. In a facility that cares for our patients, the management, nursing staff and relatives all have to pay meticulous attention to hygiene. Because as we know, germs are everywhere: germs are in the blood, germs are in the intestines, germs are in the urine, germs are also in the water.

We are all responsible for maintaining high standards of hygiene. Hospitals have hygiene plans that are reviewed by hygiene experts. In addition, there are blood tests and swabs to determine whether we are healthy. We therefore adhere to these standards, especially in places where there are many people in need of care.

Reminder:

• Wash your hands thoroughly, even between your fingers
• Keep your distance
• use a face mask if necessary
• stay at home when a cold is imminent, in the worst case sneeze into the crook of your arm
• disinfect shared items

At home, in addition to these standards keep everything nice and clean, process meat separately from other foods and roast for at least 2 minutes at 70 degrees Celsius. It does no harm at all to give up meat once in a while, for the good of all our health.