infectious Disease Part 2

Meningitis

• Definition: Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Signs and Symptoms

• Common symptoms include:

  • Fever: Elevated body temperature.

  • Headache: Severe headaches are typical.

  • Stiff Neck: Notable sign; neck pain and stiffness are key indicators.

  • Altered Mental Status: In later stages, the patient may exhibit confusion or altered consciousness.

  • Malaise/Fatigue: Ongoing fatigue and feelings of unwellness.

• Patients may initially seek medical attention for flu-like symptoms and may be referred to the hospital once symptoms are identified.

Risk and Precautions

• Contagious Forms: Some types are highly contagious, primarily viral or bacterial meningitis spread through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing).

• Precautionary Measures:

  • Surgical Mask: Must be placed on the patient to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

  • N95 Mask: First responders should wear these for protection.

  • Communications: Notify receiving hospital of the potential for a highly contagious patient.

Additional Symptoms of Worsening Meningitis

• Photophobia: Sensitivity to light.

• Severe Flu-like Symptoms: Includes the aforementioned symptoms along with increased intensity of headaches and malaise.

HIV and AIDS

• HIV Overview: HIV attacks the immune system, leading to a progressive inability to fight infections.

• Stages:

  • Primary Infection: Occurs soon after exposure (flu-like symptoms).

  • Asymptomatic Period: The virus remains inactive; often lasts years.

  • Symptomatic HIV: As the virus progresses, symptoms begin; weight loss and repeated infections occur as the immune system weakens.

  • Symptomatic AIDS: Final stage that can lead to death; characterized by severe infections and certain cancers.

• Current Treatments: Modern antiviral medications allow patients to live near normal lifespans if treated early.

Transmission

• Methods of Transmission: HIV is transmitted through:

  • Blood

  • Sexual Contact

  • Body Fluids

  • Needle Sharing

• Precautionary Measures for EMS:

  • Cover wounds to avoid accidental exposure.

  • Use gloves during patient interaction.

Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

• Symptoms of advanced stages include:

  • Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, fatigue.

  • Nausea/Vomiting.

  • Weight Loss: Especially concerning in advanced HIV/AIDS cases.

  • Considerations for Patient Care: Be aware of recurrent infections like pneumonia, especially in related clinics seeking EMS.

Hepatitis

• Definition: Inflammation or infection of the liver, referred to as hepatitis.

• Causes: Can be viral or caused by damage (e.g., alcoholism).

Types of Hepatitis

• Viral Hepatitis Types:

  • Type A and Type E: Spread through fecal-oral routes (ingestion of contaminated food or water).

  • Types B, C, and D: Spread through blood and sexual contact.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

• Common Symptoms include:

  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Often related to liver dysfunction.

  • Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Pain near the liver.

  • Fever and Chills.

  • Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: These can be serious indicators of liver distress.