Introduction to Hospital viruses

There are a number of diseases which can spread through hospitals. Most of the time, these will be kept well under control. It’s part of a medical establishment’s remit to ensure nobody contracts an illness while in their care.

1.A

The viruses you're at risk of

Some viruses thrive in hospital conditions. Their crowded nature and germ-heavy conditions lead to increased chance of a spread. There are series of bacteria strands which are prevalent in this kind of environment. The most dangerous to look out for include the likes of.

Norovirus

Worryingly, this particular illness cannot be treated with antibiotics, because it’s a viral and not bacterial condition. The symptoms of this disease are fairly unpleasant. They include diarrhoea, vomiting and long-lasting upset stomach. Patients are encouraged to fight it by staying hydrated and eating regularly.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus 

This long-winded name is often shortened to MRSA. Starting off as a skin infection, these staph bacteria have grown immune to most conventional forms of antibiotics. As such, a more extreme approach is needed to treat it.

Klebsiella

This is common and can be treated quickly, but still poses a threat. The bacteria which cause this will often reproduce on surgical equipment, meaning they need to be kept clean at all times.

Mycobacterium Abscessus

This bacterial disease spreads quickly, and can lead to conditions like leprosy and tuberculosis. The first signs of this disease come in the form of irritation on the skin and soft tissue.

Influenza

This is the most prevalent illness which a hospital will battle. Every year, around 600 people will die from influenza in the UK.

1.B

How diseases spread in Hospital

Knowing how to prevent the outbreak of a virus is made considerably easier when you have a better understanding of how they spread. Unfortunately, there’s more than one way diseases will be transmitted.

Direct contact

As you might have guessed, an infection can be transferred from one person directly to another – even with minimal contact. This is common when people don’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or handling food.

Airborne

These are somewhat less preventable with regular preventative methods. Sometimes hazardous bacteria can collect in dust or droplets of moisture. These are transported through the air and ingested by patients

Vector borne 

In this form of transportation, the disease will spread via pests like rodents and insects. Mosquitos are a particular threat, as they’re relatively common and can get into a room easily without you realising.