Infections can come from anywhere – even from sources where we expect the least. This is because we let our guard down when we feel safe. Here, we are talking about handling seemingly healthy animals which can, nonetheless, give us infections like leptospirosis. But, Infectious Disease Center, Hyderabad is adept to treat this kind of infections.
What Is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread through urine (mixed in soil) of dogs, rodents, and farm animals. The diseases is much like a flue, only worse. When the symptoms appear, they seem to subside after a while but relapse soon. It’s best treated in a hospital and with proper care, the patient can recover within a week.
What Does Leptospirosis Feel Like?
It may take up to 2 weeks to a month for the symptoms to show after a person has been infected. Once you start to experience discomfort, watch out for the following symptoms of leptospirosis:
- High fever and chills
- Headache and body pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Rashes
- Jaundice-related symptoms like yellow eyes and skin.
The symptoms of leptospirosis can be misunderstood for a common flue or some other infection. It is very important that these symptoms are checked out by an infection-expert doctor and diagnosed properly and treated correctly. Otherwise, it may lead to organ damage and become fatal gradually.
How Is Leptospirosis Treated?
Like any other infection, the main course of treatment for leptospirosis is a course of antibiotics. In this case, typically, the course runs for a week. Supporting medicine can be given to give you relief from other symptoms.
If the infection is severe, IV antibiotics are given in the hospital. If the infection seems to have affected the health of bodily organs, respective medicines are given to nurse you back to health.
How Can You Prevent Leptospirosis?
Cautious hygiene can help you keep yourself safe from leptospirosis. Abide by the following healthy habits:
- Drink only purified water.
- Use clean, uncontaminated water that has been treated for safe use.
- If you live in an endemic area, avoid swimming or go to water bodies like a river, pond, or lakes, etc.
- Stay away from pests or rodents.
- If an animal is infected, keep a safe distance or take appropriate measures while handling them.
- If you plan on traveling to an endemic area, be extra cautious since there is no vaccination available which can prevent this sort of infection.
Leptospirosis Treatment
Unfortunately, many times, the symptoms of leptospirosis go undiagnosed making the disease very severe. And when that happens, each patient requires personalized medical care and careful supervision. Infectious Disease Center is equipped with the latest medicines, updated hospital arrangements and, of course, highly qualified doctors who can help you recover smoothly.