After the virus, the risk of bacterial infection cannot be minimized.
In the general perception, the probability of re-infection with bacteria after infection is often low, and therefore the potential risk of bacterial infection is often overlooked during or after the infection. However, it is a mistake, and we need to understand the potential link between the virus and bacterial infections in order to better protect our health.
As a complex ecosystem, the human body is constantly threatened by pathogens. Viruses and bacteria are two common pathogens, with different infection mechanisms and modes of transmission. The virus is usually embedded in human cells, where the resources of the host cell are used for self-replicating, thus disrupting the normal physical functioning of the human body and causing diseases such as influenza, new crowns and symptoms such as heat, cough and inactivity. In contrast, bacterial infections occur in the tissue, organ or cavity of the human body, release toxins, damage human cells and tissues, such as pneumonia caused by streptococcus pneumococcal, skin infections caused by pneumococcus, and display local inflammation and sepsis.
When humans become infected with the virus, the immune system is activated and put into combat against the virus. However, this battle often leaves the immune system in a relatively fragile and unbalanced state. For example, viral infections can cause damage to respiratory mucous membranes, which opens the door to bacterial intrusion. Respiratory mucous membranes, which were an important defence against pathogens, were damaged and weakened, making bacteria more adhesive and invasive to human tissue. In the case of influenza virus infections, where the patient ‘ s upper-respiratory skin cells have been damaged after the infection, bacteria such as pneumococococcal and haemophilus influenzae can take advantage of this and cause secondary bacterial infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, which is more common among older persons, children and people suffering from chronic underlying diseases.
In addition, viral infections may affect the mechanisms for regulating the human immune system. Some viruses can inhibit certain functions of the immune system, reducing the resistance of organisms to bacteria. Studies have shown that certain viral infections interfere with the normal functioning of white cells and reduce their ability to devour and destroy bacteria. In such cases, even bacteria that are originally present in the environment around the human body but are generally not pathological may be proliferating and infecting. For example, in the latter stages of the virus, patients may experience ear pains, sepsis, etc., which may be due to the effect that the influenza virus weakens the control of ear bacteria in the immune system, leading to bacterial infections in the middle ear.
In the hospital environment, the risk of subsequent bacterial infections of the virus cannot be ignored. There are a wide range of pathogens in the hospital, and patients are more exposed to bacteria and infections as a result of the virus, including infirmity, prolonged hospitalization and the use of medical devices. For example, post-operative patients are more vulnerable to bacterial contamination of their wounds if they become infected with the virus, leading to serious complications such as injury infections and sepsis.
We cannot mistakenly assume that the chances of re-infecting bacteria after infection are low. During the course of the virus ‘ s infection and during the period following rehabilitation, vigilance and attention to personal hygiene, such as hand-washing and clean ventilation in the living environment, should be maintained in order to reduce opportunities for bacterial infections. The protection of high-risk groups, such as the elderly, children, chronically ill, and, where necessary, preventive measures such as the rational use of antibiotics for the prevention of bacterial infections, should be strengthened. Only a proper understanding of the relationship between the virus and bacterial infections can provide an effective response to the various pathogens and guarantee their health and safety.
