Managing dog bites and preventing infection by @tayetaiwo

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When a dog bite pierces a person’s skin, bacteria from the animal’s mouth can get into the body, which can cause an infection.

The wounded area should be wash thoroughly to remove the bacteria from the body and help prevent infection like tetanus, rabies, or sepsis.

Symptoms of a dog bite infection can include:

• Swelling and redness around the wound

• Pain that lasts longer than 24 hours

• Drainage from the wound

• Difficulty moving the affected part of the body

• A warm feeling around the wound

• Shaking

• Night sweats

• Fever

Managing dog bites and preventing infection

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Washing the wound thoroughly can remove the bacteria from the body and help prevent infection. If the bacteria stay in the body, they can cause an infection, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis.

In some cases, an infection can spread to other parts of the body. People will need antibiotics or vaccinations to treat these types of infection.

How can you tell if a dog bite is infected?
An infected dog bite may cause pain for longer than 24 hours.
Symptoms of a dog bite infection can include:

swelling and redness around the wound
pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
drainage from the wound
difficulty moving the affected part of the body
a warm feeling around the wound
Signs that the infection may have spread to other parts of the body include:

fever
shaking
night sweats
Managing dog bites and preventing infection
To help prevent infection from a dog bite, people should wash the wound as soon as possible. People can treat minor wounds by:

• Washing the wound with soap and warm water, making sure to clean the area thoroughly

• Running the wound under lukewarm water to flush out bacteria

• Applying antibiotic cream to the wound and then wrapping a clean bandage around it

Conclusion

To avoid getting an infection from a dog bite, the victim should wash the wound straight away. He/She can hold the wound under running water or use soap and water to wash it thoroughly before covering the wound with a bandage to keep it clean.

For deeper wounds, the victim should see a doctor.

Cc: @steemcurator01

Cc: @steemcurator02