On an ordinary weekend, Aunt Li was busy in the small vegetable garden in the backyard. Domestic chicks frolicked at her feet, and she habitually bent down to feed them. Suddenly, a chick rushed towards her because of the competition for food, and an instinctive peck hit the back of her hand. It was a trivial matter, but she washed the wound and continued her gardening work.
However, the consequences of this small bite were unexpected. Two days later, she felt not only redness, swelling and pain around the wound, but also the beginning of weakness in her arm, accompanied by fever and chills. After her family rushed her to the hospital, her condition deteriorated rapidly and she eventually had to be admitted to the ICU due to a severe infection.
This incident is a shocking reminder that the small wounds that we usually ignore can be the dividing line between life and death.
Dangers of poultry-related wounds
The invisible killer of bacteria
The body of poultry is a natural host for a variety of bacteria, many of which are harmful to humans. Salmonella, for example, is a bacterium normally found in the gut of poultry that can cause serious infections once it enters the body through a wound. Symptoms can range from mild skin infections to severe pneumonia and sepsis, with dire consequences.
In addition, poultry may also carry lesser-known pathogens such as leptospira. They are common in certain rural areas or in environments with frequent animal contact and can invade through small cracks in the skin, causing potentially fatal diseases such as leptospirosis, which initially manifests as fever, headache, muscle pain, and can lead to kidney damage or abnormal liver function if left untreated.
The latent threat of the virus
Not only bacteria, but some viruses, such as avian influenza viruses, can also be transmitted to humans through similar routes. Although the chance of infection directly through the wound is low, it cannot be ignored that the wound provides a route for the virus to enter the bloodstream. Once the virus enters the body, it can multiply rapidly, attack the respiratory system, and cause severe breathing difficulties.
A test of the immune system
For middle-aged and elderly people, even a small wound can become a big enemy of health. As we age, the immune system gradually declines and its ability to fight pathogens decreases. When bacteria or viruses invade through a wound, it can be difficult for the body to respond quickly and effectively, making the symptoms of infection more severe and the treatment process more complicated.
Act now: a critical step to properly manage small wounds
When we accidentally get injured in our daily lives, even minor wounds should not be overlooked. Proper handling can not only prevent infections from occurring, but also greatly reduce future health risks. Here are some of the key management steps that apply to the vast majority of small wounds.
Timely cleaning: Rinsing the wound thoroughly with water immediately after an injury is the first step in preventing infection. If running clean water is available, it's best to let the stream continue to flush for a few minutes to remove any contaminants that may be present. Care should be taken when using soap and avoid direct contact with the wound, as some types of soap may irritate the wound.
Use of disinfectants: After the wound has been cleaned, disinfect with an appropriate disinfectant such as iodine tincture or hydrogen peroxide. These disinfectants kill bacteria in the wound and reduce the risk of infection. When applying the disinfectant, the entire wound and its surrounding area should be covered.
Protect the wound: Covering the wound with a sterile dressing or a clean bandage can protect the wound from external contamination. Make sure the dressing fits comfortably, isn't too tight and doesn't come off easily. Change dressings regularly, especially if they are wet or dirty.
Observe and document: Continuously observe the wound for several days of treating it. Any abnormalities, such as increased redness, increased pain, or oozing pus, should be recorded and may be a sign of infection.
Alert Signs: Monitor the wound for signs of deterioration
After properly treating the wound, it is very important to monitor the recovery process of the wound. Here are some key signs of deterioration that need special attention:
Redness and swelling: Persistent or worsening redness around the wound is often the first sign of infection. Redness and swelling may be accompanied by a sensation of heat and are warmer to the touch than the surrounding healthy skin.
Pain: Increased wound pain, especially within a few days of initial treatment, may be a sign of bacterial infection. The pain may be dull, tingling, or persistent.
Discharge: Foul-smelling or unusually colored discharge from the wound (such as yellow or green pus) is a clear indicator of infection. Pus may or may not be foul-smelling.
Fever and systemic symptoms: wound infection may cause a local temperature increase and, in severe cases, systemic reactions such as fever, chills, or malaise. These symptoms indicate that the infection may have spread to other parts of the body.