Infection

Most infections are caused by either bacteria or viruses, which can enter the body via a number of routes, including:

• Exposure to infected droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs, either via inhalation of the droplets while they’re in the air, or by coming into contact with them on surfaces such as tables, crockery, or toys
• Broken skin (for example a cut, scratch or graze)
• Consumption of contaminated food or water
• Contact with the faeces, vomit or bodily fluids of an infected person (this includes sexual intercourse and the sharing of hypodermic needles)
• Bites from infected animals.

The immune system’s primary role is to ward off pathogens, so its health and function have implications for the prevention of and recovery from infection, and susceptibility to infection may be an indication of immune dysfunction.

In otherwise healthy people, frequent or persistent minor infections (such as colds) may be an indication that immune system function is sub-optimal.

Amongst other causes, increased susceptibility to infection may be due to disease (including HIV/AIDS, diabetes and some forms of cancer), malnutrition, or may occur as a side effect of some prescribed medicines including corticosteroids and chemotherapy.

• Echinacea supports the immune system and may assist the body in fighting colds.
• For children, echinacea is best taken in a liquid form that allows an appropriate dose to be dispensed according to the child’s age.
• For adults, echinacea is often taken with antioxidant nutrients that also support the immune system, such as betacarotene, vitamin E and zinc.
• Alternatively, echinacea may be combined with garlic, which has traditionally been used for the relief of cough, colds, influenza, catarrh and rhinitis.
• Horseradish has traditionally been used for the relief of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, and may help to clear mucus and relieve sinus congestion. It is usually taken with garlic, which displays antimicrobial activity against a wide range of infectious organisms.
• Andrographis has traditionally been used to relieve symptoms of acute infections including fever, sore throat, runny nose, sinus pain, cough and diarrhoea. It has immune-stimulating properties, and may also help reduce susceptibility to the common cold.
• Taking cranberry capsules may help reduce the frequency of recurrent cystitis by discouraging the adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, consider taking a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus reuteri, which assists with the maintenance of beneficial GIT flora during the use of medication that disrupt the flora and after antibiotic use.
• For children, taking the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis supports a normal healthy immune system, and may help reduce the severity and frequency of mild upper respiratory infections and diarrhoea episodes. These probiotics also help maintain the friendly bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract during the use of medication that disrupt the flora and after the use of antibiotics.
  

• Rest is an important part of curing an infection, and sleep supports your immune system. Listen to your body and don't try to do more than you are capable of. Relax and rest as much as possible.
• During an infection, maintain your body fluids by drinking lots of water. If you are concerned that you or your child may be becoming dehydrated, an electrolyte replacement formula is recommended. Seek medical advice if it is not quickly effective or if a child is affected.
• Alcohol, caffeine and other diuretic substances should be avoided until the infection has passed.
• While suffering from a gastrointestinal infection, stick to a bland diet that contains starchy foods such as bread, rice and bananas. For other infections, eat lightly, focussing on fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Immune status is greatly affected by nutritional status. Even when you’re not sick, eat a diet based on fruit and vegetables, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts. Keep fats and refined sugars low.
• Practice good personal hygiene:
  - Avoid sharing utensils, razors, towels and other personal items with anyone who is sick.
  - Practice safe sex and never share needles 
  - Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after going to the toilet or touching animals, and before handling food
  - Don’t eat food that has not been well refrigerated and well cooked.
• If you smoke, stop smoking, and avoid being exposed to second-hand smoke too.  Cigarette smoke causes the build-up of toxic material in the lungs and also damages the tiny hairs lining the respiratory tract called cilia, which form an integral part of the immune system by helping to prevent foreign bodies entering the airways.
• Tea tree oil displays antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens, and has been used topically to treat many different types of infections. Take care not to get it in your eyes or to ingest it, and note that in some cases it may need to be diluted before use - follow the instructions on the label.
  

• Consult your healthcare professional if you experience frequent or recurrent infections. It is important that any underlying health issues are accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated as quickly as possible.
• Vaccination programmes are available against some infections. Talk to your healthcare professional for more information.