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Tag: Infection risk

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

How long should I wait to go in a hot tub after surgery?

4 min read
According to surgical guidelines, improper wound care is a major cause of post-operative infection. A common question during recovery is, "How long should I wait to go in a hot tub after surgery?" The timing depends entirely on the type of surgery, the location of your incision, and how your wound is healing.

Is a midline safer than a PICC line? A Comprehensive Safety Comparison

5 min read
According to one meta-analysis, midline catheters might be associated with fewer patient-level bloodstream infections compared to PICC lines. Understanding this and other factors is crucial when asking, **Is a midline safer than a PICC line?** The answer is not simple and depends on the specific clinical context and patient needs.

Are PICC lines high risk? Understanding the safety and complications

4 min read
A study of pediatric patients found that while complications like accidental dislodgement and infection occurred, PICC line safety has improved significantly over time. However, the question remains for many: are PICC lines high risk for serious complications?. For patients requiring long-term intravenous therapy, understanding the potential risks and the rigorous safety measures in place is crucial for informed decision-making.

Does your saliva stop a cut from bleeding?

4 min read
A human mouth contains billions of bacteria at any given time. Given this, the instinctive urge to put a minor cut in your mouth and wonder, "**Does your saliva stop a cut from bleeding?**" is a practice riddled with risks, despite saliva's complex properties.

How long can a drainage tube stay in? A guide to post-surgical recovery

4 min read
According to a study on breast reconstruction, a prolonged drainage tube duration, particularly over 21 days, significantly increases the risk of infection, regardless of the daily drainage volume. This highlights a crucial balance in post-surgical care, where how long can a drainage tube stay in is not a fixed timeline but a decision based on individual healing and a careful evaluation of the diminishing fluid output.

How long does it take for your body to push out glass?

4 min read
A tiny piece of glass near the surface of the skin might come out on its own over a few days, but the timeline varies significantly based on depth and size. Understanding **how long does it take for your body to push out glass** depends heavily on several factors, and sometimes, it may not come out on its own at all.

What Are the Disadvantages of Interrupted Sutures?

4 min read
A systematic review found that continuous sutures had a significantly lower rate of superficial wound dehiscence compared to interrupted sutures in certain surgical settings. Understanding **what are the disadvantages of interrupted sutures** is crucial for patients and practitioners alike when considering surgical wound closure.

Is Neutropenia a Toxicity? Understanding the Risks and Management

2 min read
According to extensive oncology research, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) is unequivocally recognized as a major dose-limiting toxicity of cancer treatment. The critical question, **is neutropenia a toxicity?**, is answered by understanding its profound impact on a patient's immune system, which can lead to life-threatening infections if not properly managed.