Duration Prognosis | Superinfection

Duration Prognosis

The duration of a superinfection depends on the clinical picture. A superinfection of the lungs is often a lengthy process. Those affected usually complain of weeks of infection and exhaustion until antibiotic therapy is initiated.

and Carried over pneumonia A superinfection of the skin, on the other hand, is usually a very acute event that quickly leads to a visit to the doctor. The superinfection is usually contained within 10 to 14 days, provided that adequate antiviral or antibiotic therapy is given. However, recurrences, i.e. disease relapses, may occur if the skin condition, for example in the case of neurodermatitis, is not improved and the skin barrier is not strengthened. A so-called eczema herpeticatum is sometimes a life-threatening clinical picture that requires immediate inpatient treatment.

Course of disease

The course of a superinfection varies greatly from individual to individual. It can be an acute clinical picture or a very gradual process. The course of the disease depends, among other things, on the type of infection and the location of the infection.

Superinfections of the lung are usually rather insidious processes that develop on persistent viral infections, usually lasting for weeks. A superinfection of the conjunctiva or skin, on the other hand, is usually characterized by an acute worsening of the previous condition. Superinfections of the skin are usually characterized by an equally acute deterioration. They are easily treatable, but can sometimes be life-threatening depending on their severity. This is the case with eczema herpeticatum.

How contagious is a superinfection?

Some superinfections are highly infectious, whereas other superinfections occur only in the case of a previous injury. Light to highly infectious are bacterial conjunctivitis. It is therefore important to take good hygiene measures in the case of bacterial conjunctivitis.Affected persons should always use their own towels and avoid eye-hand contact, as germs can be spread in this way.

A super infection with herpes viruses can also be contagious, so that contact with blisters and escaping secretion should be avoided at all costs. In general, one should pay attention to good hand hygiene when dealing with affected persons and use one’s own hygiene articles and towels.