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Plague Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Plague is an infection caused by a germ. There are different kinds of plague. ‚  
  • Bubonic plague ¢ ˆ ’ This type of plague is the most common. Your lymph nodes become swollen and tender. This is because the germs infect your lymph system. These swollen areas are called buboes. You also will have fever, chills, and weakness.
  • Septicemic plague ¢ ˆ ’ Your lymph nodes are not affected. You will have fever, chills, and weakness. There is also bleeding under the skin and belly pain. Your blood pressure drops and shock happens.
  • Pneumonic plague ¢ ˆ ’ This is the most serious type of plague. The germs infect your lungs and cause pneumonia. You can get this type by being in close contact with and breathing in the germs from an infected animal or person. You will have trouble breathing, a cough with bloody or watery mucus, and chest pain. You will also have fever, weakness, and headaches.

The plague germ is spread to humans by fleas. The fleas bite an infected rodent, such as rats or prairie dogs. Then, they transfer the germ to us when they bite our skin. It is rarely spread from one person to another. It may be spread if clothing from a person with plague touches an open area in the skin of another person. ‚  
Plague is treated with strong antibiotics, I.V. fluids, and oxygen. You may also need other treatments to support your body while you are sick. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
  • Avoid close contact with other people until your infection is treated.
  • Put 2 or 3 pillows under your back and head to help with breathing problems.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Fight an infection
  • Lower fever

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity for a while until you are feeling stronger. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Avoid close contact with wild animals. If you need to handle them, wear gloves and repellents that kill fleas.
  • Protect yourself from ticks and fleas.
    • Wear long pants and shirts or jackets with long sleeves.
    • Tuck pants into socks or boots.
    • Use an insect repellent when going outside.
  • Protect your pets from ticks and fleas by using anti-tick drugs or shampoos.
  • Spray insect repellent to get rid of ticks and fleas around your home.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when going to dusty places.
  • If your work involves cleaning dirty houses and old buildings where stray animals with fleas or lice may live, wear proper protective clothing.
  • Remove all sources of food and nesting places for rodents around your home and work places.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; swollen lymph nodes in your neck, under your arms, or in your groin.
  • Trouble breathing
  • Cough with bloody or watery mucus
  • Very bad weakness

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
  • I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, trouble breathing, cough, or weakness.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/plague/faq/ ‚  
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚  
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/plague/Pages/Default.aspx ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/428/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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