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Rickettsial Infections Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Rickettsial infections are caused by germs. They are divided into: ‚  
  • Typhus group
  • Spotted fever group
  • Classic scrub typhus group

Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice bite our skin. They transfer their germs when they bite. You can also get the germ from the stool of infected fleas and lice, which can be transmitted through the skin by itching or scratching. Sometimes, dust is contaminated with this material. This can be breathed into the lungs or rubbed into the eyes. The germ infects your blood and muscles. It can damage your tissues and cause serious health problems. ‚  


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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.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day. This will help prevent fluid loss.
  • If you have wounds, talk with your doctor about how to care for them. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • How to clean your wounds
  • Avoid picking your wound scabs. Let them fall off on their own.
  • Suck on ice chips or lozenges to relieve throat pain.
  • Put a cool mist humidifier in your room. This will help to keep your throat and air passages moist.
  • Put 2 to 3 pillows under your shoulders when you lie down. This will help you breathe more easily.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your condition needs close monitoring. 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: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Lower fever
  • Help with pain
  • Ease breathing problems

Will physical activity be limited?


The signs of a rickettsial infection can affect your daily activities. Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


If swallowing is painful, try soups, jello, shakes, or pureed fruits and vegetables. Try to eat small portions even if you do not want to. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Body tissue dies
  • Kidney problems
  • Lung problems
  • Heart problems
  • Brain problems
  • Deafness
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • If you plan to travel to a country where ticks, lice, or fleas are common, ask your doctor what you can do to prevent this illness.
  • If you see a tick on your skin, remove the tick right away. Use tweezers and carefully remove the tick. Save the tick in alcohol. Do not squeeze it.
  • 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.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Pain not helped by drugs you are taking
  • Rash or dark area where you have been bitten
  • Changes in behavior
  • Problems breathing or swallowing
  • Reddening or swelling in your legs or arms that will not heal and seems to be getting worse
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

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, pain, rash, or trouble breathing or swallowing.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/otherspottedfever/ ‚  
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/rickettsial-spotted-and-typhus-fevers-and-related-infections-anaplasmosis-and-ehrlichiosis.htm ‚  
New Zealand Dermatologic Society ‚  
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/rickettsia.html ‚  

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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