Opportunistic Infections

What are Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections are infections that normal immune systems can usually fight off but weakened immune systems cannot. The germs take this opportunity to enter the body and cause an infection. The immune system is the body’s natural disease-fighting system.

What causes opportunistic infections?

Many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause opportunistic infections. The types of infections that you are at risk for are related to the cause of your weakened immune system. For example, the opportunistic infections most likely to affect a person with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) are different from those most likely to affect a person who has recently had an organ transplant and is taking medicines that decrease the activity of the immune system (immunosuppressant medicines).

Your health care provider will help you understand the types of infections and warning signs to watch for in your case.

What causes a weak immune system?

A weak immune system can be caused by:

  • Taking immunosuppressant medicines for:
    • Transplants, such as organ or bone marrow transplants.
    • Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Long-term (chronic) conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • HIV and AIDs.
  • Cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
  • Antibiotic medicines.
  • Having another infection.
  • Skin damage, such as burns in large areas of the body.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Lack of proper nutrition (malnutrition).

How is this treated?

If you develop an opportunistic infection, there are treatments available, such as antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-fungal medicines. Treatment depends on the type of infection you have. These infections may be very serious, and treatment can be challenging. The earlier your health care provider can diagnose and begin treatment, the better.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

  • Practice safe food preparation. Rinse meats, rinse and peel fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating raw or under-cooked meats.
  • Avoid drinking water that may not be clean. Pools, lakes, rivers, and other recreational water sources can contain germs that cause opportunistic infections.

Avoiding germs

  • Try to avoid having contact with people who are sick. Wash your hands with soap and water often and wear a protective mask.
  • Consider staying away from places where germs may be common or where there are a lot of people, such as shopping centers and daycare centers.

Personal hygiene

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and floss at least once a day.
  • Take regular showers or baths and take good care of your overall health (personal hygiene).
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

General instructions

  • Make sure you are up to date on recommended vaccinations. Ask your health care provider what vaccines are recommended for you.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Be careful around animals. Make sure pets are vaccinated and that cats are indoor only. Wash your hands after touching any animals, and wear gloves when changing cat litter or working outside in the soil.
  • Practice safe sex. Use condoms every time you have sexual intercourse, and make sure to use them correctly. This will help to prevent exposure to STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
  • If you use IV drugs, do not reuse or share needles. If you need help to stop using drugs, talk with your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You feel ill. It is very important to visit your health care provider right away if you have any signs or symptoms of infection. Monitor yourself for certain symptoms, such as:
    • Fever.
    • White patches on your tongue, the back of your throat, or insides of your cheeks.
    • Cough.
    • Diarrhea.
    • Fatigue.
    • Weight loss.
    • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system.

Get help right away if:

  • You have difficulty breathing or you have rapid breathing.
  • You feel confused.
  • You feel lightheaded.
  • You have chills.
  • You have cool, clammy skin.

Summary

  • An opportunistic infection is an infection that normal immune systems can usually fight off but weakened immune systems cannot.
  • Try to avoid having contact with people who are sick. Wash your hands with soap and water often.
  • If you develop an opportunistic infection, there are treatments available, such as antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-fungal medicines.
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