By Gina Bailey, BSN, RN
Infection Preventionist, Quality/Infection Control, Blanchard Valley Health System
Did you know our bodies are always working to fight off viruses and bacteria that can cause us to become sick? Our lungs, stomach, muscles, bones, and nerves are constantly working to fight infection.
For example, a sneeze is a coordinated effort between the lungs, muscles, bones and nervous system that activates when the lining of the nose is irritated. Coughs are a repetitive reflex that helps clear breathing passages of irritants, viruses, and bacteria. When you cough, there are three stages: inhalation, forceful exhalation against closed-up vocal cords and a violent release of air following the opening of the vocal cords.
The average person breathes in about 2,000 gallons of air daily, exposing our bodies to possible infectious pathogens. Everyone is familiar with and likely has had influenza (the flu) and COVID-19, but did you know that there are approximately 200 known pathogens that can cause illness and impact the respiratory system differently?
