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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Catheter Associated UTI

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the infection?

The best way to prevent catheter associated UTI's is to:

have the urinary catheter removed as soon as possible.

use intermittent catherization rather than leaving the urinary catheter in place continuously. With intermittent catheterization, the catheter is removed as soon as urine is drained from the bladder. Intermittent catheterization is done several times each day.

be sure the catheter is inserted under sterile conditions

apply an antibacterial ointment at the opening of the urethra

place the urinary drainage bag below the level of the bladder so that urine can flow easily into it

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to bacteremia. Bacteremia is a condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream. This can be a life threatening illness.

What are the risks to others?

A catheter associated urinary tract infection is not contagious.

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