Heart Infection An infection of the heart is very serious. It can kill you if you don’t get it treated. The Heart
Signs and symptoms ÿ A fever, night sweats or chills for a couple of days (without any other reason) ÿ Coughing ÿ Feeling short of breath or chest pain ÿ Feeling tired and weak ÿ Weight loss If you get endocarditis, you will need special IV antibiotics and will probably be in the hospital for a while. You can have some problems for a long time afterwards. The sooner you see a doctor, the better it is for you. Prevention is the key ÿ Always use clean equipment. Wash cookers, containers, spoons, etc. in soapy water and dry them well. ÿ Only use your own equipment. ÿ Try to use water which is sterilized or has been boiled and cooled. Have your own supply of water. ÿ Boil between fixes so you aren’t tempted to not do it, and have time to let the water cool. ÿ Use a clean needle every time. Keep germs off of it!
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