What are pinworms and how do they affect humans. How is pinworm infection transmitted and who is at risk. What are the symptoms of pinworm infection and how can it be prevented. How is pinworm infection diagnosed and treated. What complications can arise from pinworm infections.

Understanding Pinworm Infections: A Common Intestinal Parasite

Pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis, is the most prevalent type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. These small, thread-like parasites primarily affect the human digestive system, causing discomfort and potential health issues if left untreated.

Pinworms are thin, white worms measuring approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 millimeters) in length. Female pinworms are responsible for laying thousands of microscopic eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus, typically during the night while the infected person sleeps.

Characteristics of Pinworms

• Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 millimeters) long
• Color: White
• Shape: Thin and thread-like
• Reproduction: Females lay thousands of microscopic eggs

Are pinworms visible to the naked eye? While adult pinworms can be seen without magnification, their eggs are microscopic and not visible without specialized equipment.

Transmission and Risk Factors for Pinworm Infection

Pinworm infections are highly contagious and spread through a fecal-oral route. Understanding the transmission process and risk factors can help individuals take appropriate preventive measures.

How Pinworm Infections Spread

1. Ingestion of pinworm eggs through contaminated food, drink, or fingers
2. Breathing in airborne eggs in dusty environments
3. Direct contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., toys, bedding, toilet seats)
4. Person-to-person transmission, especially in crowded living conditions

Can pinworm eggs survive outside the human body? Yes, pinworm eggs can survive on surfaces for two to three weeks, contributing to their ease of transmission.

High-Risk Groups for Pinworm Infection

• Children aged 5 to 10 years
• Family members and caregivers of infected individuals
• People living in crowded institutions
• Individuals with poor hygiene practices

Why are children more susceptible to pinworm infections? Children are at higher risk due to their tendency to put their hands in their mouths, share toys, and have close contact with other children in school or daycare settings.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

While many people infected with pinworms may not experience any symptoms, others may develop noticeable signs of infection. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

• Anal itching, particularly at night
• Restless sleep and irritability
• Insomnia
• Teeth grinding
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Why does anal itching typically occur at night? Female pinworms migrate to the anal area during the night to lay their eggs, causing irritation and itching in the surrounding skin.

Less Common Symptoms and Complications

In rare cases, heavy pinworm infestations can lead to more severe symptoms and complications, including:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of the peritoneal cavity
• Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
• Endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining)

How can pinworm infections affect female reproductive organs? In rare instances, pinworms can travel from the anal area to the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes, potentially causing inflammation and other gynecological issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pinworm Infections

Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for managing pinworm infections effectively and preventing their spread to others.

Diagnostic Methods for Pinworm Infection

1. Tape test: Applying adhesive tape to the anal area to collect eggs
2. Visual inspection: Examining the anal area for visible worms
3. Stool sample analysis: Checking for the presence of eggs or worms

When is the best time to perform a tape test for pinworms? The tape test is most effective when performed in the morning before bathing or using the toilet, as pinworms typically lay their eggs during the night.

Treatment Options for Pinworm Infection

• Oral medications (e.g., mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel pamoate)
• Two-dose treatment regimen, with the second dose given 2 weeks after the first
• Treatment of all household members, even if asymptomatic
• Thorough cleaning and washing of bedding, clothing, and personal items

Why is it important to treat all household members for pinworm infection? Treating all household members, even those without symptoms, helps prevent reinfection and break the cycle of transmission within the family.

Preventing the Spread of Pinworm Infections

Implementing proper hygiene practices and environmental control measures is crucial for preventing the spread of pinworm infections and reducing the risk of reinfection.

Personal Hygiene Measures

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Avoid nail-biting and finger-sucking
• Wear clean underwear daily
• Take a morning shower or bath to remove eggs laid during the night

Environmental Control Strategies

1. Wash bedding, pajamas, and underwear in hot water (at least 54°C or 130°F)
2. Dry laundry on high heat settings
3. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly
4. Clean and disinfect bathroom surfaces, including toilet seats
5. Avoid shaking out bedding and clothing to prevent airborne transmission of eggs

How long should environmental cleaning measures be maintained after treatment? It is recommended to continue thorough cleaning for at least two weeks after completing treatment to ensure all viable eggs have been eliminated.

The Impact of Pinworm Infections on Public Health

While pinworm infections are generally not severe, they can have significant implications for public health, particularly in institutional settings and areas with limited access to proper sanitation.

Prevalence and Distribution

• Estimated 400 million people infected worldwide
• Higher prevalence in temperate regions
• More common in developed countries than other intestinal parasites

Economic and Social Impacts

1. Healthcare costs associated with diagnosis and treatment
2. Lost productivity due to symptoms and doctor visits
3. Potential stigma and psychological effects, especially in children
4. Disruption of family routines during treatment and prevention efforts

How do pinworm infections affect school environments? Pinworm infections can lead to increased absenteeism, potential outbreaks in classrooms, and the need for implementation of strict hygiene protocols in educational settings.

Myths and Misconceptions About Pinworm Infections

There are several common myths and misconceptions surrounding pinworm infections that can lead to unnecessary anxiety or ineffective prevention strategies. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for promoting accurate information and appropriate management of the condition.

Common Myths About Pinworms

• Myth: Only dirty or unhygienic people get pinworms
• Myth: Pinworm infections are always visible to the naked eye
• Myth: Pets can transmit pinworms to humans
• Myth: Garlic or other home remedies can cure pinworm infections

Debunking Pinworm Misconceptions

Can pets transmit pinworms to humans? Contrary to popular belief, pinworms are specific to humans and cannot be transmitted by or to pets. The species of pinworms that infect humans (Enterobius vermicularis) do not infect animals.

Is it true that only children can get pinworm infections? While pinworm infections are more common in children, adults can also become infected, especially those living in close contact with infected individuals or in institutional settings.

Are over-the-counter treatments as effective as prescription medications for pinworm infections? Many over-the-counter treatments can be effective against pinworms. However, prescription medications may be necessary for severe or recurring infections, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Pinworm Management

As our understanding of pinworm infections continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. These advancements may lead to more effective strategies for managing and controlling pinworm infections in the future.

Current Research Areas

• Development of rapid diagnostic tests for pinworm detection
• Investigation of novel anthelmintic compounds with improved efficacy
• Exploration of probiotic interventions to enhance natural resistance to pinworm infections
• Studies on the potential long-term effects of chronic pinworm infections

Potential Future Developments

1. Implementation of molecular techniques for pinworm identification and strain typing
2. Development of targeted prevention strategies based on genetic susceptibility
3. Integration of pinworm education into school health programs
4. Creation of global surveillance systems to monitor pinworm prevalence and drug resistance

How might advances in diagnostic technology impact pinworm management? Improved diagnostic tools, such as rapid molecular tests, could lead to earlier detection and more targeted treatment approaches, potentially reducing the spread of infections in communities.

Could probiotics play a role in preventing pinworm infections? Emerging research suggests that certain probiotic strains may help enhance the body’s natural defenses against intestinal parasites, including pinworms. However, more studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and develop specific probiotic formulations for this purpose.

In conclusion, pinworm infections remain a common and persistent public health concern worldwide. While generally not severe, they can cause significant discomfort and have broader impacts on communities and healthcare systems. By understanding the transmission, symptoms, and prevention strategies associated with pinworm infections, individuals and healthcare providers can work together to reduce their prevalence and minimize their impact on public health. As research continues to advance our knowledge of these parasites, we can look forward to more effective and targeted approaches to managing pinworm infections in the future.

Pinworm infection – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.

Pinworm

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs.

While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus. Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep.

Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:

• Itching of the anal or vaginal area
• Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Pinworms often cause no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.

Causes

Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.

Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

• Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
• Living in crowded spaces. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.

The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Prevention

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:

• Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
• Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
• Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
• Don’t scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child’s fingernails so there’s less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Pinworm infection – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.

Pinworm

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs.

While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus. Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep.

Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:

• Itching of the anal or vaginal area
• Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Pinworms often cause no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.

Causes

Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.

Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

• Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
• Living in crowded spaces. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.

The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Prevention

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:

• Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
• Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
• Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
• Don’t scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child’s fingernails so there’s less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Treatment of worms (helminthiasis) in adults, massage for clubfoot in Ryazan

The topic associated with the presence of worms in humans is quite delicate. The vast majority of people will not suspect infection even if its obvious symptoms are present. The fact is that there is a well-established stereotype: there is such a pathology as worms in children or in homeless people, outcasts and other individuals leading an asocial lifestyle. In fact, parasitologists say with full confidence: the vast majority of people are carriers of some kind of worms, or even several of their types at the same time!

Intestinal parasites can be contracted through unwashed hands and from domestic and wild animals. Roundworms – roundworms that can reach a length of 40 centimeters or more – are most often infected through insufficiently well-washed greens and vegetables, and tapeworms – tapeworms up to 10 meters long – by eating infected meat and fish. Pinworms – the most common worms in children – are very contagious, and that is why kindergartens conduct periodic checks on pupils. If they are found, then not only treatment with tablets is necessary, but also careful treatment of the entire room; eggs of worms of this variety can remain a source of infection months after they are isolated by an infected person!

Symptoms of worms in children and adults

Signs of the presence of “settlers” in the human body do not appear immediately after the infection has occurred. This is not surprising – nature itself takes care that the carrier of the parasite is in the dark and does not take measures to expel it. However, after a certain time from the moment the parasite enters the body, the patient may experience such symptoms of worms as:

• itching in the anus;
• skin allergy;
• persistent coryza;
• cough that cannot be controlled by taking drugs directed to treat it;
• stool problems. The accumulation of balls of worms in the intestinal lumen can lead to the development of constipation, while some types of worms in children and adults, on the contrary, provoke the appearance of flatulence and painful diarrhea;
• worms in humans are the cause of a decrease in immunity, which can manifest itself, for example, through frequent colds;
• disorders of the digestive tract, provoked by the introduction of “uninvited guests” into the body, can cause “failures” in the nervous system – for example, provoke the development of bruxism, etc.

If a child has worms, the symptoms of their presence may be as follows:

• both hyperactivity and, conversely, retardation and lethargy uncharacteristic for a baby;
• profuse salivation, also during nocturnal rest;
• craving for sweets;
• dry – up to peeling – skin, as well as brittle nails and brittle hair;
• anemia;
• soreness – the baby often catches a cold – etc.

Treatment of worms: how to get rid of them?

There is a widespread misconception that there are some universal tablets for worms, which are enough to take one or two times in order to get rid of all the parasites in the body. First of all, to get rid of various varieties of intestinal worms, different medicines are used, the appointment of which should be handled by the attending physician. Treatment is not carried out on the basis of symptoms, but only after the results of the tests reveal the eggs of the worms and determine their specific variety.

It is important to understand that self-medication will not only not help to expel “uninvited guests” from the body, but it can also be dangerous! Tablets from worms are not vitamins: they contain highly toxic substances in their composition, which, if used improperly, can greatly harm a person!

Are you interested in the price of worm treatment in Ryazan in our private clinic? Give us a call and book an appointment with a therapist!

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and make an appointment by phone or through the online form.

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Is it possible to get infected from the homeless? Do they really not have a home? Can’t they find any job? Shameful questions about people who live on the street

Heated tent for the homeless in the “Hangar of Salvation” of the Orthodox service “Mercy” (Moscow). February 2018

Artem Geodakyan / TASS / Vida Press

Nochlezhka, a charitable organization that helps the homeless, opens an office in Moscow after almost 30 years in St. Petersburg. In October, the first “Cultural Laundry” is to start working near the Dynamo metro station, where the homeless will be able to wash and dry their clothes for free (it is being opened together with the Second Wind Foundation). Many residents of the area did not like this idea. Briefly, their position can be expressed by the quote “we missed your smelly homeless people here.” People say that they are afraid for the health of their children, because the homeless, in their opinion, spread the infection. There are several million homeless people in Russia, and about 80 thousand in Moscow. This is one of the most stigmatized groups in Russian society. As is often the case, much of the fear and rejection is due to ignorance. Meduza publishes answers to the most popular questions about the homeless.

We have restarted MeduzaCare, a program to help philanthropists. All project materials go to a special page. It will be constantly updated.

Is it true that many homeless people actually have housing?

No, it is rare for a homeless person to own a house or apartment. It happens that people have housing, but they, for various reasons, cannot return there. Many people, for example, find themselves on the street due to family conflicts (according to Nochlezhka, this happens in 36% of cases). After a quarrel, relatives write them out of the apartment.

22% of homeless people end up on the street after moving to another city in the hope of finding a job. It is not always easy to go back – many people lose their documents and cannot collect the required amount for a ticket.

17% – become victims of scammers in real estate transactions: they sell an apartment, but do not receive money.

Why can’t homeless people improve their lives a little? Because of alcoholism?

Yes, often due to alcohol addiction. Moreover, people often start drinking when they are already on the street. But this applies only to a part of the homeless. There are other circumstances that prevent the homeless from socializing – here are three main reasons:

No documents. Documents are lost, stolen or taken by force: homeless people often have to carry all their documents with them, because they do not have a locker where they can store all important papers. Without documents, it is very difficult to get a job, it is impossible to buy a train or plane ticket, and you cannot get a pension. Not everyone succeeds in restoring the papers – for this you need to know how this is done and be able to defend your rights in conversations with officials. If you are already homeless, this is all the more difficult. And for this you need money – to pay fines, duties and other expenses. Without the help of lawyers and charitable organizations, it is usually almost impossible for a homeless person to restore documents.

Health status. Life on the street increases the risk of developing many diseases and conditions: from inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue to traumatic brain injury. At the same time, it can be difficult for a homeless person to receive normal medical care in time, so that gradually a person loses his ability to work and it is increasingly difficult for him to return to normal life.

Psychological state. Being homeless is dangerous and disturbing. The homeless are often beaten, robbed, deceived, and regularly told that they should be ashamed. In such a situation, a person ceases to trust others and tries to think only about survival here and now, and often this leads to the fact that a person cannot even sleep normally. “A homeless person cannot be sure of anything: where he will spend the night; will he find his things in the basement where he spent the night yesterday; what will be eaten; Will they let me go to the toilet or wash my face,” Nochlezhka employee Vlada Gasnikova explains in a letter to Meduza. — The level of uncertainty is going through the roof — and this greatly demotivates a person. Among other things, it pushes you to drink, because alcohol dulls the feeling of being worthless and fear of the unknown.”

In addition, when a person cannot wash clothes and take a regular shower for a long time, this affects their self-esteem. In such a state, it is difficult to change anything. Even on privileged days, homeless people may not be allowed into public baths. It turns out a vicious circle: a person is dirty and smells bad, because he has nowhere to wash; a person is not allowed to wash because he is already dirty.

Are homeless people who live on the street for many years mentally unhealthy?

Homelessness does indeed often affect mental health. Conversely, mental disorders can lead to homelessness. For example, people living on the street are more likely to have depression and schizophrenia. Some people may become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol over time.

If a person becomes homeless, does he even have a chance to get out?

Yes. But it is very difficult to do this without outside help, and throughout Russia there are about 200 charitable organizations that help the homeless. The state also does this, but it cannot be said that it is effective. According to Nochlezhka director Grigory Sverdlin, the homeless in France stop living on the streets after an average of 14 months, in Norway after 10. In other European countries, the situation is also not bad. The average experience of homelessness in Russia is about seven years.

According to Vlada Gasnikova, in Western European countries, state services and numerous public organizations help homeless people get out of the street. Therefore, on average, after a year, with the help of social workers and psychologists, motivated people improve their lives and start renting housing. In Russia, there is no emergency and accessible system of state assistance for people in trouble, so a person, once on the street, often does not understand what to do and where to turn. And the longer a person spends on the street, the higher the risks of getting into trouble and the more difficult it is to return.

What to do if you find yourself on the street? And how likely is that?

This can happen to anyone. Here is a special calculator with which you can roughly estimate your own risks of being on the street.

If you find yourself on the street and you have nowhere to sleep, it is important to immediately find an organization that will help you restore documents, find a job, go to court, receive possible benefits from the state, and more. For St. Petersburg and Moscow, special handbooks for the homeless are published every year – it says where you can get help.

Do homeless people often commit crimes? And how dangerous are they?

According to the lawyers of Nochlezhka (calculations were made according to the statistics of the Judicial Department at the Supreme Court), among people who have committed crimes, there are no more than 1.5% without a fixed place of residence, and their number is decreasing. But I must say that about 10% of the homeless have a criminal past – after being released from prison, a person often has no home, no documents, no connections. Many people try to erase from their lives relatives who are in prison. When people with this experience fail to socialize, they tend to commit a new crime.

On the other hand, the same certificate from Nochlezhka’s lawyers states: of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and the Russian Guard, the homeless are not mentioned as a category of the population representing a criminal danger, causing concern and concern in terms of criminogenicity.

What should I do if a homeless person decides to spend the night in my building?

If it’s cold outside, don’t kick him out – give him hot food, tea, warm clothes, and a piece of paper with the addresses and phone numbers of nearby places where you can spend the night (you can print pages from the above references). Or call an organization that can take him to spend the night in a warm place (in Moscow, for example, the Social Patrol and the Orthodox service Mercy). If a person refuses to leave and behaves aggressively, warn that you will call the police.

If you see a homeless person sleeping on the street during the cold season, you should wake him up. Yes, the homeless often smell absolutely unbearable, but you can cheer yourself up with the thought that you are saving a person’s life. After all, if you sleep in the cold, you can die from hypothermia. After that, you need to act like in a situation with a homeless person in the stairwell – try to find hot food and tea, call the special service. In this guide, you can learn more about other ways to help homeless people.

You should not give money to the homeless – it is quite possible that they will be spent on alcohol.

Why such a peculiar smell? Is it just sweat?

Homeless people often do not have the opportunity to shower regularly and wash their clothes. Bacteria feed on the secretions of the sweat glands and process them into compounds with an unpleasant odor. In addition, some diseases common among homeless people can also give off a specific smell: for example, inflammation in the mouth, fungal skin diseases, kidney failure, liver failure, and others. The smell of alcohol may also be mixed in.

Is it possible to catch something if you are near a homeless person?

It depends on what the person is sick with and what’s wrong with your immune system. Homeless people often have head lice (lice) and scabies, but to also get sick, you need close contact – for example, if you hug, lice can move from head to head. Scabies requires prolonged skin-to-skin contact to infect – in the vast majority of cases, it infects family members and sexual partners.

Homeless people are more likely to have tuberculosis than other people. According to rough estimates, 4.2% of homeless people in Moscow have tuberculosis requiring treatment. It spreads by airborne droplets, not through objects. But this does not mean that it is easy to catch tuberculosis from a homeless person. If a person is diagnosed with active tuberculosis, the World Health Organization recommends checking first of all those who were close to the patient often and for a long time – people who live with him or work indoors. Mycobacteria can be transmitted in other conditions, but in any case, the risks are usually higher in a confined space, and not on the street.

But even if a person has inhaled mycobacteria, this does not mean that he will develop an active form of tuberculosis – it can be latent: in this case, the bacteria “sleep” and the symptoms of the disease do not appear. Every fourth person in the world has a latent form of tuberculosis. There are no such data in Russia, but, according to Anna Belozerova, a phthisiatrician at the Rassvet clinic, this is about 60–70% of people.

On the other hand, even if a person has already encountered mycobacteria and they live in his body, meeting new ones can still be dangerous. According to Dr. Belozerova, this mechanism is the leading one in the spread of tuberculosis in epidemiologically disadvantaged countries, it is called exogenous superinfection. The highest risk of getting sick with an active form of tuberculosis when meeting with mycobacteria (first or not first) is in people with untreated HIV infection (with a CD4+ cell count of less than 350), with decompensated diabetes mellitus of any type, alcohol and drug addiction, and in preschool children ( the risk is highest in children under two years of age).

In about 5% of cases, dormant mycobacteria will at some point manifest themselves and cause symptoms.