Reactive Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, typically in the lower extremities, eye and skin infections or inflammation. It is triggered by the presence of a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body. This precipitating infection may be connected to a sexually transmitted disease, but can also be from salmonella or other bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Little can be done to prevent the onset of reactive arthritis, other than to practice proper hygiene and sanitation to avoid bacterial infections.
Instructions
1. Avoid eating any foods that you suspect may be contaminated with bacteria. During the summer months this requires careful monitoring of all foods that may be stored at room temperature. Caution should be exercised with any food that contain mayonnaise and meats should always be refrigerated.
2. Resist the urge to leave frozen foods on the counter to thaw. Plan ahead so that you will have plenty of time to thaw them in the refrigerator.
3. Remove any uneaten food from a cookout and refrigerate immediately after serving. The few minutes it takes to reheat leftovers from the grill is worth the effort and may make the difference between safe and unsafe food.
4. Keep all utensils and serving dishes clean and germ free. Do not use a utensil or serving plate that has been used during food preparation to serve food from the grill. This is especially important of all materials that have come in contact with raw meats. Never reuse the marinade from raw meats. If you wish to add marinade while grilling, use fresh marinade.
5. Clean counters, cutting boards, and prep areas with an antibacterial cleaner. Be sure to use paper towels or other disposable cloth to wipe and clean the area. Sponges are convenient, but are known for harboring bacteria. Use a chlorine bleach and water solution to wash down counters and prep areas on a daily basis to prevent bacteria.
6. Treat any suspected infection as soon as it becomes apparent. Don't wait to see if it will go away. Although it is unclear whether or not the duration of the infection plays a role in triggering reactive arthritis, proper treatment of any infection will improve your health and comfort.
7. Avoid risky sexual behaviors to lower the chances of sexually transmitted infections. Reactive arthritis is not not contagious, but the infections that trigger it can be.
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