Nursing
Abstract
In preparation for the research paper on various funeral practices across 10 different cultures, we have identified the basic criteria by which we will classify those practices by a method of comparison and contrast. The riskiest funeral ritual identified occurs in Indonesia where the family may wrap the body and keep it at home until for weeks, months, or even years. The corpse is also treated as a sick family member and may be involved in the family daily routines.
Keywords: infections, hygiene, vaccinations
According to Healing, T., Hoffman, P., & Young, S. (1995), most of the infections are passed through the contact with the recently deseased body the dangerous infections include, but are not limited to: streptococcus, tuberculosis, viral fevers, hepatitis viruses, other GI tract infections, HIV, virus hemorrhagic infections such as Lassa fever and Ebola, and possibly even sepsis and meningitis. (Healing, T., Hoffman, P., & Young, S. (1995). These infections may be relayed through the contact with the skin and/or through bodily fluids, and can be avoided if the people that have contact with the body use proper clothing, such as gloves and masks, and put protective cloth/fabric over the corpse. Most of these can be prevented by proper vaccination against such viruses as HepA, B, C, D, and E, rotavirus, TB, and meningitis.
Thus, the role of the medical professional in these circumstances is mostly to inform and ensure adherence to the basic hygeine rules, the use of proper protective clothing while being exposed to the corpse material, and a preventative one by the administration of the right vaccines to the wide risk groups involved.
References:
1. Healing, T., Hoffman, P., & Young, C. (1995). The infection hazards of human cadavers. London Comm Dis Rep, 5(1350-9349).
