Infectious Disease
Viruses, bacteria, mold and other organisms cause infections like flu, chicken pox, pneumonia, sore throat, sinusitis, rashes, malaria and other ills. An infection occurs when these germs attack the body, causing the body to respond with antibodies and white blood cells to defend itself. Eating a healthy diet and getting proper exercise keeps the body strong so it can battle these germs, but the simplest way to stay healthy is to keep clean. Washing hands with soap and water several times a day keeps most germs away, especially when you touch your face, nose, eyes and mouth.
Recently Answered
- Q How can a swimming pool make me sick?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySwimming pools can cause a variety of illnesses. In this video, Dr. Oz gives some pool safety and etiquette tips everyone should know. Full Answer
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- Q What causes sepsis?
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Sepsis is usually caused from a bacterial infection in the body. These infections are generally contracted in hospital settings. Sepsis can also be caused through medical procedures or surgeries that involve the insertion of something artificial into the... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of sepsis?
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In the beginning stages of sepsis, you may have an unusually high or low temperature. Accompanying the fever, you could experience chills. Usually a person with sepsis will have an increased heart and breathing rate, due to the lack of oxygen to the... Full Answer
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- Q What is sepsis?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineEven though most people have never heard of this condition, sepsis is the number one cause of hospital mortalities (though you can catch it anywhere). It's estimated that there are about 1 million cases of sepsis annually in North America,... Full Answer
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- Q Who is at risk for sepsis?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineChildren, the elderly, people who are obese, and people who have a weakened immune system or are being treated for chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and asthma, are most at risk of contracting sepsis. In any case, your chances... Full Answer
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- Q How is sepsis diagnosed?
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To diagnose sepsis, your doctor will most likely run blood tests to count the number of white blood cells and look for any bacteria. By testing your blood, your doctor can also see if there is any blood clotting or abnormal flow of oxygen,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the complications of sepsis?
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Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency MedicineThe gravest complication of sepsis is circulatory collapse, which leads to multi-organ failure. A bleeding problem called disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) causes both bleeding and microscopic clotting in all the tiny blood vessels of the... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to prevent sepsis?
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Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency MedicineAny infection has the potential to get worse and make you septic. Some tips that may help: Take all infections seriously. Make sure you quickly treat any potential infection. Take all your prescribed antibiotics until finished or consult your doctor to... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for protozoan infections?
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Millions of protozoan infections occur each year around the world. The majority of these infections occur in tropical and sub-tropical regions, although the condition affects people in every country. For example, two forms of protozoan infections,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the signs of a vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)?
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TThe most common symptom of a yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other symptoms include: Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva, pain when passing urine, pain during sex, soreness, a thick, white vaginal... Full Answer
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