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 Can antibiotic use cause a yeast infection?
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Celeste Cooper, RheumatologyAntibiotic use should be avoided when possible, as antibiotics are indiscriminate and kill off our protective flora along with offending microorganisms, creating the environment for a yeast infection, or candidiasis. Of course, there are times... Full Answer
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- Q What causes a yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)?
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Dr. Lauren Streicher, Obstetrics & GynecologyA yeast infection occurs when the good bacteria in your vagina gets killed off, says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Lauren Streicher. To find out the most common cause of yeast infections, watch this video. Full Answer
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- Q Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?
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Yes, but it is rare. Most often, women don't get yeast infections from sex. The most common cause is a weak immune system. This answer is based on the source infromation from the National Women's Health Information Center Full Answer
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- Q Should I call my doctor if I think I have a yeast infection?
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Yes, you need to see your doctor to find out for sure if you have a yeast infection. The signs of a yeast infection are much like those of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia (KLUH-mid-ee-uh) and gonorrhea (gahn-uh-REE-uh). So, it's... Full Answer
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- Q How is yeast in the mouth and throat treated?
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Thrush is an infection in the mouth caused by the fungus Candida. This fungus is present in small amounts most of the time in our mouths. However, when someone's immune system is weakened, this fungus can grow in large amounts. It appears as white... Full Answer
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- Q Why should I see a travel medicine specialist before my next trip?
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Dr. Elif Oker, Emergency MedicineA travel medicine specialist will offer you information specific to your destination including advice on immunizations, safe hygiene and health precautions to take, ways to self-treat illness while on the road and where to go to seek health care at your... Full Answer
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- Q How are leg ulcers diagnosed?
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Venous skin ulcer: The appearance of a venous leg ulcer looks different than ulcers caused by other problems such as poor circulation or nerve problems. To rule out poor circulation as a cause, it is usual for a doctor or nurse to check the blood... Full Answer
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- Q How are yeast infections diagnosed?
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Dr. Kevin Windom, Obstetrics & GynecologyA yeast infection is usually diagnosed by the patient when she notices a thick, cottage cheese discharge and significant itching. Most yeast infections are treated with over-the-counter medications, and the patient never seeks medical... Full Answer
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- Q How is a fever diagnosed?
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Measuring body temperature: A thermometer is used to measure a person's body temperature. The thermometer should be cleaned with warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol before and after using. If a person is using a glass thermometer, he/she should shake... Full Answer
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- Q How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?
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Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to look for swelling and discharge. Your doctor may also use a swab to take a fluid sample from your vagina. A quick look with a microscope or a lab test will show if yeast is causing the problem. This answer is based on... Full Answer
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