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 What is thrush?
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Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. The patches look like cottage cheese. In a baby, thrush may also cause diaper rash. Your doctor can prescribe medicine that will clear it up. Full Answer
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- Q What is a vaginal yeast infection?
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A vaginal yeast infection is irritation of the vagina and the area around it called the vulva (vul-vuh). Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Small amounts of yeast are always in the vagina.... Full Answer
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- Q What is a fever?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineFever is an adaptive response that decreases microbial reproduction and increases the inflammatory response. Inflammation and heat go together like peanut butter and jelly. With a cut, for example, you'll see redness and swelling to go along with... Full Answer
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- Q What medicines for fever can I give my child?
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Because fever helps the body fight infection, it is helpful to give medicine only after the fever is above 101 degrees F (38.4 degrees C). Do not give your child aspirin. Studies have linked aspirin with brain, liver, and kidney damage and Reye's... Full Answer
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- Q Can a high body temperature cause brain damage in my child?
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Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, PediatricsDeveloping brain damage from fevers is an urban legend. Fevers that are caused by infection do not cause brain damage. It takes an extremely high body temperature, such as 108°F (42.2°C), to cause brain damage. This can occur with high... Full Answer
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- Q What health risks might I face during international travel?
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Malaria spread by mosquitoes is a major risk in many parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America. “Although there is no vaccine against malaria, medications can be prescribed that are very effective in preventing the disease,” Zachary Rubin, MD,... Full Answer
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- Q How can I keep my child healthy during international travel?
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People booking a journey to a developing or otherwise exotic locale should plan ahead to make sure they don’t put themselves at risk for infections endemic to that region. Sometimes there are special concerns for the youngest travelers. Parents are... Full Answer
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- Q What precautions should I take if traveling abroad with my elderly parent?
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People booking a journey to a developing or otherwise exotic locale should plan ahead to make sure they don’t put themselves at risk for infections endemic to that region. Sometimes there are special concerns for the oldest travelers. For the... Full Answer
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- Q What does it mean that my child has a secondary infection?
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In some cases, bacterial infections in children may be the result of secondary infection, meaning that the virus initiated the process and a bacterial infection occurred because of the effects of the viral infection. Sinusitis, ear infections and some... Full Answer
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- Q When should I take my child to a doctor for an infection?
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One big question that parents are faced with is when they should have their child seen by a doctor. Infections with just runny nose and minimal or no fever can be observed by the parents. However, illnesses with significant fever or overall distress and... Full Answer
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