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 hand, foot, and mouth disease?
-
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an infection in young children, usually caused by the Coxsackie virus. It is easily spread through contact with the infected person's saliva, mucus, or feces. Symptoms are usually mild and include a rash of small sores or... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with an infection?
-
First, it is important to make sure that the infection is not contagious, or you may end up requiring care yourself. Some infections, such as the common cold, will always be contagious. In those cases, arm yourself against the infection by... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How have disease epidemics affected history?
-
Throughout history, epidemics of disease have changed the course of history. A plague in 600 B.C. contributed to the decline of Greece's golden age. Another plague in A.D. 541 served to create a division between Eastern and Western Europe,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How should I wash my hands to prevent infection?
-
Dr. Susan Blum, Integrative MedicineHand-washing is the single best way to prevent catching the flu. In this video, preventive and functional medicine specialist Dr. Susan Blum gives the lowdown on how to do it right. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What should I do if I have norovirus?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIf you hook up with norovirus, beware of dehydration. Drink plenty of water and stay near the throne. Also, wear gloves and wrap your phone and computer devices in plastic so the virus won't contaminate them and boomerang back to you again -- and... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How does sepsis affect the body?
-
Sepsis, a widespread inflammation throughout the body, is commonly caused by a bacterial infection. This inflammation is the symptom that causes the most problems in the body. Because the inside of the body is inflamed, blood clots form and... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What happens to the organs during sepsis?
-
During sepsis, the blood flow to the major organs like your brain and heart is impaired. The organs cannot receive the proper amount of blood and oxygen to function correctly. Blood clots can form in the organs, which may cause permanent damage or... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are there any historical pandemic diseases that no longer exist?
-
The majority of historical epidemic and pandemic outbreaks resulted from bubonic plague, cholera, typhoid fever, typhus, malaria, influenza, polio, and smallpox. Of these, the first four are bacterial illnesses. Typhus is composed of a variety of... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are there any historical epidemic diseases that no longer exist?
-
The majority of historical epidemic outbreaks resulted from bubonic plague, cholera, typhoid fever, typhus, malaria, influenza, polio, and smallpox. Influenza, of course, remains widely prevalent. Polio has been eradicated in the United States as... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are there alternative treatments for sepsis?
-
There are other treatments in addition to antibitotics, such as corticosteroids, or insulin to help stabilize the blood sugar level. Drotecogin alfa, a drug that stops inflammation and blood clots, increases chance of survival with a severe case... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
