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 When should I call my doctor if I have thrush (oral candidiasis)?
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Call your doctor today if you or your child has been diagnosed with thrush and: You have symptoms that show the infection may be spreading, such as white patches on the skin outside of the mouth. Your symptoms are getting worse or have not improved... Full Answer
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- Q When should I call the doctor if my child has a fever?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySome people are confused about when to call the doctor if their child has a fever. Learn from Drs. Oz and Jennifer Trachtenberg in this video about what to do when a fever spikes. Full Answer
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- Q How should I take acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce a fever?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAcetaminophen and ibuprofen both help to reduce a fever, but in different ways, so alternate doses of each. This also puts less stress on your kidneys and liver since these medications are processed differently by your body. Try two 325 mg... Full Answer
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- Q How can I help treat a fever?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf the fever is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or is making you uncomfortable, alternate between taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen. This combination of drugs targets different receptors and delivers a one-two punch to fevers. Switch back and forth between... Full Answer
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- Q How are yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis) treated?
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Yeast infections can be cured with antifungal medicines that come as: Creams Tablets Ointments or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina These products can be bought over the counter at the drug store or grocery store. Your doctor can also... Full Answer
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- Q Can taking antibiotics increase my risk of yeast infections?
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Internal MedicineYes, taking antibiotics can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection. And yes, you can do something to lower this risk.Vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. These infections occur in up to 75% of women during their... Full Answer
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- Q Where is HIV/AIDS most prevalent?
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Genetic testing suggests that HIV originated in Central Africa around the middle of the last century. It was first recognized as a clinical entity in the United States related to clusters of unusual illnesses occurring in Los Angeles and New York between... Full Answer
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- Q What dental care should I have to prevent infections?
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Dr. Saul Miller, DentistryIn addition to preventing infections, it may be best to take a positive approach to maintain good oral health. This will help to avoid infections and many other problems that can occur in the mouth. Regular dental examinations, cleanings and... Full Answer
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- Q Why do people get fevers?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyA fever is your body’s normal response to infection in the form of an increased body temperature. Fevers can cause additional symptoms like shivering, sweating, or quickened breathing. Check for a fever by using a thermometer -- feeling... Full Answer
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- Q Does an epidemic have to be infectious in nature?
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An epidemic is generally understood to be an outbreak of an infectious disease represented by a significant increase in the number of cases and/or in the rate of spread of the disease among the endemic population. However, some non-infectious... Full Answer
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