Infectious Disease

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 are the symptoms of infections?
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Because there are so many types of infections, the symptoms are quite wide-ranging. The common cold, which is a viral infection, usually has a sore throat, cough, runny nose, and an overall unwell feeling. Tetanus, which is a bacterial infection, usually... Full Answer
Q Should I talk to my doctor about my infection symptoms?
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In almost every case, you should talk to your doctor if you suspect you have an infection. You may not usually go to the doctor for a common cold, but if the symptoms persist or get worse, you should see a physician. A doctor's care is crucial for... Full Answer
Q What are the symptoms of cardiovascular infection?
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A person with cardiovascular infection will develop symptoms that indicate the heart is not working normally. These symptoms may include a change in heart rhythm and fluid build-up in the legs that causes abnormal swelling. Feeling weak and tired and... Full Answer
Q Can I catch a skin disease by touching athletic equipment?
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Yes, skin diseases can be transmitted through contact with athletic equipment. Sports such as football and wrestling where body contact is made have a higher incidence of skin diseases. Football pads, helmets, locker room benches, treatment tables, and... Full Answer
Q How can I make sure infections don't cause lingering, chronic problems?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
While most of us want to treat infections because of their acute symptoms, we also can't ignore that they can have chronic implications as well. Since inflammation and infection can be two of the dominos in the cascade of low energy symptoms, one of your... Full Answer
Q What is an incubation period?
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The incubation period is the time it takes for an infection to develop after a person has been exposed to a disease-causing organism (such as bacteria, viruses or fungi). The incubation period ends when the first signs or symptoms of the disease appear. Full Answer
Q How can I help my child avoid getting infections?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
To help your child avoid getting infections, teach them to wash hands, wash hands, wash hands (with baby wipes or Purell if there's no sink in sight). Coming in from outside, after riding a bus, before dinner, after the bathroom, after playdates, and... Full Answer
Q What is the most dangerous super infection?
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Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency Medicine
The most dangerous and lethal super infections are secondary pneumonias that typically develop after the flu. In fact, this is what leads to the 500,000 deaths worldwide from influenza. Like bacterial sinusitis, secondary pneumonia develops as... Full Answer
Q Is H3N2v the same as the H3N2 flu virus that makes people sick?
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H3N2v is different. H3N2v is a variant virus that is spreading in pigs and has infected some humans. H3N2, also called seasonal influenza A(H3N2), is a human seasonal influenza virus that circulates among people each influenza season in the United... Full Answer
Q What is candidiasis?
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Candidiasis is an infection, commonly called a yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, usually the species Candida albicans. This fungus occurs naturally in the body and is usually kept in check by healthy bacteria. Various... Full Answer