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... More
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. Less
Recently Answered
- Q What are reportable infectious diseases?
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Reportable infectious diseases are those that spread easily and can put others in a community at risk for becoming infected. These diseases must be reported to state and local health departments by health professionals as soon as they are... More
- Q How do I manage my meningitis on a daily basis?
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Meningitis treatment and care should always be under the careful supervision of a medical professional. Bacterial meningitis will require taking your antibiotics as prescribed, as well as any other medications your doctor has recommended. Viral... More
Home treatment usually is all that is needed for most people who have viral meningitis. It includes: Resting. Rest promotes healing and provides relief from symptoms such as headache. Quiet activities, such as reading books, playing board games,... More
- Q How is meningitis diagnosed?
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Meningitis must be diagnosed by a medical professional. Typically, this is done either through blood work or through a spinal tap, where the doctor will remove cerebrospinal fluid and have it tested by a lab. Non-infectious forms of meningitis could be... More
Diagnosis of meningitis is based on a medical history, a physical exam, and tests. Lumbar puncture Your doctor will almost always do a lumbar puncture test (also known as a spinal tap) if he or she thinks you have meningitis. A lumbar puncture takes... More
- Q How does meningitis affect the body?
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The effect meningitis has on the body can differ depending upon your age, health, and the severity and cause of the meningitis. In infants, rashes, seizures, and fever are just some of the physical effects of meningitis. In young people and adults, you... More
The course of meningitis often depends on your age, general health and the organism causing the infection. The illness can range from mild to severe. Viral meningitis is more common in the late summer and early fall. It usually does not cause serious... More
- Q What are the symptoms of meningitis?
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The symptoms of meningitis can vary. Typically, symptoms will include tightening of the neck muscles, high fever, confusion, irritability, loss of appetite, rashes, and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms can be fatal or can simply dissipate in a matter of... More
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually appear suddenly. Symptoms of viral meningitis may appear suddenly or develop gradually over a period of days. For example, the symptoms of viral meningitis after mumps may take several days or weeks to develop.... More
- Q Why can a fever occasionally be a good thing?
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We feel the invaders when they produce toxins or when we produce substances that try to kill the offending agent. Those toxins or substances produced by our immune system actually cause the fever, chills, and aches. That means that fevers are sometimes a... More
