Facts & Myths

Short answer: Yes. The flu increases heart attack risk. And the news gets worse. And then it gets better. The Study The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, looked at heart attacks occurring...

The herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores. These are red blisters filled with fluid that appear near your mouth or on the face. You can get them by close contact, even if...

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In most cases, this condition isn't very serious. But if you have a weakened immune system, it may be. As a rule,...

How long you'll need to recover from bronchitis will usually depend on the type of the inflammation you have. As you may know, bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. With acute bronchitis, the...

A strain of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans, E. Coli is usually harmless. However, one type of this bacteria (E. coli O157:H7) is known to cause intestinal infections. Most...

We all know what having a cold feels like. Our throat is sore, we feel weak, and we experience all kinds of aches and pains. Our first reaction is to take more vitamin C...

First you hear the annoying buzz, then the tiny sting is immediately followed by a clap and a scratch. But if you miss the mosquito, you are all the more annoyed. Besides being a complete...

Although it’s not good to take too many medications, sometimes they are necessary. When you have infections, for example, you may need to treat them with antibiotics. The purpose of antibiotics is to quickly...

Almost 25 million people in the US alone suffer from hay fever. Nature is in full bloom, but there are blue circles around your eyes and you feel fatigue. If your seasonal allergy is...

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This nasty viral infection of the intestines has probably struck you more than a couple of times in your life. The symptoms usually disappear after a few days. But, some people have to suffer...

Sneezing can be very embarrassing, especially when you are in the company of others. Sometimes it is very hard to stop once it starts. This article will show you the natural ways to reduce sneezing. 1....

Many of you had chickenpox as a child. And, shingles is something you have only heard about. Other than the skin condition similarity, they’re not connected, right? Wrong. There is a connection between chickenpox...

STIs or sexually transmitted infections get passed from one person to another through genital contact or unprotected sex. The most common STIs include genital warts, genital herpes, pubic lice, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, to name...

Chickenpox causes an itchy rash. But, if you get shingles from that same virus years later, the results are different. Here’s why shingles cause pain when it flares up. Neuralgia One of the first ways that...

Why do you feel cold with a fever? A related question would be, why do you feel hot with a fever? Maybe a better way to put it would be, what's a fever for...

Researchers at Yale University have improved the health of mice with markers of autoimmune disease. But more than that, they've taken a look into the process that might be responsible for autoimmune disease -...

The nasal flu vaccine (Flumist) was conspicuous by its absence this year. Well, that's what happens when you fall down on the job. Officially: poor performance. The real scoop: lousy performance. And in the...

A virus is tiny. But Herpes simplex packs a punch out of all proportion to its size. So let's look at some signs of herpes in women to help you get started treating it. What's...

It's frustrating when you want to know if it's herpes, you need to know, but the doctor tells you not to bother. There's a test, why shouldn't I take it? Well, there are things...

Impetigo is a skin infection commonly caused by Staphylococcus (staph) and Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Symptoms include a rash with small blisters or scabs. While impetigo can affect just about anyone, it is most common...

And when you have shingles, the only answer you can get behind is "Too long!" If you're very lucky, it's very mild. For many people, it itches, hurts, and blisters - and it can...

Although a serious underlining medical condition rarely causes it, an itchy stomach can be very uncomfortable. Here are some of the most common causes of an itchy stomach. Eczema Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is...

Drinking from reusable cups has many environmental benefits compared to paper cups. In addition to being the more ethical option, these cups are more affordable. Many businesses have started using reusable cups to serve...

We usually think viruses and bacteria affect the lungs and stomach. Viruses and other microorganisms such as fungi and animal parasites, however, could invade any organ of the body and cause a disturbance. When...

As the weather gets warmer, hungry ticks start coming out of hiding seeking to latch on to something or someone for a meal. Ticks are tiny insects related to spiders—even adult ticks only grow...

In a recent report, the WHO has highlighted the threat of global antibiotic resistance. Over-prescription along with misdiagnoses are among the reasons why many bacteria thrive, even in the presence of antibiotics. In this...

A sore throat can be a nuisance making eating, drinking, and even swallowing a painful experience. Many people think strep throat is the same as a typical sore throat. This is not the case....

“Boosting” has become a common buzzword in the health and wellness field. The word often preys on desperate people wishing for an easy solution to improve the way they feel and look. Everywhere you...

Bacteria rule our world. Not literally, of course, but they are actually everywhere. Now you've probably heard about the five-second rule which says that if you pick up fallen food from the floor and...

Shingles is a viral infection often causing a painful, itchy rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus--the same virus causing chickenpox. If you had chickenpox when you were younger, the virus remains inactive...

Also known as oral herpes or “fever blisters”, cold sores are one of the most common types of viral infections. More than 50% of adult population in the US has herpes labialis, which is...

The symptoms of viral and bacterial infections are very similar. The only way to distinguish them is by undergoing a diagnostic test. However, this method is expensive and tedious. Viral infections are caused by...

As you may know, getting immunized ahead of the flu season can help protect you from viruses. But how effective is the flu shot and can it really prevent the flu? Before we answer...

Pneumonia is the largest infectious cause of death in children in the world. What is worrying is that this lung infection goes undiagnosed. Basically, individuals don’t realize that they are ill and they don’t...

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium often found in infected animal products. It can take four forms, and in many cases it remains unidentified until the symptoms emerge. The...

There is a lot of well-regarded research and science out there when it comes to infections. However, many of us seemingly ignore the facts in favor of old wives' tales and urban legends we...

Have you considered getting a flu shot this year? Chances are you heard all kinds of information and misinformation about this common vaccine. Some flu shot myths keep people away from the doctor or...

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that affects the female reproductive system particularly the vagina. The condition results from an imbalance of bacteria usually found in the vagina. These bacteria multiply in numbers causing disturbing...

When it comes to herpes, people have confused facts with myths. However, it is vital that these two are separated. What we need to understand is what this virus is, how can people get...

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-drug resistant type of staph bacteria. It is one of the most common healthcare-acquired bacteria often spread in hospitals, nursing homes, residential centers, and dialysis centers. It can...

The word “herpes” is sure to conjure at least some familiarity. Although few people have all of the facts regarding herpes, the virus itself is extremely common and the word is usually familiar to...

Having one herpes outbreak can seem bad enough. But, can you have more? Is it possible to have multiple herpes simplex virus outbreaks at the same time? The Short Answer In general, we know that HSV-1...

If you’ve noticed some skin sensitivity around your groin area you may be worried. Is it a normal skin condition? Or something more serious? Learn the difference between psoriasis and herpes simplex virus symptoms. Herpes...

Is it a cold sore or a pimple? They look the same, right? Here are the ways to tell the difference between a cold sore and a pimple. Cold Sore Basics Also called fever blisters, cold...

Washing your hands often is the best way to remove the bacteria and germs you get in touch with. But do you know how to wash your hands the right way? Most people say...

More than 31 million people in the United States suffer from one of eight types of dermatitis or eczema. This condition usually involves inflamed areas of skin on the face, the elbows, and the...

Many people turn to vitamin C to help them get better when they catch a cold. They load up on citrus fruits and take supplements to increase their intake of this important nutrient. But...

Herpes is one of the most common viruses in the U.S., with an estimated 1 out of 5 people saddled with the illness. It is often still shrouded in mystery, with numerous myths being...

For those who do regular medical checkups, you must have heard your doctor mention the word bacteria or bacterial infection. Have you ever been interested to know more about this terminology? This article will...

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The highly contagious condition mostly affects kids but can also hit adults. It manifests as itchy skin rashes with red blisters. The symptoms appear within...

Although there is a thin line between different infections affecting the female reproductive system, it's important to point out critical indicators of each. If you have a feeling you could be having an infection...

Pneumonia is defined as an acute respiratory infection affecting the lungs. The lungs consist of cells that fill with air when a healthy person breathes. In case of pneumonia, the cells are filled with...

Lyme disease is an infectious disease which is transmitted through tick bites. Ticks carry a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. This disease is found in many countries, and it is very common in the north-eastern...

Rotavirus is a condition that invades the gastrointestinal tract. It commonly affects infants and young children after about two days following exposure to the virus. Let's look at what you should know about the...

Meningitis is a serious condition wherein membranes in the spine and brain begin to swell and become inflamed. While this might not be dangerous in other areas of the body, the close proximity to...

Did you know that there is a link between dental problems and heart disease? For one, gum disease increases your chances of developing serious heart problems. Also, according to one study, oral health issues...

Leprosy is most often associated with historical figures or biblical references, and is usually accompanied by images of decaying flesh. Despite these persistent notions of the condition, leprosy is neither terrifying nor unknowable, and...

Herpes is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus known as HSV. It can appear on various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth area. It is a...

So, you’ve been diagnosed with herpes. It’s not the end of the world, but it sure isn’t good news. You were completely taken aback by the whole thing. The reason for this is that...

Herpes has been subject to many rumors over the years. The two types of this disease combined affect more than half of the world's population. As such, it's important to get the facts right....

Scientists are hard at work trying to find new methods to treat herpes more efficiently. One of the experimental methods they devised uses a common herb to treat the symptoms of this virus. If...

The argument for and against circumcision is one that has been around for many years now. With new research, there may be information available to influence people’s decisions. There is evidence to suggest circumcision...

Simplex 2 is a type of herpes virus that has shown up more and more in diagnoses over the last 10 years. Herpes is a disease that is known to affect both adults and...

There seems to be an herbal remedy for every malady out there nowadays. Using chamomile for a herpes infection is a popular one circulating the internet. Is Chamomile oil effective against herpes? Yes and...

Look around the room right now. According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, in a room of six people, odds are that at least one person has herpes. This viral infection...

Every year, more than 800,000 new people catch herpes in the United States, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the old saying goes, the truth shall set you free. This...

You can get an infection from a virus or bacteria through very similar ways, such as touching a dirty surface or eating improperly cooked food. However, that's where similarities end. It's important to understand...

Sometimes those that are infected don’t even know they are infected. Symptoms can appear mild enough to dismiss as another concern, or might not appear at all. It is, however, important to learn the...

An estimated 67 per cent of the world's population are infected with the herpes virus, reports the World Health Organization. That equates to approximately 3.7 billion people. With so many people affected by herpes, dozens...

Living a fulfilling life with herpes simplex 2 is possible. It will take mindfulness and communication with your partner, or future partners, but there are ways to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate this incurable...

Herpes is more widespread than you may think. The herpes rate of infection is high worldwide. The CDC estimates that 776,000 people contract new herpes cases annually in the United States. This number is...

Cold sores are very common in people of all ages. As a matter of fact, almost 90 percent of adults have traces of HSV, the virus that causes cold sores, in their bodies. The...

If you or your loved one fears recent exposure to the herpes virus, you may wonder if there is a window in which there is a cure for herpes. The short answer is “no.”...

Did you know that there is a link between herpes and eye disease? Namely, some herpes viruses can affect the eye, too. But unlike the viruses that cause herpes simplex, these aren't sexually transmitted....

When a new baby is in the picture, it’s standard for friends and family to want to surround the child. They will usually want to shower it with affection and presents. The danger behind...