Precautions & Preventions

Many people have warts. They are caused by HPV affecting the skin. Experts say that this virus is extremely common. It is impossible to avoid coming into contact with HPV. After all, a simple handshake...

A recent report issued by CDC reveals that chlamydia is the most common STI in the US by far. In 2016 alone, there were almost 1.6 million cases of this bacterial infection. That's more...

A highly contagious eye condition, pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) is manifested red, painful, and itchy eyes. But, not all cases of pink eye are the same. Depending on what’s causing your pink...

If you're intimate with your partner, both of you should get tested for STIs on a regular basis. Your age doesn't matter. If you're getting ready to do it for the first time, here...

Also called allergic rhinitis, hay fever happens when some of the many natural allergens enter our body and cause a reaction. It is very common and currently affects between 40 and 60 million Americans....

You may have heard about the UK man with the worst case of super gonorrhea ever recorded. Not only did it spark the interest of the media, but it also caught the attention of...

For years, there's been a debate about whether you can get bacteria from a hand dryer. According to a recent study, you can. Not only that, but the authors also dubbed hand dryers "bacteria...

One of the most common STIs in the United States, the human papilloma virus is linked to several types of cancer. Fortunately, in the past decade, a reliable vaccine against the disease has been...

Cold sores are sometimes referred to as fever blisters, and they are among the most common types of viral infections. They're sometimes grouped in patches of blisters filled with fluid. Most commonly they occur...

Shingles and psoriasis are skin diseases. They both manifest as a painful rash. However, it’s important to learn the difference between shingles and psoriasis. After all, they are two very different diseases with different treatments....

In recent times, Australia has been hit by an epidemic of a strange type of bacteria which eats away at human flesh. Scientists can't really understand its origins or the way it spreads. That's...

You shouldn’t underestimate the benefits of a flu shot. So why is it important? This shot decreases your risk of contracting influenza. It will also make your illness milder if you get sick anyway. Thus,...

E. coli are extremely widespread bacteria. They live in the environment and in foods. Additionally, E. coli can live in human or animal guts. Many types of E. coli are harmless. But some can make...

Herpes simplex is a type of infection triggered by the herpes simplex virus, sometimes referred to as HSV. It can be oral, and in that case it is characterized by the outbreak of cold...

At least 8 percent of adults in the US suffer from hay fever. Pollen allergy and other outdoor allergies can cause significant discomfort. The main symptoms of hay fever are congestion, sinus pressure, and watery...

Hepatitis C is a dangerous liver disease. It is also very widespread, as it affects around 3.9 million people across the US. There are medical treatments that can help hepatitis C patients. Effective new drugs...

Blisters are usually not something you'd call 911 for. If they occur on your feet, in most cases, they're a direct result of wearing uncomfortable shoes. Sometimes a blister may be the result of a...

Have you heard of epithelial cells? These have an important function in the body. They form barriers between the organs. Your skin consists of these cells. Additionally, they line your guts and your blood vessels....

Cough drops can be extremely useful. If you have a cough or a throat ache, hey could be all the treatment you need. But what happens if you take more cough drops than recommended? Are...

Mononucleosis is a viral infection. While anyone can contract it, mono typically affects teenagers. This disease comes with a high fever and swollen glands. Additionally, it causes a sore throat and a headache. It also...

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. This virus causes an infection that is similar to catching a cold. However, it can have more dangerous consequences. How widespread is this virus? What are the main symptoms...

In recent years, antibiotic resistance has become a major public health concern. Due to the overuse of drugs and the rapid evolution of bacteria, some common health conditions are more difficult than ever to...

Human papillomavirus is the cause of periungual warts. They can appear on toenails or fingernails. If you bite your fingernails, you may be at a greater risk of getting periungual warts. Although there are several...

Scientists still don’t have the answer as to what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. It's a rather complicated disorder that may worsen over time. The majority opinion is that a combination of factors, including some...

How effective is the HPV vaccine? Who should get it and when? This article answers these and many other questions regarding HPV vaccines and their use. Here are 4 things you should know about HPV...

Having foodborne illness can be a very unpleasant and exhausting experience. Although it doesn’t usually last too long, it’s best if you prevent it completely. Here are 5 foods that may cause foodborne illness. Foodborne illnesses...

Coughing too much, or wheezing? You have trouble sleeping, and your throat is always sore. There is probably some mucus stuck in your chest. You shouldn’t worry, this happens to everybody. Here are five natural...

An eye cold is a type of infection that makes your eyes tear, swell, and hurt. If left untreated, the infection may progress to the point where it affects your everyday life. Luckily, there...

If you recently delivered a baby and you have HPV, you’re probably wondering what you should do in order to protect yourself and your child. Is it safe for you to breastfeed your baby? Let's...

Mucus strands are medically referred to as mucus fishing syndrome. They are commonly found when removing mucus strands from the eye. When a person does this on a regular basis, it usually leads to...

Varicella-zoster virus is the microbe responsible for chickenpox. It's very contagious, with symptoms including tiredness, headache, and an itchy rash that transforms into fluid-filled blisters. The blisters and rash can spread throughout your body. Sometimes...

If there are an increased number of bacteria in your urinary tract, you may be at risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections usually cause discomfort, pain, and can even affect your...

Antibiotics destroy bacteria. They are life-saving medications, but some bacteria have developed a resistance to antibiotics. To put things simply, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can’t be killed or stopped by most antibiotic therapies. Some infections caused by...

More than 80% of reported measles cases involved patients, including children, who did not receive vaccination. The European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases concluded that children under the age of two have...

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that attacks the nervous system. It usually exhibits in skin blisters or rashes. But, sometimes it can spread internally without a rash. This article will...

Infants have a number of unique healthcare needs. Responsible parenting means you should stay informed about the risks your newborn is facing. So what should you do the first time your baby has a cold?...

A health concern that was almost forgotten, mumps seems to have made a resurgence. Recent outbreaks have prompted scientists to reconsider the effectiveness of the MMR vaccines against mumps and think of new ways...

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It affects your entire body. In some cases, this disease is deadly. After all, it damages the lungs and kidneys. Lupus also has an effect on your blood vessels and...

Skin rashes come in different shapes and sizes, and they can be caused by a great number of health conditions. So, how do you know if your rash is caused by a benign yeast...

Antibiotics can save lives. However, the overuse of antibiotics has terrifying consequences. It leads to antibiotics resistance. Deadly bacterial infections could become widespread once again. You also damage the useful bacteria in your body when you...

Painful fluid-filled blisters most often found around the mouth and lips, cold sores are caused by the HSV-1 virus. They are very contagious and you should avoid all contact while you have them. But,...

The common cold can have some very surprising symptoms. So what are the first signs that you have a cold? What should you look out for? Runny noses are one obvious symptom. But here are...

Although many people believe that syphilis is a thing of the past, there are thousands of cases of this disease reported in the U.S. every year. In fact, more than 23,000 people have reported...

Infections spread quickly and they can be extremely dangerous. Early treatment is crucial. However, it’s not always easy to spot the symptoms of a serious infection. Kidney infections can develop from UTIs. They require immediate...

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a very common type of viral infection, characterized by painful rash, often accompanied by blisters. If you've ever had chickenpox, you're at a very high risk for getting shingles,...

The simplex virus can stay dormant in your body for years. But when it's active, it can affect your organs and cause a number of health issues. Sometimes, the virus can affect the esophagus...

Shingles will usually cause a painful red rash on the face or some other part of the body. But did you know you can also have shingles without breaking out? The name for this...

Whether you prefer alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, more often than not they are served with some refreshingly cold ice and a slice of citrus fruit. Sure enough, drink garnishes make your drink taste even...

Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have steadily become one of the most commonly used types of drugs in the world. They help us fight dangerous bacterial infections, and their importance can’t...

Allergies aren't the best of times, but they don't have to be the worst of times. There are things you can do to protect yourself from spring allergies, and other things you can try....

The CDC sure earns its pay. Whatever snarky comments critics may make about governmental efficiency, the CDC tracks flu activity, geography, biology, chemistry, and history like a bloodhound with OCD. And now that the 2017-2018...

They're adorable. The little ones especially are so cute. But yes, you can get a bacterial infection from your turtle. The little ones especially. Turtles carry Salmonella - not usually fatal, but not usually a...

Aneurysm, neuropathy, tendon degradation, black box warning - not the kind of resume you want in a pill you're about to pop. But the class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones brings all that to...

OK, you know the basics of good health - eat right, get enough sleep, develop an exercise routine, make regular contact with friends and loved ones, and if you have any time left over,...

Infants are extremely vulnerable to infections. In many cases, early treatment can help prevent complications. So it’s crucial for parents to get informed about the biggest threats. What are some respiratory problems that can affect...

Turning to a doctor with your flu or cold can help a great deal. But how do you know you won’t catch another infectious disease? How do doctors protect themselves from the flu? Here are...

It is only natural to worry about contracting infectious diseases. Public restrooms aren’t always entirely hygienic. Thus, many believe they can get infected from using the bathroom. But what is the truth? Can you catch...

Shingles is a fairly widespread disease. Around one in three Americans will contract shingles at least once in their lifetimes. This disease is extremely painful. Thus, it can interfere a great deal with your everyday...

Spring cleaning season is here! With the harsh chemical in many commercial household cleaners, many people are searching for more natural ways to clean and disinfect their homes. Luckily, an inexpensive alternative to potentially...

Vaccines can be a pretty controversial subject. And they have some nasty-sounding ingredients - formaldehyde, aluminum, mercury, even bits of dead flu. But love 'em or hate 'em, it'd be a good idea for...

The common cold is one of the most common conditions people decide to treat themselves. And, while going to the doctors and getting a prescription certainly has its own perks, many home remedies can...

Arguably one of the most important discoveries in modern medicine, prescription antibiotics have saved millions of lives all over the world. However, many people seem to be turning to healthier, natural options to treat...

We often hear medical experts recommending a glass of red wine over dinner, but how seriously do we take these recommendations? Taking a look at some recent studies, it seems that red wine could...

Open sores that can develop in our stomach lining, stomach ulcers (sometimes called peptic ulcers) can also appear on our small intestine. Although they are rather easy to treat and remove, if left untreated,...

Also known as genital warts, HPV warts are an STI caused by the human papilloma virus. Not all people who get this virus necessarily get warts - they are a symptom of the virus,...

A liver disease which can manifest itself both as a mild illness that lasts for a couple of weeks or as a serious lifelong illness, hepatitis C can be tricky to detect. It’s a...

We all know the most common symptoms of the seasonal flu – coughing, fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and many more. But why do all these things happen to our body while it’s fighting...

One of the most common viruses, the flu virus is well-studied and new possibilities to treat and prevent it are constantly being researched. One of those researchers seems to have yielded a promising new...

People suffering from osteoporosis are much more likely to suffer bone fractures. This is because their bone density is diminished, thus making them more prone to breakages. Osteoporosis is a big issue for post-menopausal...

When your child reaches school age, you can expect a number of infectious illnesses. After all, your kill will suddenly enter a very crowded environment. School sores are one example of such diseases. But what...

Keeping yourself awake throughout the night with coughing fits can be a stressful experience that will affect your mood and energy levels through the day. Here are some of the best ways to stop...

Having an infectious disease can make your romantic life more complicated. After all, some people have preconceptions and prejudices. Unfortunately, this is even likelier if you have an STD. However, there are still many wonderful...

Treating a common cold with heavy medications seems like overkill, so many people decide to go the natural route and fight their cold with healthy juices. More than that, taking antibiotics when you don’t...

A potentially serious disease transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease, affects our body in a number of ways. A large number of Lyme disease cases don’t even get reported in time because of its wide...

Also known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), black lung disease is a condition that can affect coal miners due to their exposure to dust. Once an unknown, this disease is now much better understood...

One of the most common bacterial infections, salmonella is a condition characterized by fever, diarrhea, and vomiting and it is commonly associated with poultry or polluted water. Although its symptoms usually disappear after four...

During pregnancy, women have to take special care about what they put into their organisms, as all of these things can affect the baby’s development. That is particularly the case for medication – certain...

A brain infection that can affect children, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, meningitis can sometimes have serious complications. Proper medical treatment can usually relieve all symptoms, although some people can have lifelong...

Food poisoning is a relatively common and unpleasant experience. The severity of the illness depends on what contaminated the food. Most often, food poisoning is caused by a bacteria or virus. Luckily, there are...

Even though the cytomegalovirus is common, you may not have previously heard about it. This is because to most people, this virus doesn’t pose any threats. However, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised people may...

The 2017-2018 flu season has been particularly hard on the United States. According to the Washington Post, it caused the most hospitalizations since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic. In addition, as of mid-February, at...

You’re probably cleaning the kitchen countertops and wiping the bathroom floor regularly, but there are a few less obvious things you would do well to clean. Discover those items which really need to be...

Simplex 2 warts are also known as genital warts. They are quite a common medical issue which affects millions of people everywhere around the globe. Two particular strains of HPV or human papillomavirus is...

Cold sores don’t sudden appear overnight, though it may seem like that. You have warning signs in the form of five stages of cold sore outbreaks. 1st Stage The first warning sign you may have of...

There are plenty of potential causes of eyelid swelling. It can come from allergies or from various infections. This article will cover one significant possibility. What Is Eye Herpes? This viral infection is one of the...

Shingles is a type of viral infection. It comes with a painful rash, as well as pain and blisters. This disease is both widespread and potentially dangerous. Hence, many people decide to get vaccinated against...

Does it feel like you are sick all the time? Do you often overcome colds, only to develop the symptoms once again a few weeks later? Here are five possible reasons why this happens. 1....

Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that transmits through contaminated blood. It can lead to liver damage, and until recently was considered a death sentence. With new medications though, it’s something that can be...

Viral diseases can spread in a number of ways. Sometimes, everyday objects can be a lot more dangerous than we think. You already know that you shouldn’t share cosmetics with other people. But is lipstick...

Most of the time, tingling lips are nothing to worry about. However, there can be serious medical reasons why your lips are tingling. This article will give a quick overview of what you need...

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that affects more than 60 million adults in the US. The bacteria that live in our mouth are its main cause. Due to poor oral hygiene, the...

Stress is something modern humans feel at all times. Some stress is good, like the kind that pushes you to achieve a goal. But there’s other stress that can be damaging to your health....

Think you know everything there is to know about the hepatitis virus? Let’s test that. Here are the basics of the five types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the first on this...

When people think of the herpes simplex virus, they think of genital herpes and cold sores. Those are terrible enough on their own. The sad truth is that they are not the only things...

Some natural remedies are truly breathtaking. Olive leaf extract has a wide variety of uses. But did you know that the benefits of olive leaf extract extend to treating a simplex outbreak? Does It Really...

Some diseases are opportunistic. They piggyback on another infection. So, if you think having herpes is bad enough, think again. Having a certain herpes virus can increase your risk of MS. Herpes Virus and Multiple...

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tubes that transport air to your lungs. The symptoms can include fever, built-up mucus, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and fatigue. If you have acute bronchitis, the symptoms...

Were you or someone you know diagnosed with panniculitis? If so, you are probably wondering what it is. Here is the basic information about panniculitis. What It Is Panniculitis refers to a group of conditions. They...

Chronic hepatitis B is a very serious condition that affects the liver. Its main cause is the hepatitis B virus (HBV). As with all chronic conditions, the symptoms might not be visible early on....

That chicken you had for dinner tasted a little funny. Now, you have an upset stomach and keep running to the restroom. Could it be food poisoning? Here are 5 ways to tell you...

You have the flu. So, you wash your hands repeatedly. Make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue and promptly throw it away. That’s enough to not spread it, right? According to new...

You already know to keep that towel handy in the gym. Not for you, though. It’s to wipe down benches and handlebars, right? But, you need to keep your gym mat clean and avoid...

Do you or someone you know like to ride the waves? If so, you may be harboring antibiotic resistant bacteria . Here is more information about the link between surfers and drug-resistant bacteria. The Story In...

According to statistics, almost 90% of people worldwide carry one or both types of the simplex virus. So even if the virus is not in your system, the risk of contracting it is very...

Just like adults, babies can contract viral infections from the moment they're born. But doctors can't administer most vaccines until the baby is at least 12 months old. It is thus up to the...

You feel miserable. You know you are sick. Yet, you don’t have a fever. Is it possible to have the flu with no fever? There are many possible symptoms you can have if you have...

Have you seen people walking around with face masks? It must be flu season. Nowadays, masks go beyond the regular surgical masks. They are from different fabrics and turned into fashion accessories. But, how...

Stomach bugs are unpleasant. The norovirus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Usually associated with travel and cruise ships, if you stay out of crowds you are safe, right? Maybe not. Here are 5 disturbing...

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...

STIs are common throughout the world, but they are particularly prevalent in the United States. According to the CDC, there are about 20 million new cases each year. Here are the five most common...

When food becomes contaminated or spoiled, it can lead to food poisoning. According to the CDC, 48 million people get sick of food poisoning every year. Three thousand of them die. But what are the...

The flu is going around. It seems like everyone has it right now. If you want to nip it in the bud, early detection is key. Here are 5 early symptoms of the flu...

A fear of catching an STD is a strong feeling that can turn off passion and excitement in any relationship. When practicing oral sex, we expose ourselves to many viruses and bacteria. Here are some...

The herpes simplex virus-1 has many surprises in store for those it infects. Cold sores are the most common, but genital herpes is also from the same strain. These conditions have no cure and...

Constant stress is a trigger for herpes simplex outbreaks. So, if you are always stressed about your next outbreak, you are probably stuck in a never-ending cycle. Here are a few common triggers of...

Did you know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent STI in the US? According to statistics, there are at least 79 million people there infected with the virus. There are also...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI. If you are pregnant, you may have concerns. There are possible difficulties during pregnancy caused by HPV, but in general, they are not that serious. First, if...

Pharyngitis is a disease characterized by the presence of inflammation around the throat or pharynx, caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Pharyngitis causes pain, a stinging sensation inside the throat and encountering a...

Herpes is a common disease and it spreads quite easily. One reason for this is that a lot of people fail to realize that they have an infection. Moreover, the use of usual safe...

STIs are commonly prevalent infections contracted during acts of intimacy. Most STIs do not initially show symptoms, and this leads to an increased risk of transmitting the disease. STIs acquired before or during birth...

Chances are you've been doing this since you were a child. Your parents demanded you do it before eating and after going to the bathroom. You probably do this a few times daily without...

In recent years, many of us have probably heard of MRSA, the bacterial skin infection that can spread quickly in close quarters, like prisons, hospitals, and locker rooms. However, you might not have heard...

The HPV vaccine, which is commonly marketed under the name Gardasil, is obviously meant to prevent HPV or human papillomavirus. HPV is technically an incorrect name because it actually refers to about 150 related...

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...

As you probably know, germs like viruses and bacteria are just about everywhere. Sure, we all know the common places germs thrive--public restrooms, gym locker rooms, and doctor’s offices. We probably even take preventative...

Cold weather brings it with an image of coziness. It’s sweater weather, after all, when is everything comes in pumpkin spice, and we stroll peacefully beneath trees with autumn-colored leaves. Then we experience the...

Bacterial diseases can spread in a few different ways, but one of the most common ways is through foodborne pathogens. These illnesses can be very serious. You might be thinking of food poisoning as...

A sore throat, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing – all well-known symptoms of colds and allergies. But which of the two is causing your problems? Let's take a look at the difference between colds...

As you may already know, shingles often causes a red rash with blisters that tend to crust over after a few days. The rash usually affects one side of your chest or back and...

Molluscum contagiosum is a generally harmless skin infection. It shares its name with the poxvirus that causes it. As a rule, it spreads through physical contact, but it can also live on some surfaces...

STI's affects women differently than men. Though different STIs have different complications, these are the most common health risks of STIs for women. 1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) PID infects the female reproductive organs. It happens...

If you've never had a brush with scabies, consider yourself very lucky. This skin condition affects about 130 million people around the world. The symptoms of scabies include a red rash and an intense...

Roseola is a mild infection that affects children by the age of 2 and sometimes infects adults. Most children are infected with roseola by the time they go into kindergarten. It is very common....

If you are a woman, once or more in your lifetime, you are likely to encounter vaginal infections. Bacterial vaginosis happens to be one of the most common infections affecting women of child-bearing age....

Sore throats can be a pain. At the least it involves an itchy or irritated throat. There are, however, home remedies to treat a sore throat. Here are the top 5 using products you...

Myocarditis is a viral heart disease. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with it, you may need to find out more information. These are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options...

Also known as Kaposi varicelliform eruption, eczema herpeticumis a rare viral infection most commonly caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus. Usual eczema herpeticum symptoms include clusters of painful blisters (usually on the face...

Have you heard of curing the flu by wearing onions in your socks overnight? Sounds silly, but some people believe it’s true. Can putting onions in your socks help fight the flu? The History As difficult...

Are you ready for flu season? Unfortunately, it’s coming even if you aren’t ready. But, here are a few items you need to get you through the flu season. If you can’t get a...

Can you have the herpes simplex virus and not know that you do? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. These are some ways that the simplex virus can go undiagnosed. Asymptomatic Infection Some infected people never show...

Think you have scabies? Or, maybe it’s herpes simplex? If you are confused about the difference between the two, here is a brief outline. This is the difference between scabies and the herpes simplex...

If you are prone to cold sores, they can be a nuisance. And at times, embarrassing. There are natural remedies you can try to treat cold sores at home. Here are 3 proven ways. 1....

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...

If you or someone you know has an egg allergy, you may be worried about getting a flu shot. Especially since they contain a small amount of egg protein. But, are flu vaccines safe...

The term lifestyle diseases refers to all ailments that occur as a result of poor lifestyle habits. They include mental health issues, as well as type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, and cancer. Here we'll...

Extensive research shows that breathing the right way can have many health benefits. As a rule, adults take between 12 and 18 breaths per minute. But some people suffer from higher breathing rates as...

Scientists still can't say for certain what causes migraines. But if there's one thing we know for sure, it's that migraines are always painful. Proper medication can help relieve the pain, but it won't...

It seems that screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use our computers, phones, and tablets each day, both at work and at home. In the evening, most of us...

Did you know that there is such a thing as the danger triangle of the face? It's the area between the bridge of your nose and the corners of your mouth. This is also...

As its name suggests, birth-acquired herpes affects newborns. The cause of this condition is the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that an infant may contract it while in the womb or during birth. However, this...

Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects almost 79 million of young people in America. This makes it the most widespread STD right now. While they have some things in common, there is a big difference between...

Shingles is a condition that affects almost one in three Americans at some point in their life. The cause of this infection is the varicella zoster virus that also causes chickenpox. Once it enters...

The number of people suffering from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is growing each year. Research suggests that young people aged 15-24 account for 50% of new STD cases. As such, CDC cites them as...

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious issue that affects almost a third of preschool children in the US. If left untreated, it can have negative effects on the child's well-being. Until now, scientists...

Contracting herpes is no laughing matter. Although the virus is extremely common (with some estimates as high as 1 in 5 people contracting the virus), its nature as a persistent virus makes avoiding an...

People often confuse the stomach flu and food poisoning. That's because they have many common symptoms. But while it's always a virus that causes the stomach flu, food poisoning is a result of something...

Every year during the autumn and winter, most people suffer from this viral infection. Influenza, also called the flu, is an infectious respiratory infection, seasonal and of viral origin. It usually starts as early...

During the winter months, many people contract the flu. To most, it's little more than a temporary nuisance. But to some, it's a very serious health risk. If you suffer from a chronic health...

To protect themselves from the flu, people get flu shots every year. But according to CDC, the effectiveness rate of this standard vaccine ranges from 40% to 60%. As such, about 50% of people...

Mononucleosis, also known as the "kissing disease" or mono, is very common. Its main cause is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that spreads through saliva. Almost 95 percent of American adults will have contracted EBV...

Salmonella poisoning is a bacterial illness that usually comes by way of eating infected meat or produce. While this particular type of bacteria has been found in other sources, such as water, the most...

When you're suffering from the stomach flu, you need lots of fluids. That's because you have to make up for the fluids you've lost by vomiting and sweating. But water alone won't help your...

Urinary tract infections are unfortunately common ailments. Affecting both men and women, they range in terms of duration and severity. Some UTIs resolve on their own within a few days, while others can turn...

Infections caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) are very common. As a matter of fact, almost 90% of Americans have come in contact with this virus. When it activates, HSV-1 can...

Sickle cell anemia is a type of anemia that affects the red blood cells. They are usually round, but the condition changes their shape. They resemble a hook or a sickle, which is how...

Itchy throat and ears are among the most common symptoms of a cold. Most people experience colds up to three times a year. As such, they don't give these symptoms too much thought. But...

Meningitis represents a disease that causes the inflammation of the brain and the spinal cord. It can affect everyone, regardless of the age and it spreads through close contact between a healthy and an...

Did you know that the results of some herpes tests are not always accurate? Many doctors know this, but fail to share the information with their patients. As such, the possibility of misdiagnosis is...

There are 417 million people in the world affected by herpes. With 267 million of that being women, many have raised the point of how herpes affects pregnancy. Further to that, the medication choices...

Many STDs are incurable. Antibiotics cannot cure viral infections caused by STDs. Treatment options address symptoms, but the actual virus remains in the body. Even if symptoms disappear after taking medication, a person will...

There has been a rise in STD’s in recent times, and in particular – herpes. A study in 2012 showed that out of the estimated 417 million people affected worldwide, 19.2 million were due...

Those infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 often do not show any symptoms. Asymptomatic is when the infection does not show symptoms. Asymptomatic carriers are those infected but show no symptoms. Carriers can still give...

Here's a surprising fact: 25% of people carry Staphylococcus, a bacteria that can lead to a staph infection. Common areas where the bacteria live include your genitals and your mouth. And while millions of...

The average U.S. adult catches the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, two to three times every year, warns the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there's no cure for the cold...

According to the CDC, 15.7% of the U.S. population between the ages of 14 and 49 have an HSV-2 infection. The figure may be slightly higher due to the number of genital herpes cases...

More than 50 percent of American adults have oral herpes, while one in six adults in America have genital herpes. You or your partner might even have it unknowingly since many people have the...

Herpes is a silent epidemic sweeping the world. Moreover, it becomes more difficult when a person does not know they are infected. According to the CDC, an estimated 87.4% people in the United States...

“Long-term stress that can cause outbreaks,” warns Dr. Frances Cohen, Ph.D., in an interview with WebMD. That’s because stress compromises the strength and resilience of your immune system. This gives the virus a chance to...

Herpes is the blanket term to refer to the viral infection that can infect the mouth and genitals. It is really 2 different strains of the herpes simplex virus. In the simplest terms, HSV-1...

How many times have you or someone you know shrugged off cold sores? Perhaps you said you were “just getting sick” or “must be coming down with something.” You are right, but not in...

Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is often called “The Kissing Disease” because it is commonly contracted through saliva. Like many other lesser viral infections, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications. But, it rarely...

The common cold is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, it’s the most common viral infection in the world, researchers report. And the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that the average...

With nearly half of all adults in the United States infected with the herpes virus, the infection is both shockingly prevalent and also surprisingly unknown when it comes to effective treatments and ways to...