Global health policymakers have announced that they are investigating the emergence of a new virus — one very similar to the dangerous severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus — in Thailand and Japan, hinting at worries that it could spread farther. Share on PinterestCases of a new SARS-like virus have emerged in China and now […]
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
What to know about typhus
Typhus is the term for a group of rare bacterial infections that people can contract after being bitten by an infected insect. Different subspecies of the bacteria Rickettsia cause different types of typhus. In the past, typhus killed millions of people. Today, the disease is rare due to improvements in healthcare and sanitation. Nonetheless, people […]
Bacitracin vs. Neosporin: What’s the difference?
Neosporin is a brand of triple-antibiotic ointment. It contains bacitracin zinc, neomycin sulfate, and polymyxin B sulfate. Bacitracin ointment is also available, and it does not include the other two antibiotics. While both types of cream can help treat minor scratches, cuts, and burns, many people are allergic to bacitracin. Antibiotic ointments can help reduce […]
Is it bronchitis or pneumonia?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, while pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, which doctors call the alveoli. Both infections affect breathing and can cause intense pain and coughing, but there are some important differences between them. Read on to learn more about the differences in symptoms, […]
What are the early signs and symptoms of shingles?
In the early stages, shingles can produce an extensive range of signs and symptoms. These vary from very mild skin irritation and pain to fever and other symptoms of severe illness. Until a person develops additional shingles symptoms, they may not realize that this condition is causing their early symptoms. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes […]
Causes of heavy vaginal discharge
Regular vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy female reproductive system. Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation. However, excessive vaginal discharge that smells bad or looks unusual can indicate an underlying condition. This articles […]
Infections: How do our bodies know when to retaliate?
A new study sheds light on how cells infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa can sense the pathogen and decide whether to fight back or not. The research also provides vital information for the development of alternatives to antibiotics. Share on PinterestScientists discover how cells sense when to fight back against infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative […]
Meningococcemia: Everything you need to know
Meningococcemia is a severe form of blood poisoning that affects the entire body. It is also called meningococcal septicemia. The hallmark sign of meningococcemia is a rash that does not fade under pressure. The rash can appear anywhere on the body due to damaged blood vessels allowing blood to “leak” into the skin. Meningococcemia can […]
STDs: How do you get one?
People can contract and transmit sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through several types of sexual contact. Doctors more commonly use the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although vaginal-penile sex is one of the most common means of STI transmission, people can contract them through anal sex, oral sex, and, in rare cases, heavy petting. STIs are […]
Even ‘dead,’ this probiotic may be effective against inflammation
New research using roundworms and mice has shown that one probiotic of human origin does not have to be alive to reduce markers of inflammation and promote health. Share on PinterestEven when inactivated, a strain of Lactobacillus paracasei could reduce inflammation and boost health, a new study suggests. Probiotics are usually live, active bacteria that […]