Trending Infectious Disease Topics
COVID-19 (Wuhan Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China, and is rapidly spreading worldwide. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and fever. There is no vaccine for COVID-19.
Spider Pictures Slideshow
Watch and learn about black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders as their characteristics, dangers, and bite results are compared.
MRSA Quiz
It's the MRSA Quiz! For the carriers among us, you'd be surprised that the infectious superbug is lurking on this body part. Take the quiz and learn how to keep this Staph infection at bay.
Influenza (Flu)
The flu is an infectious disease that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and chills. The annual flu vaccine can prevent most of the circulating influenza strains.
Scabies Slideshow
Watch this slideshow to get the facts on scabies (itch mite) causes, signs and symptoms. Learn what scabies looks like and how to treat it.
UTI Quiz
Do you know the symptoms, signs, and causes of urinary tract infection in adults? Test your knowledge of UTIs and learn how to prevent them.
Related Disease Conditions
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Adenovirus
Adenovirus infections are common and often have no symptoms. Adenoviruses cause illnesses like bladder infections, diarrhea,...
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Amebiasis (Entamoeba Histolytica)
Amebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica) is an infection caused by an amoeba. Symptoms include bloody stools, abdominal pain, weight...
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Anthrax
Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is a deadly infectious disease that may be transmitted to humans by infected animals or by...
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Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics are medications used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria and some fungi. The definition of antibiotic resistance...
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Are Mono Symptoms Contagious?
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral disease that is passed from person to person through saliva and other bodily fluids. Learn...
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Are Ringworm and Candida the same?
Ringworm and Candida are not the same. While they are both fungal infections, they are caused by different types of fungi, and...
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Does Rubella Cause German Measles?
Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is also called German measles or three-day measles. While rubella infection symptoms...
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Ascariasis
The parasite Ascaris lumbricoides causes ascariasis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting,...
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Aspergillus Infection (Aspergillosis)
Aspergillus (Aspergillosis) is a fungal infection. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, bloody sputum,...
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Bird Flu (Avian Influenza, Avian Flu)
Bird flu (avian flu, avian influenza) infection in humans may result from contact with infected poultry. There is a vaccine to...
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Balamuthia
Balamuthia mandrillarisis is an ameba that lives in dust and soil. Signs and symptoms of Balamuthia include fever, nausea and...
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Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is a form of terrorism where there is the intentional release of biological agents such as viruses, germs, or...
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Bocavirus Infection
Bocavirus infection (HBoV, human bocavirus) is usually only found in those with lower respiratory infections or diarrhea....
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Botulism
Botulism is an illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three types of botulism:...
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Bourbon Virus
Bourbon virus is a tick-borne disease that causes symptoms that include fever, rash, headache, vomiting, and nausea. The Lone...
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Brucellosis
The bacteria Brucella causes brucellosis, an infectious zoonotic disease in humans. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, sweating,...
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Can a Child With Microcephaly Be Normal?
Microcephaly in children is a rare condition. Some children with microcephaly are both with normal intelligence and have normal...
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Can Adults Get Rubella?
Unvaccinated adults that have not had the disease before can get infected by rubella. Symptoms in adults are usually mild, though...
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Can Diarrhea Be an Initial Symptom of COVID-19?
COVID-19 has become a common illness that affects many people. Learn the signs of COVID-19, what causes it, how doctors diagnose...
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Can Lyme Disease Be Detected by a Blood Test?
Lyme disease can be detected by tests that look for antibodies in the blood. Learn more about Lyme disease testing, stages, and...
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Can Mastoiditis Be Treated With Antibiotics?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease mastoiditis and speed your recovery....
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Can Scarlet Fever Cause Rheumatic Fever?
What are scarlet fever and rheumatic fever? Learn the signs of these fevers, whether they are related, and how to treat them....
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Can Silver Leaf Fungus Infect People?
Silver leaf disease is an extremely rare infection caused by the plant pathogen Chondrostereum purpureum. Learn the causes,...
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Can Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own?
Strep throat generally goes away on its own in three to five days; however, antibiotics are still typically prescribed to help...
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Can Tuberculosis (TB) Be Completely Cured?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your TB symptoms and help you manage this condition....
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Can You Get Shingles If You Have Had Chickenpox?
Yes, you can get shingles if you have had chickenpox in the past. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, and who should get the...
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Can You Survive Botulism Poisoning?
People typically recover within a few weeks from mild cases of botulism poisoning, whereas it can prove fatal in more serious...
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Can You Survive Rat Lungworm?
Rat lungworm rarely results in death; however, severe infections can be life-threatening. Check out the center below for more...
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Can You Work in a Kitchen With Hep C?
As per the public health department, hepatitis C is not considered transmissible through food. Studies show that patients with...
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Capnocytophaga canimorsus
The bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus is common in the mouths of cats, people, and dogs. People with weak immune systems are at...
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Can I Catch Hand Foot and Mouth Disease From My Child?
A parent can catch hand, foot and mouth from their children; however, adults are more likely to remain asymptomatic....
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Chagas Disease
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis, kissing bug) is an infection caused by the T. cruzi parasite. Symptoms of Chagas...
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation...
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Chikungunya Virus Infection
Chikungunya virus infection is transmitted to humans from an infected mosquito. Symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection include...
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Cholera
Cholera is an infectious disease characterized by intense vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea that rapidly leads to dehydration...
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Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Chronic inflammatory response syndrome occurs when a person is exposed to toxins. Check out the center below for more medical...
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Coxsackievirus
Coxsackieviruses are RNA viruses that may cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), as well as disease of muscles, lungs, and...
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CRE Infection
CRE infection (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) is a type of bacteria that is highly resistant to antibiotics....
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Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the Cryptococcus fungus. Cryptococcus is spread through inhalation of airborne fungi....
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Cyclospora Infection (Cyclosporiasis)
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes infection when humans ingest food contaminated with feces from an infected...
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Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. Symptoms include seizures, lethargy, nausea and...
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a virus that is spread from person to person via body fluids. Symptoms of cytomegalovirus...
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Dengue Fever (DF) vs. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
The major difference between dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is that the latter is a severe form of dengue...
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What Is the Difference Between Lymphangitis and Lymphadenitis?
While lymphangitis and lymphadenitis are both caused by an infection, lymphangitis refers to the inflammation of the lymphatic...
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Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a disease that causes symptoms and signs such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and swallowing problems. Erythromycin...
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What Diseases Can You Get from Restrooms and Sitting on a Toilet?
Germs in restrooms may concern you. You are not likely to catch a viral or bacterial disease on a toilet seat....
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Do Adults Really Need Tetanus Booster Shots?
Tetanus is a serious disease that can cause severe complications, such as death. Hence, it’s best to prevent it with booster...
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Does Leprosy Turn Your Skin White?
Unlike vitiligo, leprosy does not turn your skin white. However, this highly contagious disease can cause discolored lumps or...
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Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola virus disease) is an often-fatal disease that causes fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, sore...
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Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that causes sudden fever, vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck and back,...
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Enterovirus (Non-Polio Enterovirus Infection)
Enterovirus (non-polio enterovirus infection) cause a variety of infections including the common cold, aseptic meningitis,...
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Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common cause of mononucleosis (viral pharyngitis). Symptoms of an EBV infection include swollen...
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Gangrene
Gangrene may result when blood flow to a tissue is lost or not adequate to keep the tissue alive. There are two types of...
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Giardia Lamblia
Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia) is a parasite responsible for a common form of infectious diarrhea. People at risk for giardiasis...
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Group B Strep
Group B strep infection are from bacteria called Streptococcus agalactiae that may sometimes cause infections both in a pregnant...
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, foot, and mouth syndrome is a clinical pattern consisting of a rash on the hands and feet, and in the mouth. Hand, foot,...
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Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS, orthohantavirus) is a disease transmitted by rodents. Symptoms include fever and muscle pain....
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Do You Have to Be Over 50 to Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful rash forming along the path of one spinal or brain nerve. The Centers for...
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Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B)
The hepatitis B virus (HBV, hep B) is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. Hepatitis B...
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Herpangina
Herpangina is a contagious illness often seen in children. It is caused by a Coxsackievirus or an enterovirus. Symptoms include...
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Histoplasmosis (Cave Disease)
Histoplasmosis (cave disease) is a disease caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The symptoms are similar to those of...
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How Are Antibodies Produced and What's Their Role in the Immune System?
Antibodies are created when your immune system reacts to toxins, pollen, and infectious organisms. Your body is constantly making...
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How Can I Get Rid of a Cold While Breastfeeding?
The common cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. There is no cure for the cold while breastfeeding, so...
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How Can I Get Rid of a Virus Fast?
Any seasonal change invites viral infections. Children, old people, and those with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to...
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How Can I Test Myself For Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are the flatworms that live in the human digestive tract. If you suspect you might have tapeworms, you need to visit a...
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How Do I Know If I Have Tapeworms?
What are tapeworms? Learn the signs and symptoms of this parasite. Learn what medical treatment works best to get rid of...
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How Do You Get a Tapeworm Out of Your Body?
Tapeworms are parasitic worms that find their way into your body and live in your digestive system. Get a tapeworm out of your...
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How Do You Get Bacterial Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Learn more about the signs of bacterial...
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How Do You Get Enterobacter Cloacae Complex?
Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) can be caused by direct or indirect contact with infected people and most often occurs in...
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How Do You Get Enterococcus Faecalis Infection?
Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria that lives in your gut and is spread through fecal-oral transmission. Learn about how to...
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How Do You Get Infected With Serratia?
You can get infected with Serratia marcescens through contact with contaminated hospital equipment and direct contact with...
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How Do You Get Rid of a Yeast Infection In Your Mouth (Oral Thrush, Candidiasis)?
Learn what medical treatments can ease a yeast infection in your mouth, ease the symptoms of oral thrush, and speed up your...
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How Do You Know If You Have E. Coli or Salmonella?
E. coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning. What is the difference between E. coli and salmonella?...
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How Do You Know if You Have Meningitis?
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the layers of tissue and fluid that cover the spine and brain. Learn...
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How Does a Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection Spread?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections spread when people are exposed to contaminated water or soil. Check out the center below for...
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How Long Can a Person Live After Being Diagnosed With Hepatitis C (Hep C)?
Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The impact of hepatitis C on lifespan is dependent on how the...
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How Long Do Listeria Symptoms Last?
Listeria is a food-borne illness caused by eating contaminated food. Check out the center below for more medical references on...
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How Long Does C Diff Last?
Clostridium difficile (C diff) infection typically resolves within two weeks of starting antibiotics, however, many people become...
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How Long Does It Take for E.Coli to Go Away?
E. coli is one of the most common bacterial causes of illnesses in the US. Since it lives in the intestines, E. coli leaves the...
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How Long Does the Measles Rash Last?
What is measles, and what does the measles rash look like? Learn the signs of measles and how measles is treated....
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How Long Does the Shingrix Vaccine Last?
The effects of the Shingrix vaccine, which provides protection against shingles, last for at least four years in most people and...
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How Long Does the Stomach Flu Last?
Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a virus that infects your stomach. Although the term has flu in...
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How Long Does Type B Flu Usually Last?
Type B flu symptoms typically last about 5-7 days, although they may go away sooner if you have been vaccinated. Learn about flu...
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How Long Is a Person Contagious With Mono?
After exposure to the virus, someone with mono can be contagious for months, even before symptoms start and after symptoms...
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How Long Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles is contagious from the time the blisters are oozing until the time the blisters have scabbed....
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How Long Does Vertigo Last From Inner Ear Infection?
The symptoms of vertigo from inner ear infections may last for many days and manifest themselves severely. After about one to two...
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How Often Do You Need to Get the Meningitis Vaccine?
Meningitis is a disease that's defined by inflammation in membranes — called meninges — near your brain and spinal cord. Data is...
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How Often Should You Deworm?
Deworming means eliminating intestinal parasites from the body through the use of medication. Learn how often you should deworm,...
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How Quickly Does Meningitis Progress?
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges or coverings of the brain. This serious illness can progress very quickly and have...
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How Serious Is a Rhinovirus Infection?
While rhinovirus infections are highly contagious, they rarely lead to life-threatening complications. However, rhinoviruses are...
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How Serious Is a Staph Infection?
A Staphylococcus or staph infection is caused by a germ that may be found in 30% of healthy people’s noses. Most of the time,...
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How Serious Is Human Metapneumovirus?
The typical symptoms of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are not usually severe; however, the virus can cause more serious illnesses...
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How Serious Is Pneumococcal Pneumonia?
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious and potentially lethal lung disease that kills around 1 in every 20 people. Check out the...
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Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis)
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a...
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Is a Staph Infection Contagious?
A staph infection is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Staph can cause boils, food poisoning, cellulitis, toxic shock...
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Is Acute Flaccid Myelitis the Same as Polio?
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is not always the same as polio despite their similarities, such as causing paralysis and typically...
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Is Cervical Lymphadenopathy Serious?
Cervical lymphadenopathy is not considered a serious condition in itself; however, it may point to certain infections and some...
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Is Chickenpox Contagious?
Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox symptoms and signs include a blistering,...
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Is Cholera Contagious?
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It's typically transmitted via infected fecal matter....
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Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Contagious?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious disease caused by several enteroviruses. These viruses are...
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Is Hepatitis C Contagious?
Hepatitis C or hep C causes acute and chronic liver disease. Hep C is a form of liver disease with symptoms like fatigue,...
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Is Herpes Zoster Contagious?
While shingles itself is not contagious, the herpes zoster virus that causes shingles is contagious and can be spread to people...
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Is Impetigo Contagious?
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that usually occurs in children ages 2-5. There are two types of impetigo: bullous...
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Is Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Contagious?
Leprosy is an infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy is only mildly contagious and is transmitted via frequent contact...
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Is Lyme Disease Contagious?
Lyme disease may be transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi causes the disease...
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Is Malaria Contagious?
Malaria is transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. The incubation period for malaria depends upon the species of...
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Is Meningitis Contagious?
Meningitis, inflammation of the meninges, symptoms and signs include neck stiffness, headache, and fever. There are five types of...
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Is Mononucleosis (Mono) Contagious?
Mononucleosis (mono) is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and can be transmitted by an infected person's saliva. Mono symptoms and...
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Is MRSA Contagious?
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA typically spreads through person-to-person contact, but it can...
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Is Norovirus Contagious?
Noroviruses cause food poisoning symptoms in infected individuals. Norovirus is transmitted via direct and indirect contact....
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Is Pus a Sign of Infection? What Causes It?
Learn about pus and what to do if a wound gets infected and contains pus. Bacteria are microbes that are invisible to the naked...
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Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Contagious?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as decreased appetite, runny nose,...
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Is Salmonella Contagious?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause a variety of diseases. Salmonella can be transmitted via direct and indirect contact....
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Is Scabies Contagious?
The Sarcoptes scabiei mite causes scabies in humans. Close skin-to-skin contact can transmit scabies. The incubation period for...
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Is Scarlet Fever Contagious?
Scarlet fever is contagious when caused by a certain Group A strep bacteria strain. Scarlet fever can be transmitted via...
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Is Sepsis Contagious?
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening infection that may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Sepsis spreads...
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Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles symptoms and signs include skin burning, numbness, and...
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Is Swine Flu (H1N1) Contagious?
Swine flu (H1N1) is a contagious virus that spreads when an infected individual expels virus-containing droplets into the air...
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Is the Ebola Virus Contagious?
Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through direct contact. Ebola's incubation period...
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Is There a Vaccine for Malaria?
The World Health Organization approved the first vaccine against malaria, called RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S), in 2021 for use in children...
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Is There an Age Limit for Shingles?
Shingles is known as herpes zoster and it is a skin disease caused by a varicella-zoster virus. There is no age limit for...
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Is Tuberculosis (TB) Contagious?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis (TB). TB may be transmitted when an infected person sings, sneezes, coughs, or...
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Is Ureaplasma an STD?
Ureaplasma urealyticum can be transmitted through sexual contact, but it is not always considered an STD. Learn about the...
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Is Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Contagious?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough symptoms...
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Is Your Immune System Stronger After COVID-19?
A robust immune system protects you from getting sick following exposure to germs and viruses. Yes, recovering from COVID-19...
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Adenovirus 14 (Killer Cold Virus)
Adenovirus infection, particularly Ad14, or the "killer cold virus" has been on the increase in the past two years. Symptoms...
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Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is an illness caused by the Lassa virus, a single-stranded RNA hemorrhagic fever virus from the family Arenaviridae....
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Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever (Legionellosis)
Legionellosis is an infection caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium. There are two forms of legionellosis: Pontiac fever...
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Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the bite of an infected sand fly. The most common types of leishmania infection are...
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Leprosy
Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a disfiguring disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. The disease is spread...
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Listeria
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Listeria symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and fever. Pregnant...
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What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Rheumatic Fever?
If not promptly treated, rheumatic fever can have long-term side effects such as rheumatic heart disease, which weakens the...
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Marburg Virus Disease
Marburg virus disease is a zoonotic infection that produces symptoms such as chills, headaches, fever, and muscle aches. The...
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Measles (Rubeola)
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny...
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Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms include fever, headache, and a stiff...
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Meningococcal Disease (Meningococcemia)
Meningococcal disease (meningococcemia) is a bloodstream infection caused by Neisseria meningitides. Meningococcemia symptoms...
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MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)
MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) infection can be spread through respiratory secretions. Symptoms include fever, dry...
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Microsporidiosis
Microsporidiosis is an infection caused by the microsporidia parasite. The disease is uncommon in people with normal immune...
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Mpox
Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, sweating, and a rash with papules and pustules on the...
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MRSA Infection
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria causes skin infections with the following signs and symptoms:...
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Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis (zygomycosis) is a fungal infection caused by Zygomycetes. Symptoms include fever, headache, coughing, shortness of...
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Mumps
Mumps (parotitis) is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches,...
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Brain Eating Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)
Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba found in freshwater and soil. Infection results when the amoeba enters the nose and travels to the...
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NDM-1
NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1) is an enzyme produced by certain strains of bacteria that have acquired the genetic...
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Necrotizing Fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis is also known as a flesh-eating bacterial infection, Fournier's gangrene, suppurative fasciitis, and...
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Neutropenia
Neutropenia is a marked decrease in the number of neutrophils, neutrophils being a type of white blood cell (specifically a form...
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Nipah Virus Infection
Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic infection that fruit bats and pigs can transmit to humans. Nipah virus infection symptoms...
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Norovirus Infection
Norovirus infection causes stomach flu, or gastroenteritis. It's a very contagious illness with symptoms that include nausea and...
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Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease that may cause blindness. It is transmitted by the bite of a female...
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Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Potential causes include injections around the bone, fractures that puncture the skin,...
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Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Early...
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Plague (Black Death)
Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. Transmission to humans occurs via fleas that have bitten...
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Polio
A polio infection causes symptoms such as paralysis, limb deformities, and even death. There is no curative treatment for polio....
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Powassan Virus Disease
Powassan virus disease is a rare tick-borne disease that causes symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, fever, headache,...
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Q Fever
Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is a highly infectious disease that causes high fever, diarrhea, cough, and sweating. Infected...
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Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted via the bite of an infected animal. Symptoms include fever, headaches, and...
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, and...
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne disease that causes symptoms and signs such as fever, rash, headache, and muscle...
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Salmonella Food Poisoning
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is typically caused by the consumption of contaminated foods. Symptoms of salmonellosis...
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Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever (scarlatina) is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Scarlet fever symptoms include...
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Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis (snail fever), a disease caused by parasites, causes a variety of symptoms such as cough, rash and bloody...
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Sepsis (Blood Poisoning)
Sepsis (blood poisoning) is a potentially deadly infection with signs and symptoms that include elevated heart rate, low or high...
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Septic Shock
By definition, septic shock requires that various organs in the body fail to work. These include the heart, lungs, liver, and...
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Sick Building Syndrome
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or also referred to as sick building syndrome or environmental illness is the name given by...
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Smallpox
Smallpox virus (variola) is a disease caused by the variola virus. Symptoms include a characteristic rash and high fever....
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Spleen Problems and Spleen Removal
The spleen is a small organ located on the left side of the abdomen under the rib cage. The spleen is part of the immune system...
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Staph Infection
Staph (Staphylococcus) infection is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause...
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Streptococcal Infections
Group A streptococcal infections are caused by group A Streptococcus, a bacteria that causes a variety of health problems,...
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Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy)
Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral,...
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How Can You Tell the Difference Between Chickenpox and Shingles?
Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The difference between chickenpox and shingles is that...
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Tetanus
Tetanus is an often-fatal disease caused by nerve toxins produced by the common bacteria Clostridium tetani. In a 7-day period...
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What Is the Difference Between Sepsis and Septic Shock?
Find out more about the main differences between sepsis and septic shock. Learn more about the treatments available to help those...
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Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. Symptoms of thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a...
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Tick Bite
Ticks are known transmitters of disease to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted...
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Ticks vs. Bedbugs
Bedbugs are parasites. Ticks are arthropods. Tick and bedbug bites are typically painless. Calamine lotion can be helpful with...
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Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a parasitic infection that causes flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches and pains that...
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Trichinosis Worm Infection
Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by ingesting parasites (roundworms) in undercooked pork or wild-game meat. Symptoms of...
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Tuberculosis (TB)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Symptoms and signs of TB include bloody sputum, fever,...
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Tularemia
Tularemia (rabbit fever) is an infection caused by the Francisella tularensis bacteria. People can become infected with tularemia...
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Typhus
Typhus is disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash....
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Valley Fever
Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by the inhalation of the Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii fungus....
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Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized....
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Vibrio Infection (Vibriosis)
Vibrio Infection (Vibriosis) is caused when Vibrio bacteria from warm coastal waters create illness from people eating...
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West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (West Nile encephalitis) is a brain infection caused by a virus. People become infected with the virus after...
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What Are Examples of Opportunistic Infections?
Opportunistic infections occur in people with weakened or impaired immune systems and can be viral, bacterial, fungal, or...
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What Are Some Common Recreational Water Illnesses?
Common recreational water illnesses include Giardia, Shigella, Norovirus, and E. coli. Check out the center below for more...
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What Are Some Common Viral Infections?
Viruses cause some of the most common infections all over the world, including COVID-19. Here are the most common viral...
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What Are the 4 Types of Infections?
Infection occurs when germs enter your body and multiply, resulting in disease. The four main types of infections are viral,...
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What Are the Best Ways of Treating Salmonella?
Salmonella is responsible for over a million infections each year. Find out more about the bacteria and learn some tips on...
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What Are the Symptoms of a Mastoid Infection?
What is a mastoid infection, and what causes it? Learn the signs of mastoiditis and how it is diagnosed and treated....
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What Are the Three Stages of Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted to humans via ticks. People spending time outdoors are at the highest risk of...
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What Are the Warning Signs of Sepsis?
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening reaction of the body to an infection. Learn more about sepsis, the warning signs and...
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What Are the Warning Signs of Tetanus?
Tetanus is a severe disease that affects many people. Learn the warning signs and diagnosis process for tetanus disease....
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What Are These Tiny Bugs in My Bed?
Bedbugs are the most common insects infesting beds. Besides these bugs, here are 12 other insects commonly found in beds....
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What Causes Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can occur due to a variety of factors, but the most common cause is a virus infection....
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What Causes Scarlet Fever and What Are the Long-Term Effects?
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that causes a red rash. Learn more about scarlet fever, symptoms of scarlet fever, how...
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What Causes Thrush in Adults?
Thrush is a yeast infection that affects many people. Learn the signs of thrush, what causes thrush, how doctors diagnose thrush,...
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What Color Is Phlegm With a Chest Infection?
Bacterial chest infections generally produce green or yellow phlegm. Learn about common symptoms of chest infections and when to...
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What Diseases Can You Get From Cat Scratches?
Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by cat scratches or bites. Check out the center below for more medical references on...
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What Does a Positive hrHPV Test Result Mean?
A positive hrHPV test result means that a high-risk type of HPV has been found in the cells of the cervix. Check out the center...
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What Does HIV Do to a Person?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system, impairing the body's ability to fight diseases and...
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What Does Lyme Disease Do to a Person?
Depending on the stage of infection, Lyme disease may affect a person in the following ways....
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What Happens if You Don't Treat a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are contagious. They can be transmitted through sexual contact. Those with weak immunity have a high risk of the...
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What Happens When You Have Mononucleosis?
Once infected with mononucleosis, the virus may remain dormant in the throat and body fluids for the rest of your life....
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What Happens When Your Body Goes Into Septic Shock?
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition. Learn what septic shock is, how doctors diagnose septic shock, septic shock signs,...
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What Is Epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening illness characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a lid-like...
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What Is the Best Antiparasitic Drug?
Antiparasitic drugs are designed to treat specific parasitic infections, and the best drug depends on the type of infection....
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What Is the Function of Basophils?
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte), which constitutes one of the components of the immune system. Along with...
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What Is the Main Cause of a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are mainly caused by yeast-like fungus named Candida or Monilia. Yeast infections may affect the skin, mouth or...
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What Is the Monkey B Virus?
Monkey B virus is a herpes virus that mainly affects macaque monkeys but in rare cases can be transmitted to humans and cause...
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What Is the Mortality Rate of RSV in Babies?
The survival rate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants depends on the child’s immunological status. While healthier...
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What Months Are RSV Season?
Largely seasonal, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks occur during the winter months in temperate climates and the rainy...
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What Triggers a Shingles Outbreak?
Shingles occur when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, reactivates in the body, usually due...
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What Will Happen If H Pylori Goes Untreated?
If left untreated H pylori infection can cause abdominal symptoms, as well as lead to the following complications....
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When Is Green Poop a Sign of Infection?
Green poop is a common issue, but sometimes it's a sign of infection. Learn green stool's signs, causes, and treatment options....
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Where Does Tuberculosis Come From?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an illness caused by a bacteria will get into your lungs and cause an infection there, but it can also...
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Which Flu Is Worse A or B?
Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract (the nose,...
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Who Is Eligible for the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. People eligible for the shingles vaccine include those over the age of...
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Who Should Get Shingles Vaccine Under 50?
Shingles is a common but preventable condition. Adults 19 and over who have certain immune conditions that increase their risk of...
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Why Is It Bad for Adults to Get Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It's a highly contagious disease that used to be very common....
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Why Is My White Blood Cell Count High?
There are many reasons why your white blood cell count may be high. Learn why yours may be higher than normal, the related...
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Why Is Shingles Worse Than Chickenpox?
Shingles, which is sometimes called herpes zoster, is an illness caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox. Shingles is...
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Will Tonsillitis Go Away on Its Own?
Tonsils are the two oval-shaped pads of tissue in the back of your throat. They help protect your body from infection. However,...
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What Is Yaws?
Yaws is an infectious disease that mainly occurs in the tropical areas of South and Central America, Asia, Africa, and the...
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Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is an infectious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Side effects are rare with the yellow fever vaccine....
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Zika Virus
Zika virus is spread via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Zika virus symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and...
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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What Are 5 Signs of a Weak Immune System?
What to know about your immune system. Learn about the signs of a weak immune system and how to avoid it....
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Picture of Abdomen
The abdomen (commonly called the belly) is the body space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. See a picture of the Abdomen and...
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Adult Vaccines: Protect Yourself Against Tetanus and More
Sometimes childhood diseases cause big problems for grownups. WebMD explains which vaccines can help keep adults healthy....
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Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments
Get more information on bacterial skin infections, which bacteria cause food poisoning, sexually transmitted bacteria, and more....
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Chickenpox Quiz
How is chickenpox related to shingles? Take the Chickenpox Quiz to assess your IQ of this itchy, blistering childhood skin...
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Is It Contagious? What Diseases Are Contagious?
Is it contagious? Take this quiz to learn about contagious diseases, how contagious diseases are spread, and myths and facts...
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How Can Parents Help Children Stay Social During COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected children with fewer social opportunities. As a parent, here's how you can help them socialize...
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Infectious Disease: Are These Historical Illnesses Coming Back?
Despite medical progress, tuberculosis, measles, and scarlet fever keep infecting people worldwide. Why are these diseases from...
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Ebola Virus: Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Symptoms
How is the Ebola virus spread? How deadly is Ebola? Though rare in the USA, Ebola can be devastating in sub-Saharan African...
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Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68): Symptoms and Treatment
What is Enterovirus D68? Learn about causes, symptoms and treatment for this deadly strain of EV-D68 virus that has sickened...
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Ingrown Toenails: Infection, Causes, Prevention, Surgery
How are ingrown toenails removed? What about ingrown toenail infections? Get informed about the causes of ingrown nails, as well...
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Picture of Hepatitis B
Inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), once thought to be passed only through blood products. See a...
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Hepatitis C (Hep C): Symptoms, Treatments, Antivirals
What is hepatitis C (Hep C, HVC)? Learn about hepatitis C symptoms, how you get Hep C, contagiousness, and treatment for...
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Hepatitis C, Hep B, Hep A: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Hepatitis C, B, and A are viruses that cause liver inflammation. Hepatitis B vaccines and hepatitis A vaccines are available....
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Hepatitis: Surprising Things That Can Damage Your Liver
Alcohol and acetaminophen are well-known liver dangers, but what else can be harmful? WebMD says some of them may surprise you....
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What Is Viral Hepatitis? How You Catch Hepatitis A, B, and C
Hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B can make an infected person very sick and they are risk factors for liver cancer, liver...
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How mRNA Technology Works
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology to fight the COVID-19 virus before it makes you seriously ill....
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Picture of Infectious Mononucleosis
"Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). See a picture...
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Picture of Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis. Swollen tonsils that appear red and with white lesions that may be oozing pus are a hallmark of...
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Symptoms of Mono: Infectious Mononucleosis Treatment
What is mononucleosis? How do you get mono? What does a mono rash look like? Learn about mono symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis....
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Picture of Kidneys
The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen. See a picture of the Kidneys and learn more about the health...
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Picture of Measles
Measles. Measles is an extremely contagious illness caused by a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of those infected....
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Meningitis Quiz: Test Your Infectious Disease IQ
What is meningitis and what causes it? Take our Meningitis Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, treatments, and complications of...
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MRSA Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
MRSA and staph infections are caused by a 'super bug' resistant to antibiotics. Learn causes, symptoms, and treatment options of...
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MRSA Quiz: Infection Symptoms & Treatment
It's the MRSA Quiz! For the carriers among us, you'd be surprised that the infectious superbug is lurking on this body part! Take...
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Norovirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Norovirus isn't really the "winter stomach flu," but it can make you very sick. Follow these tips to avoid infection....
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Parasitic Infections: Worms People Can Get
Find out about the types of worms that humans can get, how it happens, and what the symptoms and treatments are....
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: See Photos of the Rash
What are the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever? This disease carried by ticks can cause a rash, and it can be fatal if not...
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Salmonella Symptoms: Food Poisoning, Other Causes, and Treatment
What is Salmonella? What are the best treatments for Salmonella, and what are its symptoms? From food poisoning to typhoid fever,...
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What Are Scabies? Rash, Treatment, Symptoms, Pictures
What do scabies look like? Get the facts on scabies itch might infestations, causes, signs and symptoms. Learn what crusted...
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What Is a Staph Infection? Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Do you know what a staph infection is? What about golden staph? Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of staph...
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Strep Throat: Symptoms and Treatments for this Contagious Condition
Strep throat symptoms in adult and kids may be accompanied by a fever, rash and may lead to more serious complications. Strep...
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Urinary Tract Infection Quiz
How would you know if you had urinary tract infection (UTI)? Take the Urinary Tract Infection in Adult Quiz to learn the causes,...
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Picture of Varicella (Chickenpox) Virus
A highly infectious viral disease, known familiarly as chickenpox. See a picture of the Varicella (Chicken Pox) Virus and learn...
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Picture of Varicella Chicken Pox
Chicken pox. Chicken pox is an extremely contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While these poxes are on the...
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Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection (Face)
Shingles. Shingles occur when the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox erupts after the initial infection,...
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Viral Skin Conditions: Pictures of Rashes, Blisters, and Sores in Adults and Toddlers
Viral skin rashes in adults and toddlers are due to a variety of different viruses. Itching, inflammation, and other symptoms...
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West Nile Virus Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
West Nile virus is spread through infected mosquitoes. Learn about this mosquito borne illness, its causes, symptoms like...
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Your Health: Infections That Aren’t Contagious
Many infections are contagious. But some you won’t get from another person. You might pick them up from touching surfaces or by...
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Zika Fever Quiz: Get Facts On Zika Infection
What do you need to know about Zika? Take this quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention methods for this...
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Zika Virus Baby, Symptoms, Vaccine, Treatments
Learn to spot Zika virus symptoms. Find out how Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, Zika's effects on pregnancy, as well as...
Treatment & Diagnosis
- 9 Tips to Prevent Travelers' Diarrhea
- What Is the Difference Between a Bladder Infection vs. UTI?
- Brain Eating Amoeba: Naegleria fowleri
- Can Malaria Kill You? Can You Survive Malaria?
- Can Stress Cause Shingles?
- Can Typhoid Fever Be Cured?
- Can You Die of Typhoid Fever?
- Can You Get Chicken Pox a Second Time?
- Chagas Disease in Dogs
- Flesh Eating Bacterial Infection
- Gangrene Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention
- Hotel Hygiene: Is Your Hotel Making You Sick?
- How Do You Get Staph Infection?
- How Long Will it Take to Recover from Malaria?
- Is Ebola Curable?
- Is Typhus Deadly? Can Typhus Kill You?
- Leprosy History
- Leprosy Symptoms, Signs, and Cause
- Leprosy Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention
- Listeriosis Incubation Period and Risk Factors
- Listeriosis Symptoms, Signs, and Diagnosis
- Malaria Symptoms and Signs
- Norovirus Infection: A Cause for Travelers' Concern?
- Pneumonia vs. Walking Pneumonia
- Roundworms ... Of Kings and Worms or How Kings, Commoners, and Cats Are the Same Food
- Shingles Contagious Period and Diagnosis
- Shingles Prevention: Who Should Get the Vaccine?
- What Are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus in Humans?
- The Broad Spectrum of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Disease
- Travel Medicine Kit
- Tuberculosis (TB) Causes and Risk Factors
- Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment and Vaccine
- Tuberculosis Diagnosis
- What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Tuberculosis (TB)?
- What Does Typhus Do to the Body?
- What Is Norwegian Scabies?
- What Is the Best Medicine for Malaria Treatment?
Medications & Supplements
- acyclovir
- albendazole (Albenza)
- Arexvy respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, adjuvanted
- artemether/lumefantrine
- artesunate
- atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) Side Effects, Warnings and Drug Interactions
- aztreonam
- Bactroban Cream (mupirocin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- cefadroxil, Duricef (Discontinued)
- cefixime
- Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Vantin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin, Bantan)
- cefprozil (Cefzil)
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- Cipro, Cipro XR
- daclatasvir (Daklinza)
- Dengvaxia (dengue tetravalent vaccine, live)
- doxycycline
- dyclonine
- Eryped (erythromycin ethylsuccinate)
- ethyl alcohol
- Fetroja (cefiderocol)
- Flagyl (metronidazole) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- fluconazole
- gentamicin injection
- hepatitis B vaccine
- hepatitis A and hepatitis B (recombinant) vaccine (Twinrix)
- How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Work?
- hydroxychloroquine sulfate
- immune globulin IM (IGIM)
- Interferon COVID-19 Treatment
- isoniazid
- ivermectin (Stromectol)
- Krintafel (tafenoquine)
- Lampit (nifurtimox)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Levaquin (levofloxacin) Antibiotic
- lidocaine transdermal
- Lincocin lincomycin
- Linezolid (Zyvox) Antibiotic Side Effects, Dosage, and Mechanism of Action
- loracarbef
- Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- Mavyret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir)
- meropenem (Merrem)
- Moxatag (amoxicillin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, hydrocortisone acetate (Cortisporin, Otimar, Pediotic)
- Noxafil (posaconazole)
- penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)
- penicillin V potassium (Beepen-VK, V-Cillin-K)
- Penicillin (Antibiotics)
- phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
- piperacillin and tazobactam
- pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent
- pyrimethamine (Daraprim)
- quinine
- Raxibacumab for Anthrax
- ribavirin, Rebetol, Copegus, Ribasphere, RibaPak, Moderiba
- rifampin
- Side Effects of Copegus (ribavirin)
- Side Effects of Daklinza (daclatasvir)
- Side Effects of Daraprim (pyrimethamine)
- Side Effects of Epclusa (sofosbuvir and velpatasvir)
- Side Effects of Famvir (famciclovir)
- Side Effects of Harvoni (sofosbuvir and ledipasvir)
- Twinrix (hepatitis A/B vaccine)
- Side Effects of Incivek (telaprevir)
- Side Effects of Olysio (simeprevir)
- Side Effects of Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)
- Side Effects of Sumycin (tetracycline)
- Side Effects of Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir)
- Side Effects of Viekira Pak (dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir)
- Side Effects of Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir)
- Side Effects of Zostavax (zoster vaccine)
- solithromycin
- sotrovimab
- Sulfonamides (Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS)
- Suprax (cefixime) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir)
- tenofovir AF
- tetanus toxoid injection (Tetanus Toxoid Absorbed)
- tetracycline (Sumycin)
- The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID 19 Vaccine
- Side Effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir)
- Victrelis (boceprevir) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Which Antibiotic Is Best for An Ear Infection?
- yellow fever vaccine