People often use the term “flu” to describe any illness that causes many of the same symptoms of flu. But they may actually have what’s called a “flu-like illness.” A flu-like illness causes many of the same symptoms as the … Read more
Seven Things All Parents Should Know About Croup
Croup can leave a child feeling miserable and parents in a panic. The condition is caused by inflammation and swelling of the airway below the vocal cords. This swelling leads to a variety of symptoms, most notably a harsh, “barking” … Read more
Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know
Mononucleosis: How Long is it Contagious?
Mono (also known as infectious mononucleosis, or “the kissing disease”) is a viral infection that spreads readily, especially among teenagers and young adults. In fact, it is most common among college students, perhaps because they often live … Read more
E. Coli Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
E. coli is a bacterial infection capable of making a person violently ill. Outbreaks of E. coli infection seldom claim just one victim, and these mass occurrences seem to appear in the national news with alarming frequency. Often, sick individuals … Read more
Ringworm: What It Is and How to Treat It
Despite the name, ringworm is not actually caused by — nor is it in any way related to — worms. Rather, it is the common name given to a fungal infection of the skin.
What Causes Ringworm?
The skin infection … Read more
When to Get HIV Tested
HIV is no longer the mortal threat it once was. But it remains a serious infection that must be addressed to prevent harm to one’s self or others. Infection with HIV — the virus responsible for AIDS — is treatable. … Read more
What Are the First Signs of an STD?
For many centuries, humankind has been plagued by a number of infections primarily transmitted through intimate sexual contact. Known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), these diseases run the gamut from common and annoying (e.g. chlamydia … Read more
When Baby Has a Fever
Caring for an infant is a big responsibility. Among other challenges, parents and caregivers must always be vigilant to keep their baby safe. Caring for a healthy baby can be demanding enough but caring for a sick baby is even … Read more