In most instances, the flu results in a relatively mild illness that requires no medical intervention. In some cases, however, the flu can lead to serious complications, requiring hospitalization. If you’re wondering whether your flu symptoms are severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, here’s what you should know. Typical Flu Symptoms When they get the flu, most …
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Scabies is an itchy, irritating skin condition caused by the microscopic burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Because scabies is highly contagious, it’s good to know how to recognize signs, so you can treat the condition as quickly as possible. What Causes it? Scabies spreads when Sarcoptes scabiei migrate from one carrier to another. Like every type of lice, these tiny parasites …
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What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes the air sacs of the lungs to fill with fluid. This fluid buildup makes it hard for oxygen to enter the bloodstream, creating the symptoms of pneumonia. Viruses and bacteria are the main causes of pneumonia, but on rarer occasions fungus and parasites can cause an infection as …
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This year’s flu season has been especially widespread, with many people landing in the hospital due to complications. While the flu has reached epidemic proportions in most states, it is still not too late to protect yourself and your family by getting a flu shot. What Is the Flu? Formally known as influenza, the flu is a serious viral disease …
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A viral infection that causes an itchy, painful rash, shingles usually appears as a single stripe of blisters, which wraps around the right or left side of the torso. While not life-threatening, a shingles outbreak can be extremely painful for certain people. Here’s what you should know about this treatable condition. What Causes it? Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster …
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The 2018 flu season has become an epidemic, with hospitalizations and deaths. Here are nine tips to keep you and your family healthy and safe. 1. Wash your hands. Studies suggest that most people wash their hands incorrectly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, being …
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During the first week of January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that every part of the continental U.S. showed widespread flu activity. This was significant, since the CDC has never made such an announcement during any of its 13 years of flu monitoring. So, why exactly is this year’s flu season so bad, and what can you …
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Commonly confused for one another, yeast infections, bladder infections, kidney infections and UTIs are similar and different in some key ways. To avoid serious complications, it’s important to understand these differences, so you can get treatment when necessary. Here’s is what you should know about protecting the health of your urinary tract. Yeast Infections Caused by a common type of …
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Colds can leave your nose feeling stuffy, runny and congested. Most of the time, things improve within a few days. In some instances, however, nasal issues can persist even after a cold has run its course. If you’ve been dealing with a lingering sinus problem, learn whether you should seek treatment. When it’s Just a Cold Caused by a viral …
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Almost every woman will experience a yeast infection and/or urinary tract infection in her lifetime. While both have some similarities, they also differ in important ways that impact treatment options and long-term outcomes. Here is what you should know about yeast infections and UTIs. What Is a UTI? Usually caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, a UTI is an infection …
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