Articles on Infections
An infection is a condition in which a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite enters the body and causes a state of disease. These invading organisms (pathogens) interfere with the normal functioning of the host and can lead to chronic wounds, gangrene, loss of an infected limb and even death. Headaches, muscle aches, fever, chills and fatigue are common symptoms of infections. Many of these symptoms are due to inflammation and the response of the immune system to the pathogens.
In general, viral infections are systemic — involving many different parts of the body or more than one body system at the same time (a runny nose, sinus congestion, cough, body aches, etc). They can sometimes be local as in "pink eye" and herpes. Only a few viral infections are painful, like herpes.
Common symptoms of a bacterial infection are localized redness, heat, swelling and pain. One of the hallmarks of a bacterial infection is pain that is in a specific part of the body. Some examples: if a cut becomes infected with bacteria, pain will occur at the site of the infection; bacterial throat pain is often characterized by more pain on one side of the throat than the other.
11/04/2009 - Articles
It appears that a diet high in berry juice (such as cranberry) and fermented milk products (such as yogurt), may offer some protection against urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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10/30/2009 - Articles
2009 H1N1 flu is a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of the Type A influenza (H1N1) virus. 2009 H1N1 virus has no link with flu season virus.
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10/26/2009 - Articles
Pandemic flu is on everyone’s mind at the moment. While vaccines and anti-viral drugs are often quoted as the mainstay of pandemic planning, we ought not to overlook the role that simple hygiene and physical barriers can play in stopping the spread of viruses.
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10/26/2009 - Articles
Resistance to the anti-flu drug oseltamivir has been noted in both the 2007-8 and 2008-9 flu season in the United States. Indeed, the resistance appears to be increasing, highlighting the need for more research and more self-help in dealing with influenza.
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06/30/2009 - Articles
There are wide variations in antibiotic prescribing throughout Europe. A new study shows that these have no influence on the rate of recovery from acute cough. It’s time to standardize antibiotic prescribing to protect us against antibiotic resistance.
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06/19/2009 - Articles
Patients with genital herpes need more than just a prescription. A patient questionnaire has shown that the education and counseling provided in the USA often leaves much to be desired . . .
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06/18/2009 - Articles
A new study in the US finds that intakes of copper and zinc, two minerals found in many common foods, may be less than optimal in older adults.
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06/18/2009 - Articles
Foodborne illness is a pressing health problem for all consumers, but is a particular concern for seniors.
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06/18/2009 - Articles
Ancient cultures may have known that tea has health benefits. Results from a recent study add to scientists' understanding of how tea may enhance immunity.
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06/18/2009 - Articles
Older people tend to have reduced immunity to infection, and also decreased iron stores. There seems to be a link . . .
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