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Questions and Answers 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.

08/31/2009 - Questions and Answers

What to Do About the Flu?

Question I'm 66 and pretty healthy, but I can't get a flu shot from my doctor - she's run out, using her supply for people who need it more than me. What should I do? Look for another source? Or tough it out? Read more

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08/28/2009 - Questions and Answers

Diagnosing lupus erythematosus

Diagnosing Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) can be hard, sometimes taking weeks to years to diagnose. Read more

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06/19/2009 - Questions and Answers

Latex Allergy

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06/18/2009 - Questions and Answers

Sjogren's syndrome

Question Why can't I find any information on Sjogren's syndrome? Everything I find is in reference to dry eyes and dry mouth. There is a lot more to it then that. Read more

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06/12/2009 - Questions and Answers

Hepatitis C treatments

Question I am currently being treated for hepatitis C with Rebretron, which is a combination of ribavirin pills and inteferon injections. My question is: Are there any other treatments available for patients with Hepatitis C that have proven to be a cure? Read more

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04/03/2009 - Questions and Answers

Periodontal Disease

I have very red gums and little white spots on the gums of my front lower teeth; it has been very tender for the last few days. What can this be? Read more

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11/03/2003 - Questions and Answers

Herpes from a tanning bed?

How exactly is herpes transmitted? I know by having sex, but I want to know what exactly transmits it, body fluids? Can it live outside the body for any length of time? How about in a tanning bed? Read more

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10/14/2003 - Questions and Answers

Can it be Lyme disease?

My husband has been experiencing significant joint pain and fatigue. It started with a blotchy rash on his limbs that has since gone away; the blotches were small, red, and not raised. He went to the doctor and had blood work done. Meningitis and bacterial infection have been ruled out. The doctor told him that she figured it must just be a virus and not to worry about it. I was wondering if these symptoms sound familiar to you and if so, is how should we get the appropriate diagnosis? Read more

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09/11/2003 - Questions and Answers

Very swollen legs

I live in Guam, USA. In 1996 I developed some sores on my leg, which finally healed after 3 years. However, since then my legs up to my hips are very swollen and I'm experiencing severe numbness in my feet. But, even though my feet are numb, they are very painful to touch (I can't even cut my toenails). There has never been a day since 1999 that the swelling has ever gone down. I hope you may have an idea as to what the problem is, and what kind of doctor I should see. Read more

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09/11/2003 - Questions and Answers

Cytomegalovirus After-Effects

I'm a 42-year-old female. Three years ago I had what I was told was a virus illness called "CMV". It felt like flu (headache, body aches, extreme tiredness and sore throat). It took about 6 months for me to recover. The problem now is that I have very sensitive spots on my hips that run down the leg to my knees. They feel like they are on fire if I touch them. Read more

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