infectious disease

Is Your Immune System Stronger After COVID-19?

Developing COVID-19 immunity A robust immune system protects you from getting sick following exposure to germs and viruses. Many people wonder if COVID-19 strengthens your immune system. The short answer is yes. Learn more about how recovering from COVID-19 makes your immune system stronger. Any time you catch a virus and recover from the illness, …

Read More »

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis?

Signs of bacterial meningitis include sudden onset fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, neck stiffness, double vision, confusion, and photophobia Signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis differ depending on the type of infection and the affected person’s age. The incubation period, or time between exposure to infection and appearance of symptoms, also varies depending on the bacteria causing the disease. Generally, …

Read More »

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. A child infected with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is most contagious during the first week of sickness (even before the rash). However, some can spread the infection days to weeks after the disappearance of symptoms (drying up of blisters). …

Read More »

What Are the Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare, serious disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, joint pain, and body aches Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes and causes inflammation of the brain. Most cases are recorded in the United States during the late summer and early fall months.  …

Read More »

How Are Antibodies Produced and What’s Their Role in the Immune System?

The immune system Antibodies are an integral part of your body’s immune system. There are different kinds of antibodies, but all are necessary to the immune system to fight foreign bacteria and viruses. Your immune system is composed of organs, cells, and chemicals that all work together to fight infections that threaten your body. In addition to antibodies, important parts …

Read More »

How Long Does C Diff Last? Symptoms, Antibiotics, Infection

Clostridium difficile (C diff) infection typically resolves within two weeks of starting antibiotics, however, many people become reinfected one to three weeks afterward. Patients with Clostridium difficile (C diff) infections usually recover within two weeks of starting antibiotic treatment and probiotics. Many people, however, become reinfected and require additional treatment. Most recurrences occur one to three weeks after stopping antibiotic …

Read More »

Can You Survive West Nile Virus? Symptoms, Prevention

Most people infected with the West Nile virus do not feel sick (70-90% remain asymptomatic), and less than 1% of people become severely ill. Fortunately, most people infected with the West Nile virus do not feel sick (about 70 to 80 percent of infections are asymptomatic). Only one in five infected people have a fever and other symptoms. Less than …

Read More »

Do Mosquito Magnets Work?

Mosquitos are known for transmitting many types of diseases to humans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Sadly, these diseases cause the death of 1 million people every year. A mosquito magnet is a trap made to attract and control mosquito populations. This can include controlling potentially deadly mosquitos, which can then lower the chance of infecting humans with disease. …

Read More »

What Is the Treatment for Common Variable Immunodeficiency?

Treatment for common variable immunodeficiency may include immunoglobulin replacement therapy, antimicrobial therapy, and B12 injections. The treatment of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is individualized depending upon various factors such as the person’s age, symptoms, and general health. Various specialists, including hematologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and immunologists, work as a team to decide the best management approach for the patient.  Treatment may …

Read More »

How Do You Know If You Have Shigella? Symptoms, Treatment

Symptoms of a Shigella infection include diarrhea, fever, stomachache, and tenesmus. If you have a Shigella infection, you may experience the following signs and symptoms about one to two days after the exposure: Diarrhea or loose stools that may be blood-stained Fever Stomachache Tenesmus (a frequent feeling or urge that you need to have a bowel movement even if you …

Read More »