Tag Archives: infectious disease

Getting the hepatitis B vaccine is the only way to prevent the disease. Learn about transmission, diagnosis, and treatment Hepatitis B is caused by HBV, or the hepatitis B virus. Most HBV infections resolve within 1-2 months even without active treatment. If the infection lasts longer than 6 months, it can progress to chronic HBV, …

Ramsay Hunt syndrome may be triggered by conditions that weaken the immune system, such as COVID-19 or the shingles virus. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the facial nerve. In most individuals, the varicella zoster virus may stay dormant by immune system activity. What specifically triggers the reactivation of the virus …

Some people with hepatitis do not show any symptoms and are unaware of their infection. Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation or swelling of the liver that occurs when liver tissues are injured or infected. It can be caused by several viruses (viral hepatitis), chemicals, drugs, alcohol, certain genetic disorders, or an overactive immune system (autoimmune conditions) that …

Learn the six most common opportunistic infections in the United States. Most of the microorganisms that cause opportunistic infections (OIs) are extremely widespread, and a person may already be infected with many of them. Keep clean and avoid recognized sources of the bacteria that cause OIs to lower the risk of new infections. Even if a person has some OIs, …

What causes chickenpox? Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The difference between chickenpox and shingles is that chickenpox usually occurs first, and shingles are a result of a reactivation of chickenpox later on. Even though chickenpox and shingles are usually spoken of together, they are very different illnesses. Some think only kids get chickenpox, and only …

Taeniasis vs. cysticercosis Tapeworms are parasitic worms that find their way into your body and live in your digestive system. Get a tapeworm out of your body by taking antiparasitic medications. Tapeworms sound like monsters from a science fiction movie. They’re parasitic worms that find their way into your body and live in your digestive system — sometimes without you …

Generic Name: rifampin Brand and Other Names: Rifadin, Rimactane, rifampicin Drug Class: Antitubercular Agents What is rifampin, and what is it used for? Rifampin is a semisynthetic antibiotic used to treat latent or active tuberculosis, a disease caused by mycobacterial infection, and the asymptomatic carrier state of meningococcal disease. Rifampin is also used off-label to treat other mycobacterial infections such …

What is shingles? Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful rash forming along the path of one spinal or brain nerve. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people over 50 receive two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful rash forming along the path of one spinal or …

Generic Name: quinine Brand Name: Qualaquin Drug Class: Antimalarials What is quinine, and what is it used for? Quinine is a naturally occurring compound (alkaloid) derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine is used to treat malaria, a disease with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Malaria is caused by microscopic unicellular parasites belonging to the Plasmodium …

What causes the common cold? The common cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. There is no cure for the cold while breastfeeding, so you’ll need to give it time to clear up. A common cold is usually harmless, even though it can make you feel terrible. Oftentimes, the best treatment is to manage your symptoms …