We have all heard the term shingles and possibly have even heard commercials advertising a vaccine for shingles. So what exactly are shingles, and how does an individual become infected with shingles? What Is Shingles? The medical name for shingles is herpes zoster virus. It is a reactivation of a previous infection with the varicella-zoster virus, which is also known as chicken pox. After a person recovers from chicken pox, the virus lays dormant or inactive in the body, usually in the … [Read more...] about How Do You Get Shingles?
What Causes Fever Blisters?
Cold Sores / Fever Blisters Fever blister, also known as cold sores are a nuisance that causes annoyance and discomfort to millions of Americans. The condition is caused by a contagious herpes virus, either herpes simplex one or herpes simplex 2. Over 95% of cases are caused by herpes simplex virus one (HSV1). The virus causes “blisters” or small sores that are found on the face, lips, or in the mouth or in the nostrils. These sores cause pain, itching, and burning … [Read more...] about What Causes Fever Blisters?
Causes of Meningitis
Most of us have heard of meningitis, but what most of us are not aware of is that there are actually many causes of meningitis. Meningitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. What Causes Meningitis? Meningitis can be caused by many different pathogens, including bacteria, … [Read more...] about Causes of Meningitis
Treating Concussions
We have all heard more and more about concussion in the news lately, especially regarding athletes. The term concussion protocols for athletes returning to play after a head injury has been particularly talked about. But athletes are not the only individuals who can suffer from concussions. What Is A Concussion? A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury -MTBI, is a type of brain injury that is defined as a short loss of normal brain function after a head … [Read more...] about Treating Concussions
Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?
We have all been sick with a viral illness at one time or another in our lives. As a matter of fact, viruses are one of the most common causes of fever in children. So you may be wondering exactly what a virus is. It is a molecule with genetic material, it can only replicate inside of the living cells of another organism. The virus’s genetic material takes control of the host cell and forces it to reproduce. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, including plants, … [Read more...] about Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?
Allergic Reactions To Medications
Potential For Side Effects When you become a patient either with a new physician or in the hospital you are always asked if you have any allergies to medications. Several different type of symptoms can result from an allergic reaction, from a mild localized rash to serious effects on organs. The body’s response can effect any organ system, but the skin is the most commonly affected. All medications have the potential to cause side effects, but only about 5-10% are allergic … [Read more...] about Allergic Reactions To Medications
Diabetes Warning Signs
Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition most people have heard talked about. In fact, this medical condition is so prevalent, most people probably know someone who has this condition. So what is diabetes mellitus? It is a disease of the pancreas, an organ located in the abdominal cavity. The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. It produces digestive enzymes to break down food for digestion and absorption in the small intestines. As part of the … [Read more...] about Diabetes Warning Signs
When Should I Get A Breast Exam?
Awareness October is breast cancer awareness month, which is an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer as well as raise money to advance breast cancer research. Breast cancer affects one in eight women and 100 times more common in women, but men can also have breast cancer. It is the most common type of invasive cancer in women worldwide. With early detection 90% of individuals with breast cancer have a 5 year survival rate. Signs & Symptoms What … [Read more...] about When Should I Get A Breast Exam?
Common Cold vs The Flu
We are getting to that time of year again, cold and influenza season. Your co-workers and friends will start having a cough, runny nose, congestion, and fevers. You may be wondering, what is the difference between an upper respiratory infection also known as the common cold and influenza? Symptoms of a Cold The common cold can be caused by more than 200 viruses and can be spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. Rhinovirus is the most … [Read more...] about Common Cold vs The Flu
