American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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From a Family Doctor: Adults Need Vaccines Too
up protection against certain diseases. Vaccines can help protect you from getting seriously ill and can be important if you have any chronic health conditions that increase your risk for serious complications. Curious about what vaccines you may need? Complete the CDC’s Adult Vaccine
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Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that happens when they become infected by a virus or bacteria. It is… A sore throat that lasts more than two days (with or without a fever or stomach pain) A fever above 103°F Extreme illness, fatigue, or…
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Colds and the Flu
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for colds and the flu… or ear drainage Difficulty waking up Irritability Seizures Symptoms that improve and then return with a fever or worse cough Worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease) Vomiting or…
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Teen Suicide
The teenage years are especially hard and stressful. Many things can affect your teen's mood and behavior. These can lead… using drugs, or hurting themselves Getting in trouble with the law Depression is a main cause of suicide. It's a complex illness that can cloud…
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Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic red blood cell disorder… and feet Other symptoms of SCD include: Jaundice (the yellowing of skin and whites of your eyes) Swollen hands and feet Severe chronic pain Severe infections Organ damage What causes sickle cell disease? SCD…
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Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is caused by a fungus. People whose immune systems are weak due to an HIV infection or… SMX is a combination of two medicines. Ask your doctor if you should be taking this medicine (or another medicine) to prevent illness. Talk to…
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Health Insurance: Understanding What It Covers
Health insurance plans differ in terms of what they cover. All plans offered by the federal marketplace, however, must cover… health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy) Prescription drugs Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (these help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain…
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Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder. When you have ITP, your immune system destroys the platelets in your… What is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)? Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder. “Idiopathic” means the cause of the condition is unknown. “Thrombocytopenic”…
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Blood Clots
Blood clots are differently sized clumps of blood that have formed inside your body. They can be harmful if they… What are blood clots? Blood clots are differently sized clumps of blood that have formed inside your body. Clotting is important to prevent excessive…
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What You Can Do to Maintain Your Health
Good health can decrease your risk of developing certain conditions. Learn what you can do to maintain your health… A lot of factors play a role in staying healthy. In turn, good health can decrease your risk of developing certain diseases or conditions. These include…
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Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution is a mix of gases and toxic particles in the air we breathe. Regular exposure to it… Outdoor air pollution is a mix of natural and man-made particles in the air. Regular exposure to it can harm our health when we breathe…
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Air Travel Health Tips
One key to air travel is to prepare ahead of time. Follow these tips to make your air travel healthier… Traveling can be a big process, especially when you’re flying. It can be hard to relax, stay healthy, and feel safe. This applies whether you’re…
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Antiemetic Medicines: OTC Relief for Nausea and Vomiting
Over the counter medicines can provide relief for nausea and vomiting, but there are a number of precautions to be… Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your doctor. Medicines that treat nausea and vomiting are called antiemetics. Several…
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HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system. A healthy immune system is what keeps you from getting… What is HIV? The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system. A healthy immune system is what keeps you from getting sick…
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The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
Just because you aren’t the person smoking the cigarette doesn’t mean it can’t harm you. Secondhand smoke contains more than… Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke exhaled by a smoker and smoke that comes out of the burning end of a tobacco product…
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Migraines
A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days… A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side…
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H1N1 Influenza
H1N1 influenza is a viral infection. It’s not the same as seasonal flu (influenza). The first outbreak occurred in 2009… What is H1N1 influenza? H1N1 influenza is a viral infection. It’s not the same as seasonal flu (influenza). The first outbreak occurred in 2009 and infected…
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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system. There is no cure, but there are medicines that… What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Normally, antibodies produced by the…
