American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, thin sores in your mouth. You might get them on the inside of your lips or… your gums, or under your tongue. Canker sores also are called aphthous ulcers. Canker sores are different from cold sores (also called fever blisters). Cold sores usually are on…
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Pets and Parasites
Pets carry diseases or parasites that can make human sick… cats, birds, and reptiles. It also includes animals that people turn into pets, such as farm animals (pigs, chickens). Symptoms might include fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea. The good news is that this rarely happens…
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Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath happens when you cannot get enough air into your lungs. It can be caused by asthma, lung… when you are physically active or when you lie down flat. You may have other symptoms such as a cough or a fever. If you…
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Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a respiratory infection. It is also known as pertussis. Whooping cough is highly contagious and is most… cold. Symptoms can start a few days to several weeks after exposure. Early symptoms last 1 to 2 weeks and include: Low fever Mild cough…
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Smallpox Vaccine
A case of smallpox hasn’t been seen since 1977, but it was once a serious virus. Symptoms included a rash,… 1949. The main sign of smallpox is a rash that starts as flat red spots that turn into blisters. Other symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue,…
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Preventing the Flu
The flu is a viral infection that can lead to serious diseases, such as pneumonia. That’s why it’s important to… the virus, so it is important to know good ways to help prevent the flu in your home. The flu may cause fever, a cough,…
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Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus near one of your tonsils. It can be caused by an infection… the symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess? The symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess include: Severe sore throat that is worse on one side Fever and chills…
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When Does My Child Need Emergency Services?
Knowing when to take your child to the emergency room can be a difficult decision, but there are things you… common illnesses that may cause you concern, and how you should handle them. High fever (for children over 3 months of age) Fever is one…
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Chickenpox Vaccine
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is easily preventable with the use of a vaccine… entire body. The dots turn into fluid-filled blisters and end as scabs. The disease can also cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, drowsiness, poor appetite, headache, and sore throat. Some…
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Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii… What is toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It can live in a cat’s intestines and be spread through its feces. It also can live in dirt…
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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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Health Care Workers and Tuberculosis
Health care workers are exposed to many diseases, including tuberculosis. They need to know how to prevent, recognize, and treat… As part of their job, health care workers are exposed to many diseases. Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is one of these. It’s important to…
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Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms
The common cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. They share many symptoms, but they… As fall approaches each year, it signals the time for changes in the weather, holidays with family—and coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and headaches. When…
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Measles
Measles (also called rubeola) is a serious respiratory illness. This means it affects the lungs and breathing tubes. It also… With travel returning to pre-COVID levels and back-to-school season not far off, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging parents and…
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Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea is a common travel-related illness that anyone can get when traveling to certain areas. Most cases are mild… What is traveler’s diarrhea? Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness people get during travel. It can occur anywhere, but there are certain parts of…
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Sore Throat
A sore throat can feel irritated or scratchy with mild to burning pain. Most sore throats are caused by viruses,… What is a sore throat? A sore throat means that your throat hurts. It feels irritated or scratchy. You may feel mild discomfort or a…
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Bacterial Endocarditis
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection in the valves and inner lining of your heart… What is bacterial endocarditis? Bacterial, or infective, endocarditis (BE) is a type of infection. It occurs in the valves and inner lining of your heart (called the endocardium). BE is…
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Anal Fistulas
An anal fistula is an abnormal connection that forms between the anus and the skin outside of it. It usually… What is an anal fistula? An anal fistula is an abnormal tube-like connection that forms between the inside of the anus (at the anal gland) and the…
