Cat and dog bites are common injuries. A family pet or a stray animal could bite you. But you can… have diabetes or a condition that weakens your immune system. This includes liver or lung disease, cancer, or AIDS. Your last tetanus vaccine was more…
Family doctors offer the top 10 ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19… pandemic. If you have concerns about COVID-19, read Know the Facts About Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have concerns about the vaccine, read Debunking Common COVID-19 Vaccine Myths, or talk to your…
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that usually effects children between the ages of 5 and 15. It can be… your throat or do blood work to check for a strep infection. Can scarlet fever be prevented or avoided? There is no vaccine for scarlet…
Childhood illnesses can be worrying for parents, but most common illnesses are relatively harmless and can be cared for at… throat, loss of appetite, tiredness. Cause: A virus that can spread easily, especially by coughing or sneezing into the air. The influenza vaccine (flu shot)…
Cervical dysplasia is when there are abnormal, or precancerous, cells in and around a woman’s cervix. This doesn’t mean you… using condoms (while condoms help prevent HPV, they don’t fully protect you) Giving birth before age 16 Not getting the HPV vaccine How is cervical…
Mononucleosis is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus can be found in saliva, mucus, and other… tests are needed if the results of the Monospot test aren’t clear. Can mono be prevented or avoided? There is no vaccine to prevent mono…
Cold and flu season usually begins when the weather starts to cool. You can take steps to help protect your… Talk to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine if you: Have Guillain-Barre syndrome. Have had severe allergic reactions to the vaccine. Have had adverse…
Vulvar cancer is not very common. If found early, vulvar cancer has a high cure rate and the treatment options… not smoking or vaping. HPV infections may increase your risk for developing vulvar cancer but can be prevented by taking the HPV vaccine. Treatment Vulvar…
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is caused by a fungus. People whose immune systems are weak due to an HIV infection or… doctor about medicines you might be able to take if you have other medical conditions that weaken your immune system. The pneumonia vaccine does not…
Shingles is a painful skin rash. It is also called zoster or herpes zoster. It is caused by the same… What is shingles? Shingles is a painful skin rash. It is also called zoster or herpes zoster. It is caused by the varicella zoster…
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…
Fifth disease is a mild viral infection that causes a bright red rash on the face. It also has cold-like… What is fifth disease? Fifth disease is a mild viral infection caused by human parvovirus B19. It’s more common in children than adults. The…
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for colds and the flu… What is a cold and what is the flu? A cold and the flu are viral infections. They both affect your respiratory system. This includes your throat, nose, airway and lungs. It…
An ear infection is one of the most common conditions among children. It is caused by a viral or bacterial… What is an ear infection? An ear infection is one of the most common conditions among children. It is caused by a viral or bacterial…
Zika is a virus caused by a bite from the Aedes mosquito. It is contagious and increases the risk of… What is zika? Zika is a virus caused by a bite from the Aedes mosquito. If you have the Zika virus, you can pass…
Meningitis is swelling of the tissue around your brain and spinal cord. There are two common types of meningitis: viral… What is meningitis? Meningitis is swelling of the tissue around your brain and spinal cord. There are two common types of meningitis. Viral meningitis…
Rape is any form of sexual activity that you don’t agree to. It can range from being touched to being… Note: The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673, is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Rape is any form of sexual activity that you don’t…
Cervical cancer is abnormal growth of cells in a woman’s cervix. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human… What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is abnormal growth of cells in a woman’s cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus…