Is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) contagious? Share Your Story Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is contagious. In the United States, it's the most common cause of inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis) and of pneumonia in children under 1 year of age. It also is significant cause of respiratory illnesses in older adults....
What’s scabies? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Human scabies is caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), which burrows into the skin and lays its eggs, leaving behind a rash. Human scabies is caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei, variation or subtype hominis). This itch mite burrows into the upper layers...
What is staph? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Symptoms of a staph infection of the skin include pus-filled abscesses Staph is a term that is used to substitute for the genus name Staphylococcus; it is a general term that refers to all the various species and subtypes of these gram-positive, coccal-shaped (round) bacteria. The...
What is mono (mononucleosis)? Share Your Story Mono (mononucleosis) is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is spread person to person, usually through saliva. Mono (also termed mononucleosis or infectious mononucleosis) is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Children are commonly infected with EBV and show few or no...
What is Lyme disease? Share Your Story Lyme disease (named after the town where it was discovered) is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi when the bite of an infected tick (black legged tick) transfers the bacterium to humans during the tick's blood meal. Lyme disease typically cause fever, headache, fatigue, and often shows a...
What is malaria? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites that invade red blood cells. The protozoan parasites are among several species of the genus Plasmodium. This malaria parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes (vectors) to humans through mosquito bites that, during the bite, release parasites into the person's...
What is tuberculosis (TB)? Share Your Story Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease (bacterial infection) caused by a bacterium named Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually infects the lungs, but in some individuals, the bacteria can attack any part of the body. Before treatments were effective against...
What is shingles? Pictures of shingles Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (also known as VZV, herpes zoster). Shingles usually causes a single strip or patch of painful blisters that wrap around either the left or right side of the patient's torso or extremities, although it may occur on the face....
What is pus? Pus is a thick fluid that builds up when an injury becomes infected. But pus isn't the only sign of an infection. The word “pus” conjures all kinds of unpleasant images. It’s linked with injuries and infection and no one likes to think about that. Pus is a thick fluid that builds...
What is meningitis? Share Your Story Inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and the spinal cord. The usual signs and symptoms of meningitis are headache, fever, and a stiff neck. There are many types of meningitis. Often meningitis is named according to the...