Facts you should know about smallpox Figure 1: Picture of smallpox in a young child. SOURCE: Dr. Michael Schwartz/CDC Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by the variola virus. Smallpox was the first disease to be eliminated from the world through public health efforts and vaccination. Smallpox still poses a threat because people could use...
What is flu? Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract (the nose, throat and lungs). Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza. Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract...
What causes epiglottis? It is important to differentiate epiglottitis from a less serious condition called croup, which presents with similar symptoms. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening illness characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a lid-like structure that covers the opening of the windpipe or trachea. What causes epiglottis? The epiglottis works to close...
What are the uses for albendazole? Albendazole is FDA approved for the treatment of the following parasitic infections: Hydatid Disease Albendazole is used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) larvae. Neurocysticercosis Albendazole is used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesion...
What are ototopical antibiotics? Ototopical antibiotics are applied as the first-line offence against middle ear infection. Ototopical antibiotics are medications administered topically in the ear for treating middle ear infections. Ototopical antibiotics are usually the first-line treatment for recurrent bacterial ear infections, in the absence of systemic infection. Ear infections are more common in children,...
What is Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir), and what is it used for? Technivie is a prescription medicine used with ribavirin to treat adults with genotype 4 chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with a certain type of cirrhosis (compensated). You should also read the Medication Guide for...
Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Abreva (docosanol): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol) are antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis). Valtrex is also used to treat shingles (herpes zoster) and genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) infections. Abreva is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic. Valtrex is an oral drug and Abreva...
What is tetanus toxoid? Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine used to provide active immunity against tetanus toxin. Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious disease that may result in death. Is tetanus toxoid available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tetanus toxoid? No Why is tetanus toxoid prescribed to patients? The...
What is intravenous immunoglobulin? Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is made up of pooled plasma of more than 1,000 donors. It's used for a variety of conditions. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is a treatment for people with weakened immune systems. Intravenous immunoglobulins are antibodies prepared from pooled plasma of over 1,000 healthy blood donors. The pooled plasma...
Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Valcyte (valganciclovir): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Valcyte (valganciclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat different conditions. Valtrex is used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Valcyte is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in...