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Viral vs. bacterial meningitis: Symptoms and treatment - Medical News Today

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Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the lining of the brain. It typically occurs due to an infection, which may be viral or bacterial. In adults and older children, the most common type of meningitis is viral. This information comes from the Meningitis Research Foundation. Meningitis can also result from the use of certain medications, as well as from injury or a medical condition such as cancer. The severity of the inflammation and the best treatment depends on the cause. In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between viral and bacterial meningitis, including their symptoms, treatments, and outlook. Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the brain's lining. The meninges consist of three protective tissue layers that surround and support the brain. Meningitis occurs when one or more layers becomes inflamed. Viral meningitis happens when a virus spreads to the brain or spinal cord. Different viruses can cause it, but in the United States, non-poli...

Is It Psoriasis or Ringworm? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

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While there are a number of skin conditions that can cause inflamed, itchy and painful patches, two, in particular, stand out thanks to their similarities: ringworm and psoriasis. With overlapping symptoms, it can be hard to tell which is which. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy But if you know what to look for, there are a few differences, including how each condition is treated. To get a better understanding of both psoriasis and ringworm, and how to tell them apart, we spoke to dermatologist Sean McGregor, DO. What's the difference between psoriasis and ringworm? The biggest difference between psoriasis and ringworm, says Dr. McGregor, is the origins of each. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, while ringworm is a fungal infection. "While a ...

COVID-19 Has Evolved, Our Expectations of the Vaccine Need to As Well - Healthline

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Share on Pinterest Despite claims that the rise in mild breakthrough cases proves COVID-19 vaccines don't work, current data shows those whose vaccines are up to date reduce their risk of hospitalization by 90 percent. Dimensions/Getty Images Evolving recommendations about the COVID-19 vaccine have led to confusion. The vaccine is intended for and succeeding at reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. While being "up to date" on the vaccine may require additional doses of the vaccine, this is not unusual when it comes to vaccinating against infectious diseases. As Omicron continues to cause breakthrough infections among the fully vaccinated and safety recommendations evolve, the public's confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines has started to wane. However, medical experts say understanding the main objective of the vaccines can break feelings of betrayal. "There's an expectation among many people that vaccines should be perfect, and if you're vac...

Oral Health Month: List of diseases linked to poor oral hygiene - Philstar.com

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Marane A. Plaza - Philstar.com February 21, 2022 | 3:20pm MANILA, Philippines — February is Oral Health  Month, but oral health, although important, is one of the most neglected aspects of a person's overall wellbeing, especially here in the Philippines. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 reported that the country has the most number of children under five years old who are suffering from dental caries throughout Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region. Dental caries or tooth decay, which is a result of poor oral hygiene, may sound like a simple problem but it's actually a serious health concern people should not overlook. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a resolution to reorient oral healthcare's traditional approach to a preventative approach, with risk identification for timely, comprehensive and inclusive care that ensures healthy living. The resolution underscores that good oral health plays a key role in ov...

Norovirus in Shellfish - Washington State Department of Health

What is norovirus? Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause viral gastroenteritis, often called "food poisoning" or the "stomach flu." Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish can cause norovirus infection. How do shellfish become contaminated with norovirus? Norovirus makes its way into the marine environment through untreated human sewage (poop) and vomit. This may come from leaky septic systems, faulty waste water treatment plants, boaters, or beach-goers. Shellfish are filter feeders, which means they filter seawater through their bodies to get food floating in the water. When norovirus particles are in the water, shellfish can accumulate the virus in their bodies. What types of shellfish are affected? All bivalve shellfish such as clams, geoducks, mussels, scallops, and oysters can transmit norovirus. Illness outbreaks are most often linked to oysters because they are commonly eaten raw. What are the symptoms of norovirus? The most com...

Frequency of microbial isolates and pattern of antimicrobial resistance in patients with hematological malignancies: a cross-sectional study from Palestine - BMC Infectious Diseases - BMC Infectious Diseases

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Infections are the most common cause of death in cancer patients, especially among those with hematologic malignancies, with studies reporting that approximately 60% of deaths are infection-related [26]. This increased risk of infections can be due to host or treatment-related causes. Host-related factors consist of immunodeficiency, comorbid illnesses, mucosal ulcerations, previous infections, nutritional deficiency, and stress [26], while treatment-related factors include invasive procedures, surgery, radiation, immunosuppressive drugs, and use of antimicrobials [27]. These infections can be caused by various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. Bacteria are the leading cause of infections in cancer patients, followed by fungi [27]. In our study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27, 43.6%) was the predominant bacterium among GNB, followed by E. coli (20, 32.3%) that can be divided into non-ESBL (10, 50%) and ESBL- E. coli (10, 50%). These were followed by Acinetobacter baumanni...

Is the Flu Shot a Live Virus? Flu Facts and Myths - Verywell Health

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The flu shot reduces your risk of contracting influenza, a virus that is common in the winter and causes coughing, aches, and fever. The flu vaccine can stop you from getting seriously ill or dying. Because of this, it's recommended annually for all Americans who are 6 months or older. Despite the prevalence of the flu shot, many people have unanswered questions about the flu vaccine, including: Is the flu shot a live virus? How effective is the flu vaccine? What are the flu vaccine side effects?   There is only one type of flu vaccine—the vaccine administered as a nasal spray—that contains a live virus. That virus is attenuated (weakened) and cannot cause illness.  This article will explain the live flu vaccine and answer common questions about the vaccine.  Cell-based flu vaccines are effective in children as young as two, according to new data. History of the Flu Shot The flu vaccine has been used f...