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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Infectious Diseases
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (Varicella) What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that usually occurs during childhood. By adulthood, more than 90 percent of Americans have had chickenpox. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Transmission occurs from person-to-person by direct contact or through the air by coughing or sneezing. Until 1995, chickenpox infection was a common occurrence, and almost everyone had been infected by the time he or she reached adulthood. However, the int...
Childhood Immunizations
Childhood Immunizations The importance of immunizations Immunization is key to preventing disease among the general population. Vaccines benefit both the people who receive them, and the vulnerable, unvaccinated people around them, because the infection can no longer spread through the community if most people are immunized. In addition, immunizations reduce the number of deaths and disability from infections, such as measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox. Although children receive the majority of the...
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome What is chronic fatigue syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by profound tiredness, regardless of bed rest. CFS symptoms may actually worsen with physical or mental activity. CFS can occur suddenly and last for years. CFS affects three to four times more females than males. The cause of CFS has not been identified, nor are there specific tests available to diagnose the condition. CFS sometimes is called chronic fatigue and immune dys...
Common Cold
Common Cold What is the common cold? The common cold is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year. It is estimated that during a one-year period, people in the U.S. will suffer 62 million colds. Caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat, colds can be the result of more than 200 different viruses. However, among all of the cold viruses, the rhinoviruses and the coronaviruses ...
Common Infectious Diseases
Common Infectious Diseases Many infectious diseases require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of these diseases, for which we have provided a brief overview. HIV/AIDS Chickenpox Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Common Cold Diphtheria E. coli Giardiasis Infectious Mononucleosis Influenza (Flu) Lyme Disease Malaria Measles Meningitis Mumps Poliomyelitis (Polio) Pneumonia Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rubella (German Measles) Salmonella Infections...
Dealing with Discrimination When You Have HIV
Dealing with Discrimination When You Have HIV We've come a long way in our understanding of HIV and AIDS, but discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is still rampant. Advances in research have made it possible to live with the disease, as people do with other chronic illnesses. But the greatest challenge for many people is still the stigma that accompanies the illness. You may worry about what others will think about your diagnosis. Or you may fear coming out as gay or bisexual, or an intravenous (...
Diphtheria
Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the body in the tonsils, nose, or throat (respiratory diphtheria) and/or the skin (skin or cutaneous diphtheria). A common childhood disease in the 1930s, a vaccine against diphtheria has made it very rare in the U.S. and other developing countries. How is diphtheria transmitted? The diphtheria bacterium can enter the body through the nose and mouth, causing respiratory diphtheria. It is transmitted from person to pe...
Escherichia coli O157:H7
Escherichia coli O157:H7 What is E. coli O157:H7? Escherichia coli (or simply E. coli) is one of the many groups of bacteria that live in the intestines of healthy humans and most warm-blooded animals. E. coli bacteria help maintain the balance of normal intestinal flora (bacteria) against harmful bacteria and synthesize or produce some vitamins. However, there are hundreds of types or strains of E. coli bacteria. Different strains of E. coli have different distinguishing characteristics. A particular s...
Gangrene
Gangrene Gangrene is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that happens when the blood flow to a large group of tissues is cut off. This causes them to rot and die. Although gangrene often turns the affected skin a greenish-black, the word gangrene is not related to green , but rather to the condition itself. It comes from Greek and Latin words for a gnawing sore or decayed tissue. Causes Gangrene happens when blood supply to certain tissues is stopped by an infection, an injury such as a burn or ...
Giardiasis
Giardiasis What is giardiasis? Giardiasis is an infectious diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis ), which can be transmitted through oral-fecal contact and by water contaminated by feces. Travelers are cautioned against drinking any untreated water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in the world. It is most prevalent in developi...
Glossary - Infectious Diseases
Glossary - Infectious Diseases | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infecte...
Hand Washing
Handwashing What is the best way to wash hands? At home or work, wash your hands often—and properly: Use clean, running water; if available, use warm water. Wet your hands before applying soap. Rub your soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to wash all surfaces well, including your wrists, palms, backs of hands, and between fingers. Clean and remove the dirt from under your fingernails. Under running water, rinse your hands thoroughly to remove all soap. Dry your hands with an air drye...
HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS What is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. HIV is most commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected partner. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of an HIV infection. Official criteria for the definition of AIDS are developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent...
HIV and Dementia
HIV and Dementia HIV/AIDS affects many of the body's organ systems, including the brain and nervous system. Most people don' know that HIV infection actually makes its way to the brain early in the disease process. HIV encephalopathy is an infection that spreads throughout the brain. It is one cause of dementia in people infected with HIV. The greater the spread of infection in the brain, the worse the dementia symptoms become. AIDS dementia is also called AIDS dementia complex or HIV-associated dementi...
HIV/AIDS and Skin Conditions
HIV/AIDS and Skin Conditions Skin conditions are common in people with HIV/AIDS. Many, including Kaposi sarcoma, thrush, and herpes, are caused by germs that take advantage of a weakened immune system. That's why they are called "opportunistic" infections. Others, like photodermatitis, may be linked to inflammation caused by an overactive immune system as it revives during antiretroviral drug therapy. Here are some of the most typical skin conditions related to HIV/AIDS. Molluscum contagiosum This is a ...
Home Page - Infectious Diseases
Topic Index The Immune System Statistics Common Infectious Diseases Prevention of Infectious Diseases Glossary Fighting infectious diseases today is much easier than in the past. With proper hygiene and proper precautions, in addition to numerous vaccines and rapidly advancing medical technology, people are better equipped than ever to avoid getting sick. Prevention is the key to fighting many infectious diseases. Part of preventing the spread of an infectious disease includes proper handwashing techniq...
Infectious Diseases on the Job
Infectious Diseases on the Job The health care professionals who take care of you are exposed to many different illnesses and diseases. By taking proper precautions, these health care professionals protect both themselves as well as their patients. The following are some of the basic precautions that can decrease the risk of infectious disease exposure in a health care setting: Proper disposal of needles into specific sharps disposal containers is very important. According to the Occupational Safety and...
Infectious Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis What is infectious mononucleosis? Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, "mono," or glandular fever, is characterized by swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and chronic fatigue. What causes infectious mononucleosis? Infectious mononucleosis is either caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus (CMV), both of which are members of the herpes virus family. Consider the following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): In t...
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (Flu) What is influenza (flu)? Influenza (or flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection. An estimated 5 to 20 percent of people in the U.S. get influenza each year. Influenza is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a nonproductive cough. Influenza can make people of any age ill. Although most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Influenza can also lead t...
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease What are the dangers of tick bites? While most tick bites are harmless, several species can transmit life-threatening diseases. Two of these well-known diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Ticks can also transmit tularemia (a plague-like disease in rodents that can be transmitted to man), relapsing fever, and ehrlichiosis (an abrupt illness consisting of fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss). What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease (LD) is a multi-stage, multi-sy...
Malaria
Malaria What is malaria? Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are present in the tropics and subtropics in almost all countries. Nearly all cases of malaria in the U.S. are in people who have traveled internationally. Malaria is the most deadly of all tropical parasitic diseases. After the parasites enter the body by a mosquito bite, they disappear from the circulating blood within an hour and gather in th...
Measles
Measles What is measles? Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral illness characterized by a distinct rash and a fever. Spread through airborne droplets of nasal secretions, measles is very contagious. When infected people cough or sneeze, droplets spray into the air and can remain active and contagious for two hours. Once a common childhood disease, it is now rare due to effective immunizations in developed countries. Although usually a mild illness in children, measles can have serious complications...
Meningitis
Meningitis What is meningitis? Click Image to Enlarge Meningitis is a disease caused by an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. The inflammation is usually caused by infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are three meninges, including the following: Dura mater. This is the outside membrane that adheres to the inside of the skull. Arachnoid. This is the middle membrane. Pia mater . This is the innermost membrane, which adheres to the brain. Wha...
Mumps in Adults
Mumps in Adults What is mumps? Mumps is an acute and highly contagious viral illness that usually occurs in childhood. Spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract, the disease usually takes two to three weeks to appear. Cases of mumps in the U.S. have declined dramatically with the introduction of the mumps vaccine. What are the symptoms of mumps? Many children have no or very mild symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of mumps that may be seen in both adults and children...
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection A necrotizing soft tissue infection is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment to keep it from destroying skin, muscle, and other soft tissues. The word necrotizing comes from the Greek word nekros , which means corpse or dead – a necrotizing infection causes patches of tissue to die. The most dangerous type of these infections is commonly known as "flesh-eating disease," and if untreated, it can cause death in a matter of hours. Fortunat...
Online Resources - Infectious Diseases
Online Resources - Infectious Diseases This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page c...
Pets and Infectious Diseases
Pets and Infectious Diseases Proper care of your pet may prevent him or her from becoming ill and infecting the household. Further, to prevent the spread of disease from your pet, take the following precautions: Keep your pet's immunizations current. See a veterinarian regularly with your pet for health checkups. Keep your pet's bedding and living area clean. Feed your pet a balanced diet and avoid having your pet eat raw foods or drink out of the toilet. Clean cat litter boxes every day. Pregnant women...
Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Pneumocystis Pneumonia Many people live with the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci in their lungs every day. Most of the time, the organism causes little to no trouble for people with a healthy and strong immune system. But if your immune system is weakened by HIV/AIDS, cancer, or another condition, you have a greater chance of developing pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PCP is a crippling lung infection that's related to the fungus. If you are HIV-positive, PCP is an opportunistic infection. This means that PC...
Pneumonia
Pneumonia Respiratory System - Click to Enlarge What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. Lobar pneumonia affects one or more sections (lobes) of the lungs. Bronchial pneumonia (also known as bronchopneumonia) affects patches throughout both lungs. What are the different types of pneumonia? The main types of pneumonia ar...
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Poliomyelitis (Polio) What is poliomyelitis (polio)? Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by three types of poliovirus. The poliovirus is a virus most recognized for its destruction to the nervous system, causing paralysis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of individuals who are infected with polio, have no symptoms and a few have mild symptoms. Of those persons who do acquire the infection, 1 percent or fewer may develop paralytic...
Preventing Opportunistic Infections in HIV/AIDS
Preventing Opportunistic Infections in HIV/AIDS HIV attacks the cells of your body's immune system. You need a strong immune system to fight off germs like bacteria and viruses, so having HIV may give those germs a better opportunity to make you sick. When germs take advantage of your weakened defense system, they are called opportunistic infections (OIs). Opportunistic infections that other people might fight off easily could make you really sick if you have HIV. Getting one or more of these OIs could ...
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
Prevention of Infectious Diseases Prevention is the key to stopping the spread of many infectious diseases and sometimes can make the difference between life and death. Handwashing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection. Unfortunately, improper or infrequent handwashing continues to be a major factor in the spread of disease. Other important ways to prevent infection include following the appropriate immunization schedule, and using precautions with pets and on the job....
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. In recent years, it has affected over 2,000 people a year in the U.S. and usually occurs from April until September, but it can occur anytime during the year where weather is warm. The mid-Atlantic and southeastern states are most affected. The disease is spread to humans through a bite from an infected tick; it is not spread from one person to another. In the U.S., the America...
Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella (German Measles) What is rubella (German measles)? Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is an acute viral infection that causes a mild illness in children and slightly more severe illness in adults. The disease is spread person-to-person through airborne particles and takes two to three weeks to incubate. What are the symptoms of rubella? The following are the most common symptoms of rubella. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Rash (usually b...
Salmonella Infections
Salmonella Infections What are Salmonella infections? Salmonella infections are diarrheal infections caused by the bacteria Salmonella. The Salmonella germ is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. There are many different kinds of Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella are transmitted from feces of people or animals to other people or animals. Contaminated foods are often animal in origin, such as beef, poultry, seafood, milk, or eggs. However, all foods, including some unwas...
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Click Image to Enlarge What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a rapidly spreading, potentially fatal infectious viral disease. According to the CDC, SARS was recognized as a global threat in March 2003. The viral disease first appeared in Southern China in November 2002 and spread to more than 24 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. By the spring of 2004, the outbreak appeared to be over. Although they were dealing with ...
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. The CDC estimates that 19 million new cases occur annually in the U.S. Fifty percent of the new infections occur in people between the age range of 15 to 24 years. How can you protect your adolescent from STDs? The best way to prevent contracting an STD is to abstain from any type of sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and ana...
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) What is shingles? Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin anywhere on the body. Burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching are early signs of the infection, usually located on one side of the body or face. Even after the rash is gone, the pain can continue for months, even years. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. A...
Statistics of Infectious Disease
Statistics of Infectious Disease The following statistics are the latest available from the National Center for Health Statistics (part of the CDC) and the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases: In 2009, the CDC estimates that 21,000 new cases of hepatitis A occurred in the U.S. In the U.S., it is estimated that 800,000 to 1.4 million people have chronic hepatitis B infections. In 2009, it was estimated that 38,000 new cases were diagnosed in the U.S. In the U.S., it is estimated that between 2.5 a...
Tetanus
Tetanus What is tetanus? Tetanus is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which usually enters the body through an open wound. Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure, but also can be found in the human intestine and other places. Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months. Tetanus is very uncommon in the U.S. due to widespread immunization. Fewer than 50 cases every year occur in the U.S. How is tet...
The Immune System
The Immune System What is the immune system? The purpose of the immune system is to keep infectious microorganisms, such as certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, out of the body, and to destroy any infectious microorganisms that do invade the body. The immune system is made up of a complex and vital network of cells and organs that protect the body from infection. Click Image to Enlarge The organs involved with the immune system are called the lymphoid organs, which affect growth, development, and the r...
Topic Index - Infectious Diseases
Topic Index - Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases Home The Immune System Statistics Common Infectious Diseases HIV/AIDS HIV and Dementia HIV/AIDS and Skin Conditions Pneumocystis Pneumonia Preventing Opportunistic Infections in HIV/AIDS Dealing with Discrimination When You Have HIV When You’re HIV-Positive: What to Say Chickenpox Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Common Cold Diphtheria E. coli Gangrene Giardiasis Infectious Mononucleosis Influenza (Flu) Lyme Disease Lymphadenitis Malaria Measles Meningitis <...
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) describes a cluster of symptoms that involve many systems of the body. The following bacteria commonly cause TSS: Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pyogenes TSS from Staphylococcus infections was identified in the late 1970s and early 1980s when highly absorbent tampons were widely used by menstruating women. Due to manufacturing changes in tampons, the incidence of tampon-induced TSS has declined. TSS from Streptococc...
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) Click Image to Enlarge What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection that usually infects the lungs, although other organs such as the kidneys, spine, or brain are sometimes involved. TB is primarily an airborne disease. There is a difference between being infected with the TB bacterium and having active tuberculosis disease. There are three important ways to describe the stages of TB. They are as follows: Exposure. This occurs when a person has been in conta...
Viral Hepatitis Overview
Viral Hepatitis Overview What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that results in liver cell damage and destruction. Click Image to Enlarge Hepatitis can be categorized in two groups: Acute hepatitis Chronic hepatitis There are six main types of the hepatitis virus that have been identified: Hepatitis A. This type of hepatitis is usually spread by fecal-oral contact, or fecal-infected food and water. It may also be spread by blood-borne infection (which is rare). The following is a list...
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus What is the West Nile virus? The West Nile virus belongs to a group of viruses known as flaviviruses, commonly found in Africa, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Flaviviruses are spread by insects, most often mosquitoes. Other examples of flaviviruses include yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, dengue virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus (West Nile virus is closely related to the St. Louis encephalitis virus). The West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, an...
When You’re HIV-Positive: What to Say
When You're HIV-Positive: What to Say Learning that you are HIV-positive can be traumatic and intensely stressful, although the diagnosis is not as terrifying as it used to be thanks to new and better drugs to treat it. Besides coping with your own reaction, you will want to decide whom to tell and how you'll tell them about your HIV status. In some cases, it will be better for you to share the information. In other cases, you may be required to tell, and sometimes it may be best to keep it to yourself....
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Whooping cough, or pertussis, is very contagious and primarily affects infants and young children. Caused by a bacterium called bordetella pertussis , it is characterized by paroxysms (intense spells) of coughing that end with a characteristic "whoop" as air is inhaled. Whooping cough caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s, but, with the advent of a vaccine, the rate of death has declined dramatically. Even though pertus...
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