Infections

Cases of ‘invasive strep’ that can trigger flesh-eating disease have nearly doubled in the US

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Cases of ‘invasive strep’ that can trigger flesh-eating disease have nearly doubled in the US

” player=”SPdDOYds” platform=”jw-player” playlist=”Toq2ZZoq” playlisttype=”recommendations” placement=”true” /] Sore throats and sour news. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the number of potentially life-threatening invasive group A strep infections more than doubled from 2013 to 2022. Most group A strep infections cause mild illnesses like strep throat — but … Read more

New antibiotic drug is a ‘massive game changer’ for people with chronic lower back pain

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New antibiotic drug is a ‘massive game changer’ for people with chronic lower back pain

Chronic lower back pain is one of the top complaints that sends Americans to their doctors — and it’s a leading cause of missed workdays and disability claims. While slipped discs, arthritis and spinal problems are often blamed, for some, the real culprit is an infection. Now, there’s hope on the horizon for these patients. … Read more

The gross spa mistake that’s putting you at major risk of infection — and 4 other don’ts

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The gross spa mistake that’s putting you at major risk of infection — and 4 other don’ts

There’s nothing better than a spa day — sweating out your toxins in the steam room, melting all your stress away with a massage and indulging in some much-needed “me time.”  But, if you’re not careful, a day of pampered R&R could end with a trip to the doctor’s office.  Rosanne Joseph-Anthony, the founder and … Read more

What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome? Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death explained

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What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome? Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death explained

Betsy Arakawa — the classical pianist married to Gene Hackman — died last month of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease linked to rodents, New Mexico authorities announced Friday. Hantavirus patients can develop flu-like symptoms that quickly progress to breathing difficulties. The condition can significantly damage lung tissue, causing fluid to accumulate in the … Read more

You could be carrying spit, vomit and urine in your suitcase if you don’t pack this essential

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You could be carrying spit, vomit and urine in your suitcase if you don’t pack this essential

You’ve likely got special bags and containers for all the spillables in your suitcase, from perfume to body lotion to shampoo. But an even bigger mess might be lurking invisibly inside your bags if you’re not packing smartly, a disease expert has warned. Fortunately, there’s a pretty cheap fix that’ll lower your risk of toting … Read more

‘Common’ daycare illness almost cost mom her eye after viral infection: ‘Sick inside and out’

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‘Common’ daycare illness almost cost mom her eye after viral infection: ‘Sick inside and out’

A mother has issued a warning to other parents after her son came home from daycare with a common illness that left her with a glass stent in her eye. Talitha Akamarmoi, from the NSW Central Coast, was in the middle of COVID lockdowns. Her son was still going to daycare as she was an … Read more

This is how often you should really be washing your water bottle — doc says it’s not actually every day

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This is how often you should really be washing your water bottle — doc says it’s not actually every day

It’s time to come clean! Dr. Jason Singh, a primary care physician based in Virginia, is very concerned that you are not washing your water bottles often enough to prevent bacterial growth. “I know there are folks out there — I’m looking at you — that will go weeks without washing your crusty-a– water bottle, or … Read more

Major eyedrops brand being recalled due to fungal contamination

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Major eyedrops brand being recalled due to fungal contamination

A popular brand of eyedrops is being recalled nationwide because of possible contamination. Alcon Laboratories in Texas is voluntarily recalling Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra P-F following a consumer complaint of foreign material that could be observed inside a sealed vial. An investigation found it to be fungal. Eyedrops are being recalled nationwide due to … Read more

The weird place you can get an STI that everyone can see — it causes itching, swelling and discharge

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The weird place you can get an STI that everyone can see — it causes itching, swelling and discharge

This is just swell. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — which affect one in five Americans — are most commonly found on the genitals, anus and mouth. Now, a professional medical association is warning that another part of the body can become itchy, irritated, crusty and leaky from an STI. “When gonorrhea infects the eyes, it … Read more

Red-nosed ‘Rudolph Sign’ is a hint you have this nasal infection — it’s more common in the winter

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Red-nosed ‘Rudolph Sign’ is a hint you have this nasal infection — it’s more common in the winter

Santa may want to invest in some health insurance for his reindeer. A symptom known as the “Rudolph Sign” can be indicative of a larger infection in humans, and it’s especially common in the colder months. Of course, there’s no bright, glowing capacity to guide a sleigh, but the Rudolph Sign is marked by a … Read more

Elton John reveals he’s blind in his right eye after infection: ‘I can’t see anything’

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Elton John reveals he’s blind in his right eye after infection: ‘I can’t see anything’

Elton John is giving an update on his vision problems. The EGOT winner, 77, revealed in an interview with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America” on Monday that he can’t see out of his right eye after developing an infection over the summer, which has affected his ability to make new music. “It’s been a … Read more

I’m a dermatologist — never pop a pimple that falls in the ‘triangle of death’

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I’m a dermatologist — never pop a pimple that falls in the ‘triangle of death’

It’s a hard no on the nose, folks. Board-certified NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom has taken to TikToK to reveal the one place where he would never pop a pimple. Strom refers to the center of the face as the “triangle of death,” also known as the danger triangle, and warns potential poppers to avoid performing at-home extractions … Read more

Lethal bacteria could be lurking in your garden: Experts fear US spread after 5 deaths

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Lethal bacteria could be lurking in your garden: Experts fear US spread after 5 deaths

There could be a silent killer lurking in your backyard. Experts are sounding the alarm about the danger of a lethal bacterium found in American gardens after it caused the death of multiple people in Australia this year. Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacteria present in soil and water in tropical regions, can cause Melioidosis, a lung … Read more

Diagnostic tampon can detect STIs, UTIs and yeast infections without office visit

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Diagnostic tampon can detect STIs, UTIs and yeast infections without office visit

Say goodbye to the stirrups. Women’s health startup Daye is selling a “vaginal microbiome test” in the form of a tampon that users wear and then mail back for screening — and it can detect everything from infections to possible fertility issues. Daye’s diagnostic tampon can detect different bacteria with an at-home test. Daye Daye … Read more

Legionnaires’ outbreak on 2 separate cruises linked back to this private luxury amenity: report

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Legionnaires’ outbreak on 2 separate cruises linked back to this private luxury amenity: report

They got more than they paid extra for. A dozen cruise ship passengers were sickened by Legionnaires’ disease — including 10 who were hospitalized — on two different ships, and health experts believe a private luxury amenity is the source, according to a new report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracked the serious … Read more

I was paralyzed a decade ago — here’s how I run the NYC marathon

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I was paralyzed a decade ago — here’s how I run the NYC marathon

Michael Ring was organizing a 100-mile bike tour in Putnam County in 2014 when he started falling, dropping things and tripping over stuff — it was happening so often that his then-boss took notice. “He took me aside and said, ‘I don’t talk about this, but I’m a cancer survivor. I’m saying that to scare … Read more

With EEE and West Nile virus on the rise, mosquito season is far from over

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With EEE and West Nile virus on the rise, mosquito season is far from over

Fall has arrived — but the mosquitoes haven’t left. A New York resident who tested positive last week for a rare mosquito-borne illness has died, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday as State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) an imminent threat to public health. The unidentified Ulster County patient, the state’s first … Read more

What is Wetland virus? How the new tick-borne infection could harm your brain

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What is Wetland virus? How the new tick-borne infection could harm your brain

Scientists are warning of a new virus discovered in China that spreads to humans through tick bites, with the potential to cause problems in the brain. Wetland virus (WELV) was initially detected in a 61-year-old man who reported being bit by ticks at a park in a large wetland in northern China. The unidentified patient … Read more

Researchers discover ‘extremely cheap and simple’ way to shorten children’s colds by 2 days

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Researchers discover ‘extremely cheap and simple’ way to shorten children’s colds by 2 days

They’re giving props to nasal drops. UK researchers say that hypertonic saline nasal drops can shorten a kid’s cold by two days and reduce the risk of family members getting sick too. Kids have up to 10 to 12 upper respiratory tract infections a year, the researchers said. AntonioDiaz – stock.adobe.com “Children have up to … Read more

Elton John reveals ‘severe eye infection’ has limited his vision

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Elton John reveals ‘severe eye infection’ has limited his vision

Elton John, famous for his attention-grabbing eyewear, is facing a different kind of vision challenge that glasses won’t fix. The spectacularly spectacled Rocket Man has revealed he has been battling a serious optic infection that has left him with “limited vision” in one of his eyes. “Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe … Read more