Infectious Diseases

Understanding Infection and Inflammation: Key Differences and Management

Introduction Infection and inflammation are two terms often used in medicine, but they refer to different processes in the body. Understanding the distinction between them is important for recognizing symptoms, seeking appropriate care, and understanding treatment options. While infections can cause...

Understanding Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. It is a natural response of the body’s immune system to fight off infections. While a fever can be uncomfortable, it is usually not harmful and often indicates that the body is actively defending itself...

Understanding Fever in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Fever in children is a common occurrence and often a sign that their body is fighting off an infection. While a fever can be concerning for parents, it is usually not harmful and...

Understanding Group A Streptococcus: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a type of bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections, from mild illnesses such as strep throat to more serious and potentially life-threatening...

Understanding Sepsis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Sepsis, sometimes referred to as blood poisoning, is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and organ...

Understanding Tularemia (Rabbit Fever): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a rare but potentially serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It primarily affects wild animals, especially...

Understanding Marburg Virus Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Marburg virus disease is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, a close relative of the Ebola virus. The disease can cause outbreaks with high fatality rates and...

Understanding Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Nasal congestion (nästäppa) and runny nose (snuva) are common symptoms that often occur together, typically due to inflammation and increased mucus production in the nasal passages. These...

Understanding Influenza: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Influenza can range from mild...

Understanding the Common Cold in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction The common cold is a frequent illness in children, especially during the fall and winter months. It is a mild, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily...

Understanding the Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction The common cold is a mild, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily affecting the nose and throat. It is one of the most frequent illnesses worldwide...

Understanding Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles...

Understanding Anthrax: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Anthrax is a rare but serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It primarily affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, but humans can become infected...

Understanding Mpox (Monkeypox): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease that can infect both humans and animals. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the virus that causes...

Understanding Rabies: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, the disease is...

Understanding Tetanus: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious but preventable disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and...

Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain types of bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and, less frequently...

Understanding Toxoplasmosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is found worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans. While toxoplasmosis is...

Understanding Typhoid Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. It is most common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water...

Understanding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. In rare cases, certain strains of avian influenza can infect...

Understanding Reye’s Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition that causes sudden swelling in the liver and brain. It most often affects children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection, such as...

Understanding Echinococcosis (Infection with Echinococcus tapeworm): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Echinococcosis, sometimes referred to as hydatid disease or infection with the dwarf tapeworm, is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. The most common...

Understanding Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through...

Understanding Diphtheria: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Although rare in...

Understanding Ebola: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Ebola virus disease (EVD), commonly known as Ebola, is a rare but severe and often fatal illness caused by infection with the Ebola virus. Outbreaks have primarily occurred in sub-Saharan...

Understanding Yellow Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Yellow fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily in parts of Africa and South America. The disease gets its name from the jaundice (yellowing of the skin and...

Understanding HIV: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can...