Immune and infectious diseases Archive

Ringworm is a common, contagious skin infection caused by a fungus. Children can get it from other people who have it or from an infected animal. While it can be itchy and unpleasant, ringworm is usually harmless.

Most people with early-stage Lyme disease symptoms develop a rash, but it often lacks bull's-eye features-which many people have been told to look for. Other signs of Lyme disease include headache, neck pain, joint aches, and fatigue.

Cold baths and ice packs may feel instinctive when a fever hits, but most cases call for a different approach.

It's possible for people of any age to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are sometimes symptom-free, making them easy to miss, pass along, and ignore.

Your immune system constantly defends you from harmful germs like bacteria and viruses, but your body also hosts trillions of helpful microbes-your microbiome-that live on your skin, in your gut, and elsewhere. These "good" germs help digest food, make vitamins, protect you from harmful invaders, and help regulate inflammation.

Sinusitis occurs when blocked sinuses cannot drain and the backed-up mucus gets infected. The simplest and often most effective treatment is daily nasal irrigation. It can also help to drink a lot of water, inhale steam, and sleep with the head elevated.

The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis (mono) usually infects people during their childhood or the teenage years. The virus stays with people for life.

Monthly vitamin B₁₂ shots for pernicious anemia can be a hassle. Explore whether high‑dose vitamin B₁₂ pills or other non‑injection treatments might be an option.