Immune and infectious diseases Archive

In most cases, bee, wasp, or hornet stings can be treated with simple remedies. For example, placing a cold pack on the sting site helps reduce swelling. Applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream helps relieve swelling and itching, too. Taking an antihistamine—such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or loratadine (Claritin)—also eases itching. If symptoms persist for a few days, it’s time to call a doctor. If a severe allergic response develops—indicated by difficulty breathing or hives—it’s crucial to call 911 for help and get an injection of epinephrine as soon as possible.

Explore what doctors know about Bell’s palsy triggers, from stress to viral infections and diabetes, and why pinpointing a cause is tricky

AI-generated nutrition misinformation, also known as AI slop, is all too easy to find online. While some AI posts can offer helpful dietary guidance, watch for sensational claims, unverified credentials, and cherry-picked research. If health advice sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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.

Your first workouts when recovering from the flu should be lighter and slower than usual. Your body will let you know when you're ready to ramp back up.

Bald spots or thinning hair in pre‑teen boys can happen for a number of reasons. These include scalp infections, tight hairstyles, immune conditions, or stress.

Bicycling offers joint-friendly aerobic exercise, builds leg muscles, and aids recovery after knee or ankle surgery. The most appropriate type of bicycle—road, mountain, hybrid, or adaptive (recumbent, tricycle, hand cycle)—depends on where people ride and their abilities.

Many common medications can affect oral health, causing issues like dry mouth, taste changes, gum swelling, mouth sores, or thrush. Patients should check side effects on medication labels, report persistent symptoms, review medications annually, and keep up with regular dental visits.

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.