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Inflammation Archive

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The problem with "classic" Lyme disease symptoms

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.

Is it necessary to reduce a fever with ice packs or cold baths?

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

STIs later in life: What men need to know

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.

Quiz: When does food contribute to inflammation?

In this quiz, test your knowledge of which foods can nourish your body and help prevent disease, and which foods can play an inflammatory role in the body.

How long can athlete's foot fungus linger in shoes?

Warm, damp shoes can harbor fungus well after a skin infection clears. Fresh socks, antifungal powder, rotation, and retiring old shoes are all important.

What could cause a high lymphocyte count?

An elevated lymphocyte count usually indicates a simple viral illness. Less often, it could indicate a blood cancer. How the number is calculated shapes what it may mean.

Video: What you should know about germs

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.

Is mono a kids' virus only?

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.

What to do about sinusitis

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.

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