Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection. Pneumonia is usually the result of a pneumococcal infection, caused by bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia is most commonly caused by bacteria and viruses, which are contagious. The germs that can cause pneumonia are usually breathed in. People… Read More Is pneumonia contagious?
What is Tetanus Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease caused by an exotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetani usually enters the body through a wound. In the presence of anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions, the spores germinate. Toxins are produced and disseminated via blood and lymphatics. Toxins act at several sites within the… Read More Is Tetanus Fatal? What are symptoms of Tetanus?
A plaster or larger dressing is usually all that is needed to stop a wound bleeding. However, you might need to apply pressure to the area, and if an arm or leg is affected, you should raise it above heart level. Before putting on a plaster or other dressing, you will need to clean the wound.… Read More How to clean a Wound
This information applies to adults and children over one year old. If you want advice for babies under one year old, see What to do if a baby is choking?. Choking happens when someone’s airway suddenly gets blocked, either fully or partly, so they can’t breathe. Mild choking: Encourage them to Cough If the airway is… Read More What to do if Someone is Choking
Researchers analyzed data from nine previously published studies with a total of more than 430,000 participants and found that drinking two additional cups of coffee a day was linked to a 44 percent lower risk of developing liver cirrhosis.”Cirrhosis is potentially fatal and there is no cure as such,” said lead study author Dr. Oliver… Read More Coffee Reduces Liver Damage
Countries or territories with reported confirmed autochthonous cases of Zika virus infection, as of 28 January 2016 Country Affected in the past 2 months Affected in the past 9 months Barbados Increasing or widespread transmission Yes Bolivia Sporadic transmission following recent introduction Yes Brazil Increasing or widespread transmission Yes Cabo Verde Increasing or widespread transmission… Read More Countries Infected with Zika Virus
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins: 1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests… Read More How to Avoid Cancer
