Tag Archives: infection

If you have heart disease you SHOULD GET A FLU VACCINE!

Posted on August 30, 2016 by

Okay, the capitals may have been too much… but studies have shown that the influenza vaccination may reduce death from cardiovascular disease. Observational studies have shown an association between receipt of the flu vaccine and a lower risk of cardiovascular … Continue reading →

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Let’s discuss an old wives’ tale. . . should you gargle salt water for a sore throat?

Posted on January 29, 2014 by

This works! Gargling with salt water eases symptoms of cold and flu because of the way that saline works.  Saline draws excess fluid out of inflamed tissues (and loosens mucus!). A recent study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine … Continue reading →

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Does it burn when you pee?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

Burning is one sign of bladder infection (and sexually transmitted diseases–another topic altogether).  Bladder infections are common and uncomfortable.  It is caused by a bacterial infection in the bladder.  Symptoms are pain and/or urgency with urination, a sense of incomplete emptying … Continue reading →

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Update: post-herpetic neuralgia

Posted on November 15, 2011 by

A better phrase for this is post-herpes (shingles) nerve-pain. Awful. Unrelenting. Who gets this? How to make it better? The main risk factor for postherpetic neuralgia is increasing age. People under 50 have long-term pain rarely. Those who are 60-65 … Continue reading →

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Got an itch? Your doctor should be asking some of the following questions. . .

Posted on August 5, 2011 by

If you are itching, there is more to the story.  There are other parts to the history and physical to investigate. Any new cosmetics or creams? They can cause allergic contact dermatitis, hives or even sensitivity to the sun. New … Continue reading →

Posted in allergies, allergies, Dermatology, Dermatology, food, General Medicine- Adults, medication issues, medication issues, Pediatrics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Want more information on hepatitis C?

Posted on July 25, 2011 by

Hepatitis C  is a virus that may cause long-standing liver disease.  It is spread through the blood of a person with hepatitis C.  You can’t get it through casual contact—hugging, sharing utensils/drinking glasses, kissing, using public restrooms, sneezing, coughing or … Continue reading →

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Frogs do not cause warts.

Posted on July 19, 2011 by

I see warts commonly, today in fact. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV.  HPV infects the skin where there are nicks in the skin and causes cells to proliferate and … Continue reading →

Posted in Dermatology, Dermatology, General Medicine- Adults, infections, infections, Pediatrics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2.4 million swimmer’s ear visits a year! How to not get one. . .

Posted on July 7, 2011 by

The Centers for Disease Control forwarded on this astronomical number in a bulletin on external ear infections.  There are simple steps to do before and after swimming (or coming in contact with water), to greatly reduce your risk of this painful … Continue reading →

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Are you considering NOT immunizing your child?

Posted on May 5, 2011 by

A new position statement was released revealing that even a small number of unimmunized individuals can greatly increase spread of disease.  For children who do NOT get immunized, their risk of measles is 35 times those who are vaccinated, 23 times for … Continue reading →

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Did your pedicure give you an infection?

Posted on May 3, 2011 by

I was teaching physicians the other day and helped take off a pus-filled, red and angry  ingrown toenail.  This is immensely rewarding.  When the toenail digs into the skin folds on the feet and every step causes pain, we physicians … Continue reading →

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