My baby cries uncontrollably when she gets a shot. How can I make the experience easier for her? Getting shots can be tough on you and your child, but the benefits are worth the effort. Fortunately, you can do a few things to make the experience less painful and stressful. If your daughter is a newborn or …
What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria. The bacteria can spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The infection can lead to problems with the skin, heart, brain, and joints. Treatment with antibiotics usually cures Lyme disease, especially when started early. Do All Tick Bites Cause Lyme Disease? …
What Are Listeria Infections? Listeria is a bacteria (type of germ). Listeria (liss-TEER-ee-uh) infections cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and joint pain. Usually, these problems get better in a few days. But an infection can cause more serious problems during a pregnancy, and in newborns, adults over 65 years old, and anyone with a weak immune system (such as people getting chemotherapy). How Do People Get Listeria Infections? Listeria infection …
Can I Breastfeed My Baby if I Have COVID-19? Coronavirus does not seem to spread to babies through breast milk. It’s safe to breastfeed if you have COVID-19. But a mom with COVID-19 could spread the virus to their infant through tiny droplets that spread when they talk, cough, or sneeze. Talk to your doctor to help …
Is it Safe to Breastfeed if I Have Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Read More »
Your child has a sore throat, cough, and a high fever. Is it COVID-19? Could it be the flu? Or just a cold? All these illnesses are caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. All are contagious and can spread easily from person to person. And they cause some similar symptoms. So it can be hard to tell them apart. Here …
What Is Inflammation? Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. What Are the Different Kinds of Inflammation? Inflammation (in-fluh-MAY-shin) can be acute or chronic: Acute inflammation lasts a few days and helps the body heal after an infection or injury. Chronic inflammation happens if the illness or infection doesn’t go …
Caring for pets can be great for kids, teaching them responsibility, gentleness, and respect for other living beings. Just like people, though, pets can spread infections. Here’s how to protect your family. How Do Pets Spread Infections? Also like us, animals carry germs. But illnesses common among house pets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, …
What Is Infant Botulism? Infant botulism is an illness that can happen when a baby ingests (takes in) toxins from a type of bacteria. Babies with infant botulism (BAH-chuh-liz-im) can have muscle weakness, a weak cry, and trouble breathing. They need to be treated in a hospital. With early diagnosis and proper medical care, a …
What Is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. The immune system becomes weaker, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and some kinds of cancers. Most people who are diagnosed early and take medicines for HIV can live long, healthy lives. What Is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) …
What Is Hib Disease? Hib is short for Haemophilus influenzae type b, a type of bacteria. It can cause serious illnesses, some of which can be life-threatening. Hib infections in the U.S. are rare thanks to the Hib vaccine. In developing nations where the vaccine is less used, though, Hib disease is still a major health concern. What Are …
