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Infectious Diseases Stories and Local Doctors
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Coughing May Be a Serious Sign
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), waking up coughing or having a prolonged cough that lasts for weeks should receive serious medical attention. Alan Goldsobel of AAAAI explains, "Coughing protects the body by removing mucus and irritating particles from the respiratory tract. Coughing is a useful function that does not always mean there is a problem. However, coughing at night, after going to sleep indicates the need for medical attention." (Read more about Coughing May Be a Serious Sign)
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The Challenges of Overseas Medical Evacuations
Dr. John Cahill explains that a number of tropical diseases, if left unrecognized or untreated, can have devastating outcomes. Unfortunately, he sees this on a daily basis. There are people who return from their travels with serious viral or parasitic infections. In good hands, it can be very easily treated, but without seeking the correct care or going to a physician who doesn't understand the implications of these diseases, they can be misdiagnosed or missed. (Read more about The Challenges of Overseas Medical Evacuations)
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The Dangers of Infections During Travel
Dr. John Cahill discusses about how traveling abroad has become very easy - it's relatively cheap, readily available, enjoyable, and a click away on the internet. But many people don't seem to realize there are health risks involved when traveling, particularly when traveling to the developing world or to the tropics. Travelers need to think about being vaccinated for diseases that might not occur in the United States. (Read more about The Dangers of Infections During Travel)
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The Challenge of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Dr. John Cahill discusses some of the challenges we face with infectious diseases that are constantly emerging and changing. SARS is an example of a virus that until several years ago, we had never heard about. So the possibility of new viruses emerging is a very real threat. Another challenge we face is bacteria evolving and growing resistant to antibiotics. It's becoming a huge problem in the developed world where we take antibiotics for granted. Doctors are constantly prescribing antibiotics and patients routinely expect to receive them for any number of minor infections. This gross distribution of antibiotics has contributed to the formation of "superbugs" that are resistant to the antibiotics we typically use. The reality is that we don't have the technology or the resources to continue developing the drugs needed to fight off all these mutations and resistance strains that keep developing. (Read more about The Challenge of Emerging Infectious Diseases)
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The Concept of Herd Immunization
Dr. John Cahill explains that though Infectious Disease specialists would like to vaccinate everyone, getting a large amount of people vaccinated can provide a barrier for most of the group. If enough of a population gets vaccinated then the potential for disease to travel across the globe, or even within U.S., is greatly diminished. In the event of a serious outbreak, we would start by vaccinating the health care providers. We would then vaccinate people serving sectors valuable to society infrastructure like police officers and firemen. (Read more about The Concept of Herd Immunization)
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How Real is the Threat of Pandemic?
Dr. John Cahill explains that our world is becoming increasingly small and easy access air travel and global urbanization has created the possibility for the very real threat of pandemic. The internet has made international travel quick and easy and soon a majority of the global population will live in close quarter urban environments. A good example is SARS, which started in China, made its way to Hong Kong, and spread throughout the world rapidly. More recently, though there have not been a large number of reported cases, Avian Influenza has the potential to be a serious threat to public health. If someone with the common Flu were to meet someone with Avian Influenza, there is a very real possibility that the two could mutate into something very virulent and spread rapidly. (Read more about How Real is the Threat of Pandemic?)
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The Historical Burden of Infectious Disease
Dr. John Cahill defines Infectious Disease as a specialty of medicine that deals with micro organisms from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that infect different organs in a human being. Historically, infectious diseases have had an impact on the whole global population. Outbreaks, epidemics, and plagues have been the leading cause of death for most populations around the world. It has only been in the last 100 or even 50 years where we've seen a significant decline in infectious disease. This is due to modern advances in improving water and sanitation infrastructure. (Read more about The Historical Burden of Infectious Disease)
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Is Alcohol A Potential Cold Remedy?
When it comes to colds, many people insist that a glass of brandy or whisky, with lemon juice, can provide an effective cure. However, studies so far had not been able to show that alcohol can kill germs in the bloodstream or stop a cold dead in its tracks. And while alcohol may provide temporary relief from symptoms, it can also prolong the cold by increasing dehydration. (Read more about Is Alcohol A Potential Cold Remedy?)
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Cold and Flu Questions Answered
Each year, as many as 20% of Americans get the flu, and close to one billion Americans suffer from colds. Despite the prevalence of these seasonal infections, people continue to have numerous misconceptions. A report from Harvard Medical School debunks common myths and dishes the facts you need to know during this year's cold and flu season. (Read more about Cold and Flu Questions Answered)
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Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke Doubled by Flu
A recent study from the London School of Hygiene has found that winter infections such as influenza can double the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The effects were found to be independent of age or gender. Victims are twice as likely to be affected during the week following a respiratory infection. The extensive study included two million patients.. Scientists believe that infections such as the flu dislodge fatty deposits and/or blood clots that accumulate in the arteries, leaving them free to move around the body and potentially clog the circulation of the brain or heart where they may block blood flow. There are also cases where viral infection causes short-term abnormalities in blood clotting, with thrombosis and embolism occurring in both sexes and all ages immediately following infection. This research has prompted calls from experts to encourage all who have cardiovascular diseases to have an annual flu shot to minimize their risk. (Read more about Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke Doubled by Flu)
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