The early signs of herpes simplex infection typically begin with sensations and symptoms that precede visible sores or blisters. These initial signs can be subtle and vary depending on whether the infection is oral (commonly caused by HSV-1) or genital…
HIV can remain undetected in the body for varying lengths of time depending on the type of test used and the stage of infection. After exposure to HIV, there is a “window period” during which the virus is present but…
Hepatitis C can indeed be cured completely in the vast majority of cases, thanks to modern antiviral treatments. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from the body so that it is undetectable for at…
Hepatitis A, B, and C are three distinct types of viral infections that affect the liver, each caused by a different virus and differing significantly in how they spread, their symptoms, severity, and long-term effects. **Hepatitis A** is caused by…
The yellow fever vaccine is often required or strongly recommended for travel depending on your destination, especially if you are going to areas where yellow fever is present or if you are arriving from such regions. Many countries in tropical…
Knowing if you have chikungunya involves recognizing a specific set of symptoms that typically appear after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The incubation period—the time between the bite and the appearance of symptoms—is usually between 2 to 10 days.…
Dengue fever is an illness caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The symptoms of dengue fever develop in stages and can vary widely from mild to severe, often making it tricky to recognize early…
The Zika virus can have profound and serious effects on pregnancy, primarily because it has the ability to cross the placental barrier and infect the developing fetus. This virus is transmitted mainly by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, but…
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is not always fatal, but it is a very serious illness with a high risk of death. The fatality rate of Ebola varies widely depending on the outbreak, the virus strain, and the quality of medical…
Smallpox is a serious and contagious disease that causes a distinctive rash and skin lesions, which have been well documented historically. When someone has smallpox, the first visible signs on the skin typically begin as small red spots called macules.…