Infectious Disease Archives | Page 2 of 6

October 14, 2016October 24, 2016

Researchers develop first-ever tuberculosis treatment for children

In response to a growing tuberculosis epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling health experts worldwide to make better strides towards saving lives affected by the deadly respiratory infection. Tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, according to recent data from the WHO. “There must be a massive scale-up of efforts, … Continue reading Researchers develop first-ever tuberculosis treatment for children

June 8, 2016June 8, 2016

HPV vaccine: To give or not to give

As an OB/GYN, I have seen and dealt with the consequences of HPV-related disease and have been very vocal about aggressively promoting vaccination. I have vaccinated my own children against HPV and make it a habit to educate my patients who are mothers of preteens/teens to consider the HPV vaccine for their children. But we are still seeing too many … Continue reading HPV vaccine: To give or not to give

February 9, 2016February 9, 2016

3 big questions you may have about the Zika virus

Over the past month, reports and rumors have been swirling about the Zika virus. Whenever there is fear of a disease, it is important to first know the facts. Here are a few questions you may have about the Zika virus, answered by health experts. What is the virus, and what does it cause? The … Continue reading 3 big questions you may have about the Zika virus

January 25, 2016January 26, 2016

Two doctors recall first-hand experience with Zika virus

The recent travel advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning tourists of the heightened outbreak of the Zika virus. Although the Zika virus has never been contracted in the United States, one of the first cases reported into Temple, Texas, was remarkably reported by a provider at Baylor Scott … Continue reading Two doctors recall first-hand experience with Zika virus

November 6, 2015October 26, 2018

Severe flu patients turn to ECMO as last lifeline

In a matter of days, you’ve succumbed to all of the typical flu symptoms – fever, chills, body aches and a cough that just won’t let up. But what you don’t know is that your cough is really an infection and you are getting sicker by the day. While many people who experience the flu … Continue reading Severe flu patients turn to ECMO as last lifeline

August 7, 2015January 25, 2017

Take caution to avoid mosquitoes, recent West Nile cases confirmed

After recent reports of West Nile mosquitoes, residents throughout Texas should take caution to avoid exposure to mosquitoes and reduce risk of infection. Although there are some misconceptions about West Nile, the August 4th release from the Texas Department of State Health Services reported nine total cases of West Nile this year, with three suffering … Continue reading Take caution to avoid mosquitoes, recent West Nile cases confirmed

February 20, 2015March 18, 2016

The truth about the measles outbreak and vaccinations

The recent measles outbreak is a stark reminder that diseases we once thought were conquered have the ability to reignite without proper precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention reported 141 cases in 17 states, including Texas, this year through Feb. 13. Most of the cases appear to be linked to people who contracted the … Continue reading The truth about the measles outbreak and vaccinations

February 19, 2015February 7, 2019

5 ways to reduce your child’s chances of getting the flu, measles

During flu season, parents are often on high alert. As we all know, children are notorious for contracting and spreading infections. Children like to touch, lick and eat almost everything they come in contact with — especially when parents aren’t watching. Here are some tips to help you and your family minimize your risk of … Continue reading 5 ways to reduce your child’s chances of getting the flu, measles

February 2, 2015January 25, 2017

Questions and answers — Measles

I thought measles was a mild illness, why the alarm now? Measles is a severe disease, causing high fever and a flu-like illness with inflamed eyes, cough, congestion and a characteristic rash that is more severe than the usual rash that accompanies other viral infections. The infection can be complicated by ear infections, pneumonia and … Continue reading Questions and answers — Measles

December 26, 2014January 25, 2017

Why is NHL facing unprecedented mumps outbreak?

More than a dozen NHL hockey players have reportedly been diagnosed with the mumps in recent weeks, prompting obvious questions about how and why the disease is spreading among the athletes. (USA Today reports today that three more players have been added to the NHL’s list of mumps cases.) We asked Steven Davis, M.D., the medical director … Continue reading Why is NHL facing unprecedented mumps outbreak?