Infection Control

The COVID-19 virus emerged in China in 2019. Since then, it spread around the world. But how is this possible? Let's learn about how this virus spreads.

We all want to avoid COVID-19. Let's look at some simple ways to lower your risk of infection.

A hospital is a great place to get well. But it's also a place where you can get sick. That's because a lot of germs can live in a hospital. Let's learn how you can stay safe.

One of the best ways you can keep from getting sick is to wash your hands often. Proper hand washing keeps harmful germs you've touched from getting into your eyes, nose and mouth. And, it keeps you from spreading harmful germs to others.

If you're having surgery, you need to know about a possible complication called "postoperative pneumonia." It's a lung infection some patients get at the hospital, or at home while recovering. It can be deadly.

A MRSA infection is caused by the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Because this bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, preventing an infection is important. You can avoid a MRSA infection by following these guidelines.

This is an intestinal infection. It's caused by a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile. We also call it "C. diff." It lives in the intestines of some people. For most who carry it, C. diff. doesn't cause problems. But it can spread to others, especially in places like hospitals and nursing homes. And when it infects someone new, it can grow out of control.

This infection is caused by a fungus known as Candida auris. We also call it "C. auris." It's an emerging threat around the world. It's spreading quickly, and it's very hard to fight with modern medicines.

This is a viral infection. It usually results in an itchy rash and mild sickness that lasts for five to 10 days. This virus spreads easily among children. In the past, contracting chickenpox was a routine part of childhood for most people. But a vaccine has made infections much less common.

You have itchy red bumps on your skin. And, you don't feel very good. The doctor says you have "chickenpox." Let's learn all about it.

This is a bacterial infection. It's caused by the cholera bacterium. It affects your digestive system. For some people, it causes severe diarrhea and other problems.

This is an illness of your intestines. It's caused by a tiny parasite that lives in water. The parasite is found all over the world. It's the most common cause of intestinal infection.

This is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can cause you to be mildly sick for weeks or months. But even after you feel better, the virus can stay inside your body. It can slowly harm your liver over many years.

This is a disease of your immune system. It begins as an infection by the human immunodeficiency virus, which we call "HIV." Over time, this virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. That's the syndrome we call "AIDS."

This common viral infection is sometimes called "the kissing disease." It can leave an infected person tired for weeks or months. Mononucleosis is most often seen in adolescents and in young adults.

This is an infectious disease commonly called "the flu." It targets your respiratory system. For some people, an influenza infection can be very serious.

If you've been diagnosed with HIV, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel confused and scared. But you can live a full and happy life with HIV. These tips can help.

If you've been dealing with lasting effects of Lyme disease, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. It can take a long time to identify your problem, and many people don't understand what you are going through. But with the right approach, you can manage this syndrome. Here are some things you should think about.

This is a serious disease. It's caused by a single-celled parasite that lives and multiplies in your liver and bloodstream. It feeds on your red blood cells, destroying them. Malaria can make you very sick.

This is a disease you get from a virus. Measles isn't common. That's because most of us are vaccinated as children. But when an unvaccinated person is exposed to it, they can be infected. They can spread it to others.

This type of infection is caused by a strain of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Because of this, it is hard to treat. A MRSA infection can cause serious complications. It can be life-threatening.

This is a disease you get from a virus. Mumps isn't common. That's because most of us are vaccinated as children. But when an unvaccinated person is exposed to it, they can be infected. They can spread it to others.

This rare brain infection is caused by an amoeba. We call it Naegleria fowleri. It lives in sources of warm fresh water, like lakes and rivers. It can also live in the soil.

This is a serious, painful infection that can spread quickly through soft tissues. If it's not treated properly, you can die from it.

This is an infection caused by a parasite. It leads to swelling in your brain. Sleeping sickness can be very serious.

This disease, most commonly a problem among people who live in developing countries, is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord and kidneys. A full-blown, active case of tuberculosis can be deadly.

This is a bacterial infection. It's caused by the Salmonella typhi bacterium. It spreads easily between people.

This is an infection of the lining of your airways. It is highly contagious. It is most common in young children who have not been fully vaccinated and in people who have not received booster shots.

This is a viral infection. It is common in South America, and in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus that causes it is carried and spread by mosquitoes.

This viral infection is spread by mosquitoes. For most people, it's not serious or dangerous. You can get it and not even know you have it. But it can cause problems for a developing fetus. It can cause severe, permanent disabilities. It can be fatal.

This is a group of viruses that infect your respiratory tract. Most people will be infected with a coronavirus at least once in their lifetime. Usually, symptoms are mild or moderate, and may seem like those of a common cold. But some coronaviruses can be very dangerous.

Your loved one has a COVID-19 infection, and you're caring for them at home. Let's talk about how to do it safely.

This infection is caused by the tapeworm parasite. When you are infected, one or more tapeworms live and grow inside you. They can live in your intestines, and they can spread to other parts of your body. An adult tapeworm may live in the intestines for decades.

This set of symptoms develops in some people infected with COVID-19. It happens when different parts of the body become inflamed. It may develop days or weeks after becoming infected. It can be life-threatening.

This is the name we give a large group of viruses that often spread by sexual activity. HPV infections are so common that almost everyone will get one soon after they become sexually active. Most infections aren't harmful and go away on their own. But some can lead to cancer.