What is influenza and how is it caused?Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. Its symptoms include fever, runny nose, stuffed up nose, fatigue, headache, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and achy muscles and joints. Not only is the flu contagious, it could become severe and even prove to be fatal if left untreated.The flu is largely caused by three types of viruses, that is the...more
Three percent to 20% of school-aged children have warts. Warts are skin infections caused by the human papilloma virus. Although they are harmless and usually selflimiting, they can stigmatize a child or cause physical discomfort, for example, in the case of plantar warts. Many therapies have been developed for the treatment of warts, but most of these treatments have adverse effects such as pain and irritation or need to be applied for a long...more
The synthesis of viral gene products (both RNA and proteins) takes place in three sequential periods. The first set of viral gene products consists of six proteins known as immediate early proteins. Of these, five regulate the reproductive cycle of the virus, and one blocks the presentation of antigenic peptides on the infected cell surfaces.Immediate early Proteins are essential for the synthesis of the second set of viral gene products, known as early proteins. Most of the early proteins are responsible for viral nucleic acid metabolism and are the main target of antiviral chemotherapy. The third class of proteins is for the most part the structural components of the virion. They assemble to form the capsid and tegument, and they incorporate into nuclear membranes for eventual envelopment of virions.In the process of viral assembly, a procapsid is formed from scaffolding and capsid proteins. The scaffolding proteins consist of a protease and its substrate, with the protease cleaving the substrate during capsid assembly. The newly synthesized DNA is cleaved into unit-length molecules and packaged into the virions. Generally, envelopment favors capsids containing DNA.Capsids...more
Although HSV-1 and HSV-2 are usually transmitted by different routes and involve different areas of the body, there is an overlap in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations. These viruses are distributed worldwide, and infection occurs in both developed and developing countries. Animal vectors of human HSV infections have not been described,...more
Most people want to know this because they believe that if they know the cause they might be able to prevent it from coming back in the future. Piles can be one of the most embarrassing things that someone can suffer from. It is probably safe to say that most hemorrhoid sufferers don't wish to suffer for too long and would welcome a quick treatment...more
The HSV is highly contagious. Although there are eight different strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are responsible for the majority of herpes infections. The cure for herpes symptoms is dependent on which strain of the virus is contracted. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 increases from about 10% at 15-29 years of age to 35% by the age of 60.When the populations are analyzed according to race, the seroprevalence among African Americans is three- to fourfold higher than among Caucasians. Factors found to influence acquisition of HSV-2 include gender, race, marital status, and place of residence. The highest prevalence of antibodies to HSV-2 in the United States is among female prostitutes and male homosexuals.The number of sexual partners correlates directly with acquisition of HSV-2. For heterosexual women living with one partner, the probability of acquisition of HSV-2 is less than 10%. The probability increases to 40%, 62%, and over 80% as the number of lifetime sexual partners increases to 2-10, 11-50, or over 50, respectively.For heterosexual men, similar data are zero probability for one lifetime sexual partner, and 20%, 35%, and 70% for each of the subsequent three risk groups. In...more
There are a few different types of hemorrhoids, each with their own specific characteristics. External hemorrhoids are visible and can be felt outside the anal canal. They can be very uncomfortable and make you feel like there is something there that...more
Are you confused by Medicare? If you are, you are not alone. When you first begin to learn about Medicare, you are confronted with a whole new set of information. There is Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D.If that were not confusing enough, you...more
I am using Dr. Oz as an example of "modern" allopathic medicine (drugs, surgery and radiation). If the following information makes complete sense to you or you are not getting this information from your doctor within the first five minutes of...more
So you got the notice...the Medicare RAC is coming to your practice. Not worried? Think again. The CMS audit of all beneficiaries of Medicare payments (anyone who files medical claims with Medicare) is here to stay and if your practice is out of...more
Addiction is the most common word in todays world. It can be defined as that condition when a person is unable to stop using something. That something can be movies, music, shopping, cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. The last two are the most common and...more
These days with the increase in drug addiction problems the need for some cure is also becoming very much essential. And for that reason the drug rehabilitation centers are always there to help you with your drug problems. This is applicable not only...more