Pertussis is a respiratory tract infection that is very contagious. It got its name because of the sharp high-pitched intake of air that makes a “whooping” sound that follows a fit of coughs. It was originally considered a childhood disease but now it affects those children that are too young to have completed vaccination and those who have slowly lost the immunity to it. This can cause death in infants, which is why pregnant women should be vaccinated against it. Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It produces many virulence factors including the pertussis toxin and since it can be transmitted through droplets, it can go from person to person making it highly contagious. When the infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets in the air can be taken in by anyone nearby.…
The symptoms are similar to a cold and cough, with the cough gradually getting worse.…
Most of St. Jude’s patients are children. Patients that come to St. Jude are those that have been referred by a physician, have been diagnosed with a disease currently under study, and are eligible for a research protocol. St. Jude is the only pediatric research center for children with catastrophic diseases, including cancer and blood disorders, where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance (St. Jude, 2017). In fact, no family ever pays St. Jude for anything. Transportation, housing and food are among the no-cost services provided so that the families that come to St. Jude can focus on their child. No child is ever denied treatment due to race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or the family’s ability to pay. St. Jude…
The larynx, also known as the voice box, lies between the pharynx and the trachea. It has nine layers of cartilage and it contains two folds, called vocal cords. The opening between the vocal cords is called the glottis and as air leaves the lungs, the vocal cords vibrate and produce sound. The tongue and lips then act on the sound to produce speech. When the larynx and the vocal cords become inflamed or irritated, the condition is called Laryngitis. The swelling in the vocal cords causes distortion of the sounds made by air passing over them. Laryngitis frequently occurs in conjunction with other respiratory infections. It mainly just affects the Larynx (voice box) and the vocal cords. Laryngitis can be acute meaning it is short-term. In most cases, laryngitis comes on very quickly and lasts no more than two weeks. Laryngitis can also be chronic meaning it lasts for more than two weeks. The main symptom of Laryngitis is hoarseness of the voice. Some people’s voices get really weak and some people lose their voice completely. Other symptoms of Laryngitis are a tickling sensation and rawness of the throat, a sore or dry throat, a dry cough and dysphagia which means difficult swallowing. Laryngitis can be caused by many different factors. Laryngitis can be caused by a cold or flu, vocal strains which are due to yelling or overusing the voice, bacterial or viral infections, inhaled irritants such as chemical fumes, allergens or smoke, acid reflux, chronic sinusitis, laryngeal cancer, excessive alcohol use or by smoking. If the Laryngitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, there is a chance that the certain virus or bacteria can be contagious. However, if the laryngitis is caused by something like overuse of the voice or laryngeal cancer, then it is not contagious. Anyone at any age can get laryngitis; there is not a specific age group associated with it.…
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that’s causes the back of the throat to be sure, scratchy, red, and inflamed in the human body. Most people develop symptoms of swollen lymph nodes, fever, swollen tonsils, headache, chills, and loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and the little white pus pocket in the back of the throat.…
resembles the herpes virus. The virus can be released into the air by coughing or sneezing, spreading the virus from person to person. The virus also can be spread by touching the fluids from a chickenpox blister. Chickenpox is so contagious that an individual who has never had exposure to chickenpox has an 80% chance of obtaining the disease when in close contact with an infected individual. According to Pub Med Health (2009) “Most children with chickenpox act sick, with symptoms such as a fever, headache, tummy ache, or loss of appetite…
Scarlet fever (sometimes referred to as scarlatina) is an infectious disease characterized by fever, sore throat (pharyngitis), and a characteristic rash. Scarlet fever is predominantly a childhood disease occurring in children 2-10 years of age, though it can less commonly occur in older children and adults. The incidence and mortality rates associated with this once feared disease have significantly decreased due to the introduction and widespread use of antibiotics…
A once common disease that had a possibility of killing children is not very known anymore. If asked what scarlet fever was, most would not know the answer. Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that is developed in some people with strep throat. This illness is now very rare. There are less than 20,000 cases in the United States. This illness used to be life changing, especially for Helen Keller (Mayo Clinic).…
“Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. It is found in the throat and on the tonsils.” (WebMd, 2013) When you have strep throat your throat becomes irritated and inflamed which causes a sudden, severe sore throat. There are many kinds of strep bacteria and some cause a more serious illness than others. It is common for people to think they have strep when they have a sore throat but most sore throats are caused by viral infections. However, a sore throat caused by a viral infection can be just as painful as strep throat.…
Mumps is a contagious disease that can be transported by saliva from an infected person, and can infected person through coughing, and sneezing. Another way mumps infect is through sharing food, and drinks. And this harsh virus can also survive on surfaces and can be spread through contact in a similar manner. To determine a person is infected with mumps is in a physical examination. The doctors confirms it on the presence of the swollen glands. Also this contagious virus approximately takes 6 days before the onset of symptoms, and 9 days after symptoms start. When caught with the virus there are no specific treatments, but doctors say ice, or heat may relieve the symptoms. Also saltwater gargles, soft foods, and extra fluids may also relive the symptoms.…
Women with herpes virus might have no outbreaks or signs of infection. Most do not know they have the virus. When you are infected, the virus lives in your nerve cells for life. When the virus is inactive, there is no sign of infection. When the virus becomes active, a herpes occurrence happens. Some women may not have any occurrences or can have only one occurrence, though some might have numerous occurrences.…
1918 saw the most famous influenza pandemic—a worldwide epidemic that caused nearly 50 million deaths—when a H1N1 influenza A virus of partial avian origin infected over one-third of the world’s population [1].…
A throat culture was obtained. Checking the chart, this boy did have a positive culture about 4 months ago with heavy growth of group A beta hemolytic strep. Mother states he had several episodes like this when he lived in Missouri. A throat swab was done for C&S. He is allergic to Amoxicillin so will give a course of cephalexin. The mother requested a liquid, and cephalexin oral suspension 12.5 mg/kg 3 times daily was ordered, this should also help the otitis media. The mom asked about tonsillectomy, and we spent several minutes discussing the criteria for a tonsillectomy. She is to bring the patient in for a re-check on…
Influenza, also called the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A, B or C viruses. Type A and B are the reason behind the annual influenza epidemics that have close to 20% of the world's population sick. Type C flu symptoms are less severe and less common.…
A sore throat is present in about 40% of the cases and a cough in about 50%, while muscle ache occurs in about half.…