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Category: Identifying Infections

Topics

Cellulitis

What is it?   Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin caused by bacteria. Cellulitis may occur on healthy skin, although it is more likely to happen after an injury has broken the skin.  Left untreated, cellulitis can be life threatening.     What are the symptoms?...

Norovirus

What is it? Norovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that causes gastroenteritis, a stomach, and intestinal disease. Norovirus infections are highly contagious and are a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks can occur any time of the year, although more common during winter.   What are the symptoms? Norovirus...

Bed Bugs

What is it? Bed bugs are oval-shaped, flat insects. They become brown and grow up to 5mm long as they mature. Even though they need blood to grow, they are resilient and can live for up to a year without eating. Bed bugs commonly live in cracks and crevices in...

Ringworm

What is it? Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection of the skin or hair follicles.   What are the symptoms? The symptoms of ringworm often depend on which part of the body is infected, although they generally include the following   Having itchy skin Rash in the shape of...

Pneumonia

What is it? Pneumonia is a severe illness caused by an infection of the lungs. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause pneumonia resulting in fluid or pus that can fill the air sacs, resulting in pneumonia symptoms.  Aspirating food, fluids, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs causes aspiration pneumonia.  ...

Common Cold

What is it? The common cold is an infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). In most cases, the common cold is harmless, despite feeling unwell. A variety of viruses can cause colds. The most common cause is the rhinovirus.   What are the symptoms? Sore throat Congestion...