What to Know About Viral Infections

A virus is a small piece of genetic material that looks for a host to live inside and multiply. This is known as viral shedding. The virus typically exits the host by the same means it entered. svetikd / Getty Images Viruses can be spread through either direct or indirect transmission: Bacterial or Viral Infection? Bacteria work differently than viruses. They can live on their own, meaning they don’t require a host to survive....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 353 words · Jessica Hull

What to Know About Vitamin B17

Vitamin B17 is a commonly used name for a chemical calledamygdalin. It is used to make a chemical calledlaetrile, a compound that some people claim can treatcancernaturally. However, there is little evidence that laetrile works or is safe. Morsa Images / Digital Vision / Getty Images Amygdalin is sourced from certain plant products like apricot pits and bitter almonds. Although they’re called “vitamin B17,” amygdalin andlaetrileare not B vitamins. This article will define what vitamin B17 is....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 444 words · Mark Smith

What to Know About Your CD4 Count and Viral Load

What Is a CD4 Count? The CD4 test is one of the more familiar testing assays known to people with HIV. What Is a Viral Load? Andrew Brookes/Getty Images This cause-effect relationship is the reason adherence should always be checked before therapy is changed. These are usually minimal and should not be the cause for alarm. On the flip side, failure to achieve viral suppression reduced life expectancy by as much as 11 years....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 127 words · Jonathan Baker

What to Know Before an Endometrial Biopsy

The endometrial tissue is examined for abnormal cells or for hormonal effects on the endometrium. If pregnancy does not occur, the thickened endometrium will be shed duringmenstruation. Endometrial canceris the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. Science Picture Co / Getty Images A speculum is inserted into the vagina so thecervixcan be visualized. After the cervix is cleaned, a small instrument is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 131 words · Amanda Palmer

What to Know Before You Get Contact Lenses

Are you thinking of trying contact lenses? With all the safe and convenient options available today, almost anyone can wear contacts. Wearing contact lenses can be a great option for some people, especially those who have an active lifestyle. lolostock / Getty Images But itmay not work for everyone, and some find them cumbersome and enjoy the ease of wearing eyeglasses. What Are Contact Lenses? Most people are able to wear contacts....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 373 words · Alan Gonzalez

What to Say to Someone Who Lost a Child

Thedeath of a childis tragic. It is natural for friends of grieving parents to want to help yet struggle to find the right words. What you sayand what you dont saycan affect someone in need. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health This article will discuss ways to talk to someone who has lost a child. It will also provide suggestions on what to say and what not to say to grieving parents....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 339 words · Gregory Brown

What Triggers Knee Psoriasis? (And How to Treat It)

It causes raised, dry, itchy skin patches (called plaques). Knee psoriasis treatment options include topical therapies, as well as oral medications. Lifestyle changes may also help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. tumeyes / Getty Images tumeyes / Getty Images What Does It Look Like? Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023. What Is Psoriasis? Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023. This leads to the formation of plaques....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 338 words · Shawn Esparza

What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin (Anemia)?

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that contains iron and helps transport oxygen around the body. Fanconi anemiais a rare genetic condition that affects bone marrow. Tumors also can develop in the head and neck, gastrointestinal system, and genital tract. Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health This is often due to bleeding tumors. Colon Cancer Iron deficiency anemia can be one of the first symptoms of colon cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 514 words · Stacey Cline

What Type of Hip Replacement Implant Is Best?

There are many orthopedic manufacturing companies that produce different implants used inhip replacement surgery. Most of these companies make several different hip replacement prostheses. Is there a way to determine which hip replacement implant is best? Peter Dazeley / Getty Images The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The artificial implant is then positioned in the bone. You’ll find lots of different answers, and each person thinks they’ve got the right one....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 146 words · April Franco

What Type of Nerve Pain Medication Is Right for Me?

Treatments can includetraditional painkillers, nontraditionalpain medications, and other related pain treatments. The rightcombination of pain management strategieswill help you function better and have a better quality of life. Treatments vary from person to personit all depends on your pain and your needs. Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images Paul Bradbury / Caiaimage / Getty Images What Is Neuropathy? Pain from neuropathy is called neuropathic pain. Topical medications are absorbed through your skin and enter the bloodstream....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 839 words · Tammy Graves

What Types of Doctors Treat Diabetes?

Read on to learn about the various types of healthcare professionals that treat diabetes. Podiatrist In addition to affecting the eyes, diabetes also commonly affects the feet. However, especially when newly diagnosed, navigating adiabetes-friendly dietcan seem intimidating. Getty That’s where working with anutritionistcan be beneficial. Pharmacist Oftentimes diabetes management requires the use of several oral or injectable medications. While a pharmacist can’t prescribe medications, they can still play an important role in diabetes treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 226 words · Rose Brown

What Unequal Pupils Reveal About Your Health

Pupils, the dark circles in your eyes, are usually equal in size. Unequal pupils (anisocoria) may be a sign of a medical issue. Or you might notice someone elses pupils are not the same size. bymuratdeniz / Getty Images Sometimes unequal pupils can be associated with other symptoms. When one eye is exposed to light, the other eye also constricts. Abnormal pupil size can be: Causes Some people are born with unequal pupils....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 452 words · Lisa Campbell

What Vaccines Do Teens Get?

This article will describe the recommended vaccinations for teens and what to expect. It can also travel through the bloodstream. Meningococcal disease is any disease brought on by the bacteriaNeisseria meningitidis. eyesfoto These diseases are very serious and can lead to death. The MenACWYvaccineprotects against four types (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) ofNeisseria meningitidisbacteria. It is recommended each year for children age 6 months and older. It is also available in a nasal spray....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 608 words · Mrs. Ashley Morales