The foods you eat can do much more than provide nourishment and sustenance. Certain foods can have a powerful impact on how often you are sick, how long the virus sticks around and how well your body is able to fight it off, Jean Carper reports in...
Swine flu is the common name for the novel H1N1 flu strain first identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2009. According to the CDC, antiviral drugs are prescription medications that fight against swine flu...
Cold sores are tiny 1- to 2-mm blisters that develop on the lip and sometimes inside the mouth or on the surrounding facial skin. In the 2008 edition of "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine," National Institutes of Health researcher...
The effectiveness of herbal remedies in warding off viral and bacterial infections remains a topic of debate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that no scientific evidence supports the use of herbs in preventing the flu, while...
Unlike bacterial diseases, conditions caused by viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. Such conditions include the flu, colds, herpes and HIV. Some foods have antiviral properties by enhancing your immune system and making it more...
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, causes a painful skin rash that usually clears on its own in a few weeks. A weakened immune system triggers an infection and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The Centers for Disease Control and...
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and usually form around the mouth and on the lips. After appearing on the surface of the skin, the cold sore will blister and then begin to weep fluid about two days later. Once the...
The plant-based polyphenol compounds known as phytoestrogens have a structure similar to the most potent human estrogen hormone estradiol, according to the journal "Integrative Medicine." Phytoestrogens are present in a variety of whole grains,...
The flu is a highly contagious virus that attacks the upper respiratory system. According to Kid'sHealth.org, the illness generally has a quick onset and you may have few symptoms prior to getting sick. The preliminary symptoms you do have may be...
It's easy to overlook calendula flowers because they're so common. A type of marigold that grows wild in several parts of the United States, marigolds help keep bugs away from vegetables such as tomatoes, so they're a common staple in many...
Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much sebum. This oily substance can block the pores, which then can erupt into inflamed pustules. Severe cases can leave acne scars in the skin. These scars may be cleared by removing...
The human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, causes AIDS, a disease that weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to potentially fatal diseases such as pneumonia and cancer. There is no cure for HIV, but anti-viral drugs...
AIDS is an immune-deficiency disorder caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. It prevents the immune system from functioning properly, and allows infections to take over the body. There is no cure for AIDS or HIV, but there are...
Epstein-Barr is a virus and the primary source for mononucleosis, or mono. Nearly 90 percent of adults in the U.S. have antibodies, giving them immunity to the disease, according to Princeton University. Epstein-Barr syndrome is highly contagious,...
Herpes zoster, or shingles, is caused by the varicella zoster virus--the virus that causes chicken pox. Herpes zoster causes skin redness, itching, tingling and a painful blistering rash. Several pharmaceutical treatments are available by...
A blister is a fluid-filled sac that develops on the surface layer of the skin due to an infection in the body or direct contact with an irritating substance. According to MedlinePlus, blisters can range in size from extremely small to up to 10-mm...
Derived from dried olive plant leaves, olive leaf extract is used medicinally. It has been used for infections, inflammation, hypertension and diabetes, according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Though plants come from nature, that does not...
Melaleuca is a type of tree that is indigenous to Australia and New Zealand, but can grow well in most tropical environments, including the Florida Everglades. Melaleuca has been used as an herbal remedy for a host of health conditions. The...
If you've been infected with the genital herpes virus, it's essential for you to learn how to anticipate outbreaks in order to reduce the chance that you'll pass the virus on. If you're newly diagnosed, you'll have to spend some time figuring out...
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is a popular dietary supplement among bodybuilders and other types of athletes. Taking arginine alpha-ketoglutarate supplements may protect against viral growth and reduce inflammation in patients with hepatitis, a...
Antivirals are drugs used to treat or prevent viral infections. Viruses cause major killer diseases around the world, accounting for huge numbers of deaths every year from diseases like the flu, HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. They are also causally...
Damp, warm environments attract fungus, and the beds of your toenails offer ideal conditions for growth. With a rich blood supply, toenails are a great location for the fungal organisms, like candida, to colonize. This may result in an unsightly...
Chicken pox is a highly infectious disease in children and adults caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most patients with chicken pox are under age 10. A vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox. It is administered at 12 to 15 months of age and...
Warts are a common viral infection, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Although warts will eventually heal by themselves over time, essential oils help to speed up the healing time. Some essential oils contain the necessary properties to...
Garlic is a traditional herbal remedy for a wide range of ailments. It is used to help improve blood circulation to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries. Garlic is also thought to help...
Propolis, famously known as "bee glue," is a sticky, waxy substance made by bees said to contain anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. It is abundant in amino acids, antioxidants known as bioflavonoids,...
Acne is the result of an excess amount of oil in the skin and is especially common during adolescence. This oil can block the pores, which become inflamed and may cause scarring in severe cases of acne. The traditional treatment for acne scars is...
Cold sores and acne are blemishes of the skin that may have similar appearances, but they have very different causes. Neither of these ailments is considered a serious medical condition, but both are unsightly, nonetheless. Each condition has its...
When it comes to removing unwanted facial hair, laser hair removal is an excellent choice for long-lasting results. The laser hair removal process is generally fairly quick, although several treatments may be required. Most users report only mild...
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral disease leading to painful blisters or rashes to a local area on the body. Learn more about shingles in this health video.
Chickenpox are caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus, which is closely related to the herpes simplex viruses. Learn more about Varicella-Zoster virus in this health video.
