Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus, or a virus that attacks RNA instead of DNA in human cells, eventually leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV by definition attacks the body's immune system defenses so that...
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, significantly increases the risk for certain types of cancer. Although multiple factors contribute to the development of all forms of cancer, HIV infection is a primary contributing factor...
The most common form of cranial mononeuropathy VII, Bell's palsy causes patients to have temporary facial paralysis. Patients with Bell's palsy have damage to the seventh cranial nerve, called the facial nerve. Symptoms of Bell's palsy include...
Many communicable diseases occur most frequently in children. Although children's susceptibility to communicable diseases has many factors, their spirited desire to touch and physically interact with their environment contributes to the easy...
If your child's illness has passed and then a rash appears, this can be cause for concern among most parents. Roseola and fifth disease are common childhood illnesses that first cause a fever that's followed by a rash. Always consult with your...
Human herpes virus 6 was discovered in 1986 and later identified as the cause of roseola. Roseola is a mild infection that generally affects children sometime before the age of 2. It is very common, so common that most children have been infected...
Herpes is a chronic, recurrent infection that is caused by viruses from the Herpesvirus family. This large group of viruses includes the herpes simplex viruses, which cause "cold sores" and genital herpes in humans. Once a person is infected, the...
While no known lifestyle modifications can help you prevent or avoid Kaposi's sarcoma with any degree of certainty, it helps if you know whether or not you're at increased risk for developing this rare form of cancer. People--primarily men--of...
Roseola is caused by one of several viruses, the most common of which is herpesvirus 6. It is most common in children under the age of 3 -- and it is contagious. Symptoms of roseola develop between five and 15 days after exposure to another...
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is the most common cause of a febrile illness called roseola or exanthem subitum. This illness typically occurs in young children ages six months to three years. High fever, skin rash, and mild cold-like symptoms...
The human heart is composed of four chambers: the upper and lower atria and the upper and lower ventricles. These chambers are separted by four valves that open and close to properly control blood flow in and out of the heart. Chronic diseases and...
Rashes are common skin eruptions that occur in children of all ages. Most rashes in children are benign, but there are some that require prompt medical attention. Rashes are described by their location, color, size, whether they are flat or raised...
Rashes are a fairly common childhood occurrence because of the various new substances children come into contact with. Contact dermatitis is the clinical term denoting inflammation of the skin and is caused either due to an allergy to a chemical...
Herpes, according to a 2009 article in the journal "Antiviral Therapy," is a family of viruses that includes herpes simplex-1, herpes simplex-2, varicella zoster (shingles), herpes B, Epstein-Barr and other viruses. The viruses share several...
Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with a virus. Acute infections are typically thought of as those with a fairly rapid onset and a relatively short duration. Several different viruses are responsible for the majority...
Epilepsy is a term used to describe recurrent seizures. Depending on the type and severity of the disorder, seizures can occur frequently throughout the day or sporadically every few months. The seizure itself occurs due a strong burst of...
A runny nose occurs when the membranes in the nasal passages become irritated and inflamed. The irritation causes an increase in mucus production that leads to the runny nose and nasal congestion. A fever, defined as a body temperature greater...
AIDS (autoimmune deficiency syndrome) is a condition in which the cells that defend the body called CD4 lymphocytes reach a level of 200 or lower. Symptoms of AIDS include night sweats, a dry cough, blurry vision, shortness of breath, chronic...
Children are frequently exposed to many viruses, illnesses and irritants that can trigger a facial rash. Cold weather can cause or exacerbate a facial rash, especially if the temperature and elements are extreme. Understanding what can cause a...
Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus affecting many Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that up to 95 percent of all adults in the United States between the ages of 35 and 40 have been infected with this virus....
Liver cells contain high concentrations of certain enzymes, or proteins, that facilitate chemical reactions. Liver cell injury causes leakage of these enzymes into the bloodstream, leading to abnormal elevations in the levels of these proteins....
Skin rashes can occur at any age, with some, such as roseola infantum, being associated with viruses acquired during childhood. Many skin rashes are not serious and go away on their own. A thorough physical exam by the doctor can help decide what...
A healthy diet, including certain dietary additions and subtractions, is an important consideration in treating your Epstein-Barr virus infection. According to the Better Medicine website, approximately 95 percent of all adults in the United...
Fever is defined as a temporary rise in the temperature of the body in response to infection or illness, while convulsion is a medical condition where a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably due to repeated contraction and relaxation of...
Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. There are two variations of the disease: HSV-1 affects the mouth, face and central nervous system; and HSV-2 affects the genital area. Conventional treatment involves antiviral drugs...
The Herpesviridae family of viruses includes several strains that commonly infect humans, including herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus and Epstein-Barr virus. All herpesvirus infections are lifelong, that is, once the virus...
Chicken pox is also known as varicella. It is caused by a virus known as varicella-zoster. This is the same virus that causes shingles, also known as zoster. It is in the family of viruses known as human herpesviridae, or HHV. These are viruses...
The liver synthesizes components of digestion and blood clotting factors and serves to store energy and detoxify the blood. Its significance often under recognized the liver and biliary tract cannot be artificially synthesized, bypassed, or...
Glandular fever is an older but still-used term for mononucleosis, an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis, sometimes called the "kissing disease" because it spreads by direct contact with saliva rather than respiratory...
A tingling, a hard spot, or a red blister on your lip are all signs of a cold sore. Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are common. Though you can't cure or prevent cold sores, you can take steps to reduce their frequency and to limit the...
Epstein Barr is a virus in the herpes family that can remain asymptomatic but may cause infectious mononucleosis (mono). Learn more about Epstein Barr including treatments and symptoms in this medical video.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but many treatments can be suggested by a doctor. Learn about genital herpes from a doctor in this video on sexually transmitted diseases.
