Ginger root is the underground rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant that grows in semi-tropical areas, such as Hawaii, Haiti and Jamaica. While ginger root may offer some relief for symptoms of a cold or flu virus, it's doubtful that the herb...
Tamiflu is a prescription medication that can be used to treat or prevent the flu and other viral infections. It will not kill the virus, but it will reduce the duration of symptoms or prevent them from developing in people exposed to the flu. To...
Most common viral infections, including colds, infect the respiratory tract and generally cause a similar set of symptoms. You may experience some or all of the following if you catch a viral respiratory tract infection: headache, fever, malaise,...
An inhalant allergy can make you feel sick, but it will not make you sick. Symptoms similar to the common cold commonly develop from allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. If your...
A bacterial infection of the throat is quite common. There are many strains of bacterium that can lead to throat infection. Sometimes the symptoms of a viral infection are exactly the same as a bacterial infection. A test done by a health care...
People who are very sensitive to the changes in their bodies may notice early symptoms of shingles, or the herpes zoster virus. Others may misconstrue them as signs of migraine or flu. Even correctly diagnosing early warnings and beginning...
Having a pimply rash on your body can cause a lot of pain, discomfort and possibly embarrassment. A variety of reasons, such as viral or bacterial infections, could explain a pimple-like rash all over your body. It is imperative that you seek...
One of the most common conditions that affect millions of Americans daily fall into the category of headaches. Because of the varying types of symptoms, the word headache has become a general term that does not begin to encompass the many types...
Flu, or seasonal influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a viral infection. Most people will suffer from flu at some point in their lives and the vast majority recover completely within a few weeks. Certain people such as...
Pain felt throughout the face and head is the result of inflamed and swollen sinuses, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the sinuses are swollen, it places pressure on the surrounding areas of the sinus cavity such as the eyes, cheeks, ears and...
Indian frankincense, also known by its Latin name Boswellia serrata, has roles in alternative medicine because of its anti-inflammatory activity. Although frankincense is not indicated for herpes, it might be helpful for a complication that...
Coughing is your body's response to an irritation in your upper respiratory tract. Often associated with a cold or the flu, a cough can be disruptive and painful. Ginger, a spice used to flavor Asian foods and desserts, such as gingerbread, is...
Mysterious bumps can appear on your skin for many reasons. While skin bumps can cause discomfort and affect your aesthetic appearance, most bumps are essentially harmless. If you are concerned about the presence of mysterious bumps on your skin,...
Exercise helps relieve feelings of anxiety and stress and often leaves most people feeling exhilarated and refreshed. Exercise may also cause you to feel hot and sweaty and in slight pain. If you experience a fever and/or aches and pains after a...
Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. Although not a serious problem, it is contagious and if your toddler becomes infected, he will need taken out of daycare or...
Vegetables benefit your spleen because the nutrients in vegetables prevent disorders that cause splenomegaly, a condition that rarely presents symptoms other than an enlarged spleen, which your doctor may feel on an examination of your abdomen....
Congestion is a common symptom in children. Sometimes congestion is an acute, or short-term, condition, such as in the case of a cold or the flu. Other times nasal congestion is a chronic problem, such as in the case of allergies. In order to...
Infection of the bowels is a common problem that can arise from a virus, bacteria or a multitude of disorders. Any change in frequency or appearance of bowel movements can signal an infection or other bowel problem. Poor nutrition and lack of...
Viral pathogens are responsible for approximately 50 percent of all pneumonia cases, according to health experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Viral pneumonia symptoms initially mimic common cold or flu symptoms, but progressively become more severe...
Human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus essentially attacks the human immunity system, leaving it vulnerable to infectious bacteria and viruses you may...
Since mononucleosis is a viral infection, there is no cure for the disease, and no specific treatment can effectively eliminate symptoms. To alleviate the symptoms, including the significant fatigue that accompanies the disease, get plenty of bed...
The onset symptoms of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, called HIV for short, typically arise within a month following initial viral exposure. These early symptoms of HIV can be difficult to distinguish from more common flu-like...
Viral conjunctivitis, which is also called pink eye, is a type of inflammatory eye infection caused by the presence of a virus within the eyelid. Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, which is caused by bacteria, viral conjunctivitis can't be treated...
Tonsil infections cause sore throats, difficulty swallowing and even bad breath. A person's tonsils are two clusters of tissue located on the left and right sides of the back of the throat. Tonsils protect the body by trapping germs from entering...
Several classes of viruses, including influenza, RSV, corona and rhinoviruses, cause the common cold. It is more prevalent in the winter months, when close contact between people allows for person-to-person transmission. The usual mode of...
Pink eye conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva--the thin clear tissue that covers the sclera, or the white of the eye, and the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctiva does contain blood vessels; when these vessels get...
The symptoms of a middle-ear infection, also called otitis media, are more common in children but can affect adults as well. A middle-ear infection is typically caused by a viral infection that attacks the lining of the middle ear, though other...
More than 50 percent of people with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, report experiencing constitutional symptoms, which are symptoms that affect the entire body, according to Drs. Rocio Hurtado and Eric L. Krakauer with the Health...
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively common in women and men who have unprotected sex. Herpes simplex virus has no cure, but it is not fatal. You can avoid getting it by using a condom during sex or making sure your partner...
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium, the inner layer of the heart, including the heart valves. Learn more about endocarditic in this health video.
Hepatitis D is an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection. Symptoms include jaundice, nausea, and lack of appetite. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of hepatitis D in this health video.
Hepatitis G is caused by a viral infection but does not cause any disease process or symptoms. Learn more about hepatitis G in this health video.
Congestive heart failure, or congestive cardiac failure, is the failure of the heart resulting from any structural or functional disorder. Learn more about congestive heart failure in this health video.
