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Virus ‘identity change’ may play a role in Alzheimer’s

Virus ‘identity change’ may play a role in Alzheimer’s

According to recent research in vitro and in mice, viruses that come into contact with biological fluids acquire a protein coating that renders them more infectious. Moreover, it seems that some viruses that ‘change identity’ in this way may promote neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s. Research shows that viruses can acquire a protein ‘coating’ that […]

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Augmentin (Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium)

Augmentin (Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium)

What is Augmentin? Augmentin is a prescription antibiotic medication. It’s used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Augmentin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. Augmentin contains two drugs: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. This combination makes Augmentin work against more types of bacteria than antibiotics that contain amoxicillin alone. Augmentin is effective for treating infections […]

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How do cancer-causing bacteria take over our stomachs?

How do cancer-causing bacteria take over our stomachs?

A new study in mice uses cutting-edge imaging techniques to investigate how H. pylori, which are present in around half of the humans on earth, survive and thrive in the stomach. How do H. pylori (pictured above) colonize humans so successfully? Gut bacteria are one of the hottest topics in medical science today. As scientists […]

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How to recognize and treat an infected wound

How to recognize and treat an infected wound

A wound infection occurs when germs, such as bacteria, grow within the damaged skin of a wound. Symptoms can include increasing pain, swelling, and redness. More severe infections may cause nausea, chills, or fever. A person may be able to treat minor wound infections at home. However, people with more severe or persistent wound infections […]

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Meningitis rash: Pictures, symptoms, and test

Meningitis rash: Pictures, symptoms, and test

Meningitis causes a characteristic rash on the skin. Learning to spot the signs and distinguish a meningitis rash from similar rashes can help a person receive treatment quickly. Meningitis is an infectious disease caused by certain viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It causes swelling of the meninges, which are the coverings on the brain and spinal […]

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Lysine for cold sores: Does it work?

Lysine for cold sores: Does it work?

Cold sores are tiny blisters that appear either in the mouth or on the lips. Some people use lysine, which is an essential amino acid, to help treat or prevent cold sores, but does it work? A virus causes cold sores, so a doctor will typically prescribe antiviral medications to help treat an outbreak. They […]

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New drug may stop sepsis from reaching major organs

New drug may stop sepsis from reaching major organs

Researchers discover a drug that has the potential to stop sepsis before the condition reaches major organs and becomes fatal. A new preclinical trial of a sepsis drug brings hopeful results. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an existing infection — such as one that develops in a cut, a respiratory infection, or […]

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What to know about viral fever

What to know about viral fever

A viral fever is a higher-than-average body temperature that a virus causes. Often, a person will experience symptoms that may include a runny nose, coughing, nausea, fatigue, and body aches. While not every person experiences a fever when they have a virus, a fever can be a sign that the body is trying to fight […]

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Sepsis: Western diet may increase severity

Sepsis: Western diet may increase severity

According to a recent study, the so-called Western diet could help explain why sepsis affects some people more severely than others. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 people who die in the hospital has sepsis. Sepsis, although not a household name, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This […]