Infections

Chickenpox, or varicella, causes a blister-like rash, itching and fever. It’s usually mild but can cause dangerous complications in babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The best prevention is to get the chickenpox vaccine.

If you experience any of these complications, seek medical care:

• Confusion, dizziness or difficulty walking
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Frequent vomiting or abdominal pain
• High fever or fever that lasts more than four days
• Infected skin or open sores
• Rash near an eye

Fifth disease is a viral infection that affects both children and adults. The most obvious symptom is a red rash on the face that looks like a “slapped cheek.” Fifth disease got its name from its place on the standard list of common skin rash illnesses in children, who more commonly get the virus.

Usually, fifth disease lasts one to three weeks. No medications will shorten the illness. You can use over-the-counter treatments for fever, itching and joint pain.

Fungal infections, or mycosis, are caused by fungi, which is common in the environment. Most fungi are not dangerous, but a small portion can be harmful to your health. Fungal infections are prone to reoccur after the first incident. While some can be treated with over-the-counter products, our providers will be able to recommend the right antifungal medication and make sure your infection isn’t something more serious.

In general, you can help avoid fungal infections by:

• Applying antifungal cream
• Avoiding shared footwear
• Avoiding walking barefoot in public places
• Keeping feet dry and cool
• Keeping hands clean
• Keeping toenails short
• Staying inside during dust storms
• Wearing cotton clothing, especially underwear and socks

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection. It’s most common in babies and children younger than 5, but adults and older children can get it, too. It causes a rash on hands, feet and other body parts and also causes painful sores inside the mouth. Hand, foot and mouth disease is not the same as foot and mouth disease — also called hoof and mouth — which affects animals.

There is no specific medical treatment and it will typically clear up with no treatment within 10 days. Over-the-counter or prescription treatments can be used to ease symptoms. Lotions and ointments can help with rashes and blisters while pain medication, except aspirin, can help with fever and discomfort.

Laryngitis most often begins with a viral infection that causes an inflammation of your voice box, also known as the larynx. It usually lasts for a week, with symptoms worsening in the first few days. Hoarseness can last longer than a week because the voice box needs more time to heal. In most cases of laryngitis, only home treatment is needed.

Home remedies include:

• Avoiding smoking, including secondhand smoke
• Breathing in moist air by using a humidifier or vaporizer
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Resting your voice
• Using throat lozenges or other cough suppressants

Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that usually affects teens and young adults. Most adults are already immune. Mono can make you feel extremely tired, weak and feverish. It’s generally not serious but can cause complications for people with a weakened immune system.

Treatment for mono typically involves a lot of rest and drinking fluids. An over-the-counter painkiller may be suggested. An antibiotic won’t help because a virus causes mono. There’s also no vaccine for mono. If you get mono, the virus will stay in your system, but you probably won’t have symptoms more than once.

Respiratory infections often begin with a viral infection in your nose, windpipe or lungs. If left untreated, infection can spread to the entire respiratory system. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.

There are two categories of respiratory infections: upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory infections. The most common lower respiratory infections are pneumonia and bronchitis, which can be viral or bacterial. Upper respiratory infections include the common cold, sinusitis, croup, pharyngitis and epiglottitis. Lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis are very serious. Drinking lots of fluids and humidifiers help ease symptoms.

Bronchitis

When the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs get infected, the airways swell and produce mucus. This infection is called bronchitis and typically occurs after a cold. If you are trying to recover, but a mucus-producing cough persists, this could be a sign you have bronchitis.

Most acute bronchitis symptoms will improve on their own with the help of at-home remedies, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, resting, avoiding irritants, such as smoke or pollution and taking over-the-counter pain medicine as directed. However, if you have a fever that does not go away, are producing blood in your mucus, are experiencing shortness of breath or continue to cough for weeks, make sure to get checked.

Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a common skin infection. It’s caused by a fungus and most often creates a red, itchy rash shaped like a ring. It spreads easily and is very contagious. Ringworm is also known as “athlete’s foot” on the feet and “jock itch” on the groin. Ringworm may affect the skin, scalp, feet, hands, groin, beard or nails.

In mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments can treat skin infections. If these treatments don’t get rid of ringworm, a prescription-strength antifungal cream may help.

You can also lower your risk of infection with changes, such as:

• Avoiding clothing that irritates the infection
• Avoiding sharing personal items
• Cleaning and drying your skin often
• Washing bedding and clothing every day
• Washing your hands after playing with pets

Shingles is a viral infection that typically causes a painful skin rash on one side of the body or face. The rash forms blisters that often look like stripes. A typical case lasts between two and four weeks. You can’t pass singles to someone else. However, if you have open blisters, you can pass the virus that causes shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox. That person could then develop chickenpox and would be at risk for shingles later in life.

There’s no cure for shingles, but you may get prescribed an antiviral medicine to help you heal faster. Cool compresses on your skin may provide some pain relief. Healthcare providers may also recommend medications to treat pain.

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when sinus tissue becomes inflamed or swollen. A cold, allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum can lead to sinusitis. People with asthma and people who have allergies are especially vulnerable. Adults most commonly develop the condition from infections and smoking.

Since most sinus infections are viral, treatment will be focused on symptom relief. The doctor will determine when antibiotics may be appropriate. In some instances, your doctor may recommend you visit an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. An ENT can perform a nasal endoscopy that allows insight into your sinuses.

During the summer, West Nile virus is most often transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. It's important to protect yourself against the virus by wearing mosquito repellent and keeping window screens in good repair.

A vaccine does not exist for West Nile virus, nor does antiviral medication or a set treatment method. In the more common, milder cases, symptoms pass on their own. For severe cases, people are often admitted to the hospital where they receive treatment that includes pain medication, intravenous fluids, breathing assistance and nursing care.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Infections of the urinary tract are common amongst women and typically affect the bladder and the urethra. Once bacteria enters the urinary system, it multiplies in the bladder. Usually, UTIs clear up within a few days, but it's important to keep the infection from spreading to the kidneys, where it can cause permanent kidney damage.

The content provided on the MD Now® website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for receiving medical care and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Never delay seeking advice, evaluation and treatment from a medical professional because of what you've read on this site.