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Infections

  • Bacterial Vaginosis

    BV is the most common vaginal infection. Although it's a mild infection, it can cause serious problems if it's not treated. Find out how to recognize BV and what to do about it in this article for teens.

  • Cellulitis

    Cellulitis is a skin infection that involves areas of tissue just below the skin's surface. It can affect any part of the body, but it's most common on exposed areas, such as the face, arms, or lower legs.

  • Cholera

    Cholera is an intestinal infection that mostly affects people in tropical regions. Find out more about cholera in this article for teens.

  • Cold Sores (HSV-1)

    Cold sores (also known as fever blisters) are pretty common and lots of people get them. So what causes them and what can you do?

  • Coping With Colds

    Most teens get between two and four colds each year. Read this article for the facts on colds and ways to feel better when you catch one.

  • Dengue Fever

    This infectious disease can cause high fevers, headaches, rashes, and pain throughout the body. Find out what to do about dengue fever - and how to avoid it.

  • Diarrhea

    Nearly everybody gets diarrhea every once in a while, and it's usually caused by gastrointestinal infections. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Read this article to learn more.

  • E. Coli Infections: Diarrhea

    Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection and severe diarrhea. Here's how to protect yourself.

  • Encephalitis

    Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Although encephalitis sounds scary, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment can help you feel prepared to deal with it if you ever need to.

  • Fighting Germs

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease, and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Food Poisoning

    The germs that get into food and cause food poisoning are tiny, but can have a powerful effect on the body. Find out what to do if you get food poisoning - and how to prevent it.

  • Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Hepatitis A

    Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The hepatitis A vaccine has helped to make the infection rare in the United States.

  • Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B can move from one person to another through blood and other body fluids. For this reason, people usually get it through unprotected sex or by sharing needles.

  • Hepatitis C

    The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through blood or other body fluids, and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most common way people become infected is by sharing drug paraphernalia.

  • How Can I Prevent Lyme Disease?

    Does the thought of Lyme disease make you worry about enjoying the great outdoors? Here's some information to help you lower your risk for Lyme disease.

  • How Long Is Mono Contagious?

    If someone gets mono, the virus stays in that person's body for life. The virus may surface from time to time and possibly infect someone else. Here are the facts on how mono works.

  • Impetigo

    Impetigo is a skin infection caused by fairly common bacteria. Read this article to learn how to recognize it and what to do about it.

  • Lyme Disease

    Lyme disease can be treated if it's caught early. Find out what causes it, how it's treated, and how to prevent it.

  • Meningitis

    Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Quick treatment of meningitis usually is successful.

  • Molluscum Contagiosum

    The skin rash molluscum contagiosum isn't a big deal. Find out what to do about it in this article for teens.

  • MRSA

    MRSA is a type of bacteria that the usual antibiotics can't tackle anymore. The good news is that there are some simple ways to protect yourself from being infected. Find out how.

  • Osteomyelitis

    Sometimes a bad cut that gets infected can lead to even worse things, like a bone infection called osteomyelitis. The easiest way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene.

  • Peritonsillar Abscess

    A peritonsillar abscess is an area of pus-filled tissue at the back of the mouth, next to one of the tonsils. Find out how it happens and what to do.

  • Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

    Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid.

  • Pneumonia

    Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can usually be treated without a hospital stay.

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

    PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is when someone takes medicines every day to lower their risk of getting HIV.

  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a bacteria that is carried by certain types of ticks. Learn about the signs and symptoms of RMSF and tips for preventing infection in this article.

  • Salmonellosis

    People often think of salmonellosis as food poisoning, but food is only one way the bacteria Salmonella can be spread.

  • Sinusitis

    If you've been waking up with headaches, feeling stuffy or congested, and experiencing swelling around your eyes, you may have sinusitis - an infection of the sinus air spaces found in the bones around the nose.

  • Skin Abscesses

    People can get abscesses on the skin, under the skin, in a tooth, or even inside the body. Most abscesses are caused by infection, so it can help to know what to do. Find out in this article for teens.

  • Smallpox

    You might be wondering what smallpox is and whether you or anyone you know is at risk for getting it. Learn the facts.

  • Strep Test (Video)

    This video shows what it's like to get a strep test.

  • Strep Throat

    Strep throat is a common infection that usually needs to be treated with antibiotics. Find out how to recognize the signs of strep throat and what to expect if you have it.

  • Swimmer's Ear (External Otitis)

    Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal that can be caused by different types of bacteria or fungi. Find out how to prevent or treat it.

  • Tetanus

    Tetanus is a bacterial infection that grows in a contaminated wound. Because it can be serious, it's important to get immunized. Find out more.

  • The Flu

    Every flu season, millions of people across the United States come down with the flu. Get the facts on the flu, including how to avoid it.

  • Tonsillitis

    You wake up and your throat is swollen and you have a fever. Could it be tonsillitis? Find out what tonsillitis is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.

  • Toxic Shock Syndrome

    Although toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can be serious, it's a very rare illness.

  • Urinary Tract Infections

    A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons that teens visit a doctor. Learn about the symptoms of UTIs, how they're treated, and more in this article.

  • Warts

    Most warts are easy to treat and are rarely cause for alarm. Read this article for more information on warts and how to get rid of them.

  • What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • 5 Tips for Dealing With Shots

    If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips.

  • 5 Ways to Fight the Flu

    Get tips for fending off the flu in this article for teens.

  • Coping With Colds

    Most teens get between two and four colds each year. Read this article for the facts on colds and ways to feel better when you catch one.

  • Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • I'm Pregnant. Should I Get a Flu Shot?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Sinusitis

    If you've been waking up with headaches, feeling stuffy or congested, and experiencing swelling around your eyes, you may have sinusitis - an infection of the sinus air spaces found in the bones around the nose.

  • The Flu

    Every flu season, millions of people across the United States come down with the flu. Get the facts on the flu, including how to avoid it.

  • The Flu Vaccine

    Doctors recommend that all teens get vaccinated against the flu. Here are the facts on flu vaccines.

  • When Can I Go Back to School If I Have the Flu?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • 5 Ways to Fight the Flu

    Get tips for fending off the flu in this article for teens.

  • Adenoids and Adenoidectomy

    Often, tonsils and adenoids are surgically removed at the same time. So, what are adenoids exactly?

  • Cold Sores (HSV-1)

    Cold sores (also known as fever blisters) are pretty common and lots of people get them. So what causes them and what can you do?

  • Coping With Colds

    Most teens get between two and four colds each year. Read this article for the facts on colds and ways to feel better when you catch one.

  • Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Head Lice

    Lice aren't dangerous, but they do spread from person to person easily. They can also be hard to get rid of. Find out how to prevent lice -- and what to do if someone you know has them.

  • How Long Is Mono Contagious?

    If someone gets mono, the virus stays in that person's body for life. The virus may surface from time to time and possibly infect someone else. Here are the facts on how mono works.

  • Ingrown Toenails

    A toenail is ingrown when it begins to break through and grow into the soft skin of the toe. Find out more about ingrown toenails.

  • Mononucleosis (Mono)

    It's sometimes called "the kissing disease," but kissing is just one of the ways that someone can catch mono.

  • Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

    Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid.

  • Sinusitis

    If you've been waking up with headaches, feeling stuffy or congested, and experiencing swelling around your eyes, you may have sinusitis - an infection of the sinus air spaces found in the bones around the nose.

  • The Flu

    Every flu season, millions of people across the United States come down with the flu. Get the facts on the flu, including how to avoid it.

  • Tonsillectomy

    Everybody's heard of tonsils, but not everyone knows what tonsils do in the body or why they may need to be removed. Find out here.

  • Tonsillitis

    You wake up and your throat is swollen and you have a fever. Could it be tonsillitis? Find out what tonsillitis is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.

  • Urinary Tract Infections

    A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons that teens visit a doctor. Learn about the symptoms of UTIs, how they're treated, and more in this article.

  • What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Athlete's Foot

    Although the name athlete's foot sounds funny, if you have this skin infection, you're probably not laughing. The good news is that it is generally easy to treat.

  • Fighting Germs

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease, and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Jock Itch

    Jock itch is a pretty common fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. It is generally easy to treat - and avoid - by following a few simple steps.

  • Pityriasis Versicolor

    Pityriasis versicolor is a rash caused by a fungus. It can appear over the chest, shoulders, and back, and is a common cause of skin rashes in teens.

  • Ringworm

    Ringworm isn't a worm at all - it's the name for a type of fungal skin infection. The good news is that ringworm is easy to treat.

  • Vaginal Yeast Infections

    What are vaginal yeast infections? Can anything be done to prevent them?

  • What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Bacterial Vaginosis

    BV is the most common vaginal infection. Although it's a mild infection, it can cause serious problems if it's not treated. Find out how to recognize BV and what to do about it in this article for teens.

  • Can You Get Genital Herpes From a Cold Sore?

    It is possible to get genital herpes from oral sex. Here's why.

  • Can You Still Get Genital Warts If You've Had All the HPV Shots?

    The HPV vaccine protects against 90% of the HPV strains that cause genital warts. But it can't protect against them all.

  • Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is an STD that often has no symptoms, so lots of people can have it and not know it. Read this article to learn how to protect yourself.

  • Fighting Germs

    Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease, and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Genital Herpes

    Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There's no cure for genital herpes, but medicines can help control it.

  • Genital Warts (HPV)

    You've probably heard lots about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. For information on how to protect yourself and how to treat genital warts, read this article.

  • Gonorrhea

    The STD gonorrhea can be very dangerous if it's not treated, even in someone who has mild or no symptoms. For information about how to protect yourself, read this article.

  • Hepatitis

    Hepatitis, an infectious liver disease, is more contagious than HIV. Find out about the different types of hepatitis.

  • Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis B can move from one person to another through blood and other body fluids. For this reason, people usually get it through unprotected sex or by sharing needles.

  • HIV and AIDS

    There is no cure for AIDS, which is why prevention is so important. Get the facts on HIV/AIDS, as well as how it affects the body and is treated, in this article.

  • How Do People Get AIDS?

    AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a disease where the body is unable to fight off many infectious diseases as it normally could. Find out how AIDS is spread and how to protect yourself against it.

  • How to Get Tested for HIV

    Often the only way to know if someone is infected with HIV is through testing. Here are the facts on what's involved in getting tested — and who should get tested for HIV and why.

  • HPV Vaccine

    The HPV vaccine can help protect against the virus that causes genital warts and may lead to some kinds of cancer. Find out more in this article for teens.

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

    Pelvic inflammatory disease, sometimes called PID, is an infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Learn how to protect yourself.

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

    PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is when someone takes medicines every day to lower their risk of getting HIV.

  • Pubic Lice (Crabs)

    Pubic lice, or "crabs," are tiny insects that usually spread through sex.

  • STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

    You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself.

  • Syphilis

    Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Early treatment can cure it and prevent long-term problems.

  • Trichomoniasis

    Trichomoniasis is a curable disease that can be passed from one person to another during sex. The good news is that it can be prevented. Read about how to protect yourself.

  • Athlete's Foot

    Although the name athlete's foot sounds funny, if you have this skin infection, you're probably not laughing. The good news is that it is generally easy to treat.

  • Bedbugs

    Bedbugs are in the news because of recent infestations. Learn the telltale signs of these irritating pests - and how to deal with a bite.

  • Cellulitis

    Cellulitis is a skin infection that involves areas of tissue just below the skin's surface. It can affect any part of the body, but it's most common on exposed areas, such as the face, arms, or lower legs.

  • Cold Sores (HSV-1)

    Cold sores (also known as fever blisters) are pretty common and lots of people get them. So what causes them and what can you do?

  • Eczema

    Eczema is a common skin problem. Find out more about it and how you can deal with the skin stress.

  • Head Lice

    Lice aren't dangerous, but they do spread from person to person easily. They can also be hard to get rid of. Find out how to prevent lice -- and what to do if someone you know has them.

  • How Can I Prevent Lyme Disease?

    Does the thought of Lyme disease make you worry about enjoying the great outdoors? Here's some information to help you lower your risk for Lyme disease.

  • Impetigo

    Impetigo is a skin infection caused by fairly common bacteria. Read this article to learn how to recognize it and what to do about it.

  • Jock Itch

    Jock itch is a pretty common fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. It is generally easy to treat - and avoid - by following a few simple steps.

  • Lyme Disease

    Lyme disease can be treated if it's caught early. Find out what causes it, how it's treated, and how to prevent it.

  • Molluscum Contagiosum

    The skin rash molluscum contagiosum isn't a big deal. Find out what to do about it in this article for teens.

  • Pityriasis Versicolor

    Pityriasis versicolor is a rash caused by a fungus. It can appear over the chest, shoulders, and back, and is a common cause of skin rashes in teens.

  • Ringworm

    Ringworm isn't a worm at all - it's the name for a type of fungal skin infection. The good news is that ringworm is easy to treat.

  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a bacteria that is carried by certain types of ticks. Learn about the signs and symptoms of RMSF and tips for preventing infection in this article.

  • Skin Abscesses

    People can get abscesses on the skin, under the skin, in a tooth, or even inside the body. Most abscesses are caused by infection, so it can help to know what to do. Find out in this article for teens.

  • Smallpox

    You might be wondering what smallpox is and whether you or anyone you know is at risk for getting it. Learn the facts.

  • Toxic Shock Syndrome

    Although toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can be serious, it's a very rare illness.

  • What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Diarrhea

    Nearly everybody gets diarrhea every once in a while, and it's usually caused by gastrointestinal infections. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Read this article to learn more.

  • E. Coli Infections: Diarrhea

    Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection and severe diarrhea. Here's how to protect yourself.

  • Food Poisoning

    The germs that get into food and cause food poisoning are tiny, but can have a powerful effect on the body. Find out what to do if you get food poisoning - and how to prevent it.

  • Salmonellosis

    People often think of salmonellosis as food poisoning, but food is only one way the bacteria Salmonella can be spread.

  • Stomachaches

    Lots of different problems can cause similar kinds of stomach pain - not all of them related to the digestive system. Here are some clues about what could be going on.

  • What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

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