Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Australia. It is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti. The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear within four to ten days after the mosquito bite and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding such as nose or gum bleeding. In some cases, the disease can develop into a severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but early detection and proper medical care can significantly improve recovery.
Preventing dengue fever involves reducing mosquito habitats and protecting against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and installing screens on windows and doors. Public health efforts are also focused on controlling mosquito populations to reduce the incidence of the disease.
An ABG (arterial blood gas) test measures levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in the blood to assess lung and kidney function.
Absence from work is when an employee is not present during scheduled working hours due to various reasons like illness or personal commitments.
Acetaminophen is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, often found in over-the-counter and prescription products.
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples and other lesions.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, requiring immediate medical attention.
"Acute" refers to a medical condition that appears suddenly and resolves over a short time.
Acyclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain viruses like herpes and shingles, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Adalimumab is a medication used to treat inflammatory conditions by reducing inflammation through targeting specific proteins in the body.
Addiction is a compulsive engagement with substances or behaviors that negatively impact one's life.
Addison's disease is a rare condition leading to insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands, causing symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure.
ADHD is a common condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity level, characterized by symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness.
ADL (activities of daily living) refers to essential daily self-care tasks, crucial for maintaining independence and well-being.
The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs on top of the kidneys that produce hormones essential for stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and medication that helps the body respond to stress and is used in medical emergencies, like severe allergic reactions.
An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.
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An allergist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies and related immune system reactions.
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