Herpes (herpes simplex virus infections)
Herpes simplex virus infections, commonly known as herpes, are viral infections that can cause sores and blisters on the skin. Most often, these occur around the mouth and face or in the genital area. Herpes infections are typically caused by two types of viruses: HSV-1, which is mainly responsible for oral herpes, and HSV-2, which is more often linked to genital herpes.
Herpes is extremely common, affecting millions of people worldwide. The virus is spread through direct contact with someone who is infected, often through kissing, sexual contact, or sharing items like utensils. Once a person contracts the virus, it may become dormant and can reactivate later, especially during times of stress or illness, causing recurrent outbreaks.
While there's no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. People living with herpes can manage their condition by recognizing triggers for outbreaks, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals. It’s important to note that, even without visible sores, herpes can still be transmitted to others.
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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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