Norovirus infection
Norovirus infection is a common and highly contagious illness caused by the norovirus. It is often referred to as the "stomach flu," although it is not related to the influenza virus. Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. The virus is particularly known for causing outbreaks in places like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes, where people are in close quarters.
Symptoms of norovirus infection typically appear one to two days after exposure and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. While the illness can be quite uncomfortable, symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days. Most people recover without needing medical treatment, but severe dehydration may require medical attention, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Preventing the spread of norovirus involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water. It is also important to thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces and to ensure food is prepared safely and hygienically. There is currently no specific medication to treat norovirus, so management primarily focuses on staying hydrated and resting.
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.
Allergies are the immune system's overreaction to typically harmless substances such as pollen or certain foods, causing symptoms from sneezing to potential severe reactions.
An allergist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies and related immune system reactions.
An allergy is an immune system response to a harmless substance, mistakenly identified as a threat.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme found in the body that helps in protein breakdown, with its levels indicating liver and bone health.
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming the brain through its effects on natural chemicals in the body.
Filter