Bacterial & Viral Infections

Articles In This Section

• Measles

  Measles is rare in the United States because most kids get the measles vaccine. But some teens can still get measles. Here are the basics about this very contagious disease.

• Ebola

  An outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Africa has many people concerned. But when people with Ebola are properly diagnosed, isolated, and cared for, the risk of passing the disease to others is low.

• Hib Disease (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b)

  Hib is pretty rare in U.S. teens because most get vaccinated as babies. But for people who do get Hib, it can sometimes be serious. Here's more information about this bacterial infection and how it might show up.

• Abscess

  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.

• Shingles

  Shingles is rare in teens with healthy immune systems, and mostly affects older adults. But it's good to know the basics about this skin rash, which is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

• Paronychia

  Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. Most of the time, it's not serious. Find out what causes it, what to do, and how to prevent it.

• 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.

• Rabies

  You probably know that you can get rabies from an animal bite. But what is rabies, and what does it do to the body? Find out in this article for teens.

• 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 - in this article for teens.

• Cholera

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

• 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.

• E. Coli

  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.

• 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.

• Molluscum Contagiosum

  The name sounds dramatic, like a Harry Potter spell. Luckily, molluscum contagiosum isn't a big deal. Find out what to do about it in this article for teens.

• Strep Test (Video)

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

• What’s the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• 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.

• Tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis (TB) is making a comeback in the United States today - particularly among the homeless, those in prison, and those rendered susceptible because of HIV infection.

• 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.

• 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?

• Mad Cow Disease

  It's called mad cow disease because it affects a cow's nervous system, causing a cow to act strangely. But how does this disease affect people?

• Smallpox

  You're probably wondering what smallpox is and why people are worried about it. There seems to be a lot of fear and confusion about this disease - so it helps to learn the facts.

• Anthrax

  It's extremely unlikely that you or someone you know could get anthrax. But what exactly is anthrax, and should you be concerned about it?

• West Nile Virus

  You've probably heard about West Nile virus and know that mosquitoes have something to do with it. Learn more about the virus, including how you can protect yourself.

• 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.

• 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.

• Bronchitis

  Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When a person has bronchitis, it may be harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

• 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.

• Pneumonia

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

• What to Do if You Get the Flu

  You've probably heard warnings about flu season. If you do get the flu this year, read this article on how to feel better.

• Gastrointestinal Infections and 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.

• Lyme Disease

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

• Tetanus

  Tetanus occurs when a certain type of bacterial infection grows in a contaminated wound. Because it can be serious, it's important to get immunized. Find out about tetanus and how to protect yourself against it.

• Staph Infections

  Staph bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces. But the bacteria can get into wounds and cause an infection. Get the details in this article for teens.

• Shigellosis

  Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria that can give a person bloody diarrhea and cause intestinal pain. Good hand washing is the best way to prevent shigellosis.

• Salmonellosis

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

• 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.

• Swimmer’s Ear (External Otitis)

  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.

• 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.

• What’s My Lyme Disease Risk?

  Is the thought of Lyme disease making you feel you'll be safer in the comfort of your room than the great outdoors? This article can help you assess your Lyme disease risk.

• Flu Facts

  Every year from October to May, 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.

• Coping With Colds

  Most teens get between two and four colds each year. Read this article for the facts on chicken soup, cold medicines, and other ways to feel better.

• 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.

• How Long Is Mono Contagious?

  Once someone gets mono, the virus stays in that person's body for life. This doesn't mean that if you've had mono you are always contagious, but it does mean the virus may surface from time to time and possibly infect someone else. Here are the facts on how mono works.

• Toxic Shock Syndrome

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

• 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.

• Meningitis

  You may be wondering what the deal is with meningitis because you've heard frightening stuff about meningitis outbreaks in the news.

• 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.

• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

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