Illnesses

Persons with influenza have some or all of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may last one to two weeks. If you have been diagnosed with influenza, or strongly suspect that you have it, you should follow these recommendations: Get plenty of rest. Drink extra fluids. Warm fluids like tea with honey/lemon and soup may be soothing. Gargle with a salt water solution, mouthwash, or use a throat spray if helpful. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce fever and lessen headache and [...]

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an illness characterized by nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It is most commonly caused by viruses and usually no tests are necessary. More information: What is Gastroenteritis?

This illness is very common and is caused by a virus that can be transmitted through contact with mucus from the nose, saliva and fluid from open rashes/sores. Symptoms often include flulike symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, reduced appetite, body aches and general malaise. It also often includes a rash/sores, mainly to the mouth, palms of hands and soles of feet. Those infected with the virus normally recover without medical treatment in 7 to 10 days. The virus rarely causes complications. There is not currently a vaccine available for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, and treatment options include oral [...]

Measles is an acute viral infection.  Initial symptoms usually start within 7 to 14 days of infection but can incubate up to 21 days and may include high fever; cough; runny nose; and red, watery eyes.  Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth.  Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out.  The rash usually begins as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, and then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.  The rash may become raised and join together as the rash spreads.  After [...]

“Mono” is short for infectious mononucleosis, an illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is characterized initially by mild headache, tiredness and decreased appetite followed by sore throat, fatigue, swollen glands, fever, muscle aches and sometimes a swollen liver or spleen. Not all people with mono have all of the symptoms and the severity can vary. The symptoms usually last one to four weeks but some people may have lingering fatigue. Mono is a self-limited illness, which means that it resolves itself. There is no medicine that will cure the infection. Patients should rest, drink lots of fluids, use throat lozenges [...]

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