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Not Just for Toads: The Contagious Factor for Warts

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

You don't have to worry about getting warts from kissing toads (not that anyone really does that), but you can definitely catch warts from touching another person.

Common warts are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layers of the skin that look like little bumps. They're mostly found on the hands or feet.

These dome-shaped growths can spread easily when anyone comes in contact with HPV. If you touch someone's wart, you can get warts too. You can also spread warts to other parts of your body if you touch the wart and then touch an uninfected area of your skin. It's possible to catch a wart from a towel or other personal item that was used by someone who had warts. It may take two to nine months before a wart appears after coming in contact with the virus, but some people's immune systems are naturally resistant to HPV and never get warts.

While warts are pretty harmless (they're not cancerous like moles can be), it's a good idea to get them removed to decrease the chance of spreading more warts to other places on your body (and to other people). Plus, warts can be painful if they're in an area where they get bumped a lot, so talk to your doctor about treatment options. To see what they could be then read more

Your doctor may recommend:

Salicylic acid: This is good for warts that appear on the hands, feet, or knees.
Duct tape treatment (this is for real): Cover the wart with duct tape for up to a week. This irritates the skin and causes your body to attack it. Repeat this for up to two months.
Liquid nitrogen: Your doctor may use this to freeze the wart, which may hurt a little. This treatment may need to be repeated up to four times to remove the wart.
If none of the above work, your doctor may have to resort to other treatments such as burning the wart, cutting the wart off, or removing it with a laser. These work really well, and quickly, but often leave a scar.

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The Cold, Hard Facts of the Common Cold

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:00:00 -0700

It is the time of sniffles! Cold and flu season is upon us. By some accounts as early as August, and others think there really is no such thing since we can catch a virus anytime of the year. Thought it would be good to review some of the cold, hard facts of the common cold.

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Anti-Viral Tissues: Are They Worth It?

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:50:00 -0800

So what's the deal with anti-viral tissues? They seem like a great idea - anything that kills those cold and flu-causing viruses has to be worth it, right?

The good thing: Kleenex anti-viral tissues, with the little blue dots, kill the viruses that cause most colds and the flu. Within 15 minutes, the tissues kill 99% of them.

The not so good thing: The tissue is made of 3 layers, which tend to come apart easily. The middle layer in the tissue contains citric acid, which can burn a sensitive nose.

These tissues are only meant for catching coughs or sneezes, or to wipe your nose - they don't work as a surface cleaner.

These tissues do not prevent colds or the flu. They are meant to kill off viruses that are in the tissue before they can spread.

They don't cost much more than regular tissues, and may provide a little comfort for people who are freaked out about germs. So overall, it's a pretty good idea. I want to know what you think - would you buy them?

Tech Terror: Hackers, Viruses and Bugs, Oh My

GeekSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 09:08:11 -0800

I've been asking readers to submit their worst tech terror stories so we can revel in our shared horror tech stories and learn from one another's experiences. Teamsugar user Bookworm1 recently admitted she adores using computers, but is always on the lookout for a bug.

I love computers because they are so practical and fun to use. However, in this age of internet there's always the threat of being hacked or getting viruses. Even though I am very careful with where I go and what I do I am still a terrified little bunny.

For my tips for making sure you aren't susceptible to hackers, just read more

For the most part, the average internet user isn't terribly vulnerable to hackers, so long as he or she takes the proper steps to prevent an open window, but PC virus attacks on the other hand seem to be a constant problem.

E-mail protection: When you create your e-mail account make sure your password is a genuine password. As in, something that your friends or enemy (a hacker) couldn't guess. It helps to combine letters and numbers. Also, if you're going to be logging in at a public computer make sure you always log out.
Virus protection: Make virus scanning a regular part of your online life and never click on popups, e-mails or downloads from unknown or mysterious sources. If you think you're vulnerable to viruses, set up a firewall, and run your scanner religiously.
Website protection: If you have your own website or blog, make sure all your passwords are as strong as your e-mail passwords, but not the same.

For more information, check out the Microsoft Virus page.

Join my Tech Terror group and share your worst tech stories. I'll feature the best of the worst on geeksugar with my prevention suggestions.

It Had to Happen. . . Eventually: A New Virus Attacks Macs

GeekSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:46:21 -0700

Part of the Mac appeal to new computer users is that they are (or have been) virtually free from viruses. Since the large majority of the population uses Windows, hackers design viruses and worms to attack PCs to get more bang for their virus buck. And although there's no reason to panic just yet, researchers have found a virus that can attack your Apple computer now too.

It's not like there haven't been viruses designed for the Mac before, but this one, called iBotnet, has been successful at wiggling its way into thousands of computers around the country since January. And once the virus makes its way into your system, your computer will then be part of a large network which can be controlled buy the virus's author. How can you avoid this virus? Find out when you read more.

Thankfully, a large majority of Mac users won't have to worry about this virus, since iBotnet is contracted by downloading pirated versions of iWork. So if you don't want iBotnet on your machine, you should steer clear of any extracurricular file sharing activity!

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Another Virus to Worry About: Chikungunya

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:00:53 -0700

As of late, West Nile Virus was the only virus we worried about here in the States that could be contracted by mosquito bites, but it looks like there's a new virus that could be flying our way - Chikungunya. The mouthful of a virus has spread across Africa, India, the French Island of Reunion, and there have also been cases found in Italy and France since 2005. Health officials are worried that this virus will soon infect those living in Europe and the US.

Chikungunya, which name means "that which bends up," was first discovered in Tanzania in 1952. The virus is spread by infected Asian tiger mosquito, a species that can be found in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. Unlike the West Nile Virus where nine out of 10 people infected show no symptoms, those who contract the Chikungunya virus experience a fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. Symptoms can last a few weeks, and some have reported pain lasting for months. There is no cure for the virus yet.

Health officials are worried that since this little bugger can be transported through air travel, it could eventually affect every country in the world. Great. One more thing to worry about. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to steer clear of damp areas where mosquitoes thrive, wear long sleeves and pants when outside, and don't forget the bug spray.

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine, live (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Measles Virus Vaccine, Live (MEE-zuls VYE-rus vak-SEEN, lyve), Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live (mumps VYE-rus vak-SEEN, lyve), Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live (roo-BELL-a VYE-rus vak-SEEN, lyve), Varicella Virus Vaccine (ver-a-SEL-la VYE-rus vak-seen)

Prevents infection by the measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chicken pox) viruses. This vaccine is used in children 12 months to 12 years of age.

Brand Name(s)

ProQuad

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This vaccine should not be given to children who have had an allergic reaction to measles vaccine, mumps vaccine, rubella vaccine, varicella vaccine, or to neomycin or gelatin. Do not give this vaccine to children who are receiving certain steroid medicines (such as dexamethasone or prednisolone), medicine to treat cancer, or other medicines that weaken the immune system. Pregnant women or patients who have a blood or bone marrow disorder, AIDS, active untreated tuberculosis (TB), or any infection with fever should not receive this vaccine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your child's doctor will prescribe the exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under the skin.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

If your child misses a scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Your child should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (such as some cold medicines) for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Carefully check the label of any pain, headache, or cold medicine your child use to be sure it does not contain aspirin or salicylic acid.
Talk to your doctor before your child gets flu shots or other vaccines while he is receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make your child ill while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while pregnant can harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after receiving this vaccine.
Make sure your doctor knows if your child is breastfeeding, or if your child has a history of head injury, seizures, or high fever.
Tell your doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to eggs.
If your child develops a rash after getting this vaccine, he should avoid close contact with people at high risk for catching the virus until after the rash is gone and any skin sores have completely healed. People who are mostly at risk of catching the virus are pregnant women, newborn babies, and people whose bodies cannot fight infection (such as with bone marrow disease, cancer drug treatment, or AIDS). Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. This medicine is made from donated human blood that has been tested for viruses to keep from spreading infections. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
Make sure your doctor knows if your child has recently had a blood or plasma transfusion, or received an immune globulin.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Ear pain or discharge.
High fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Irritability.
Mild skin rash.
Redness, pain, swelling, itching, blistering, or rash where the shot was given.
Vomiting.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 45_5599

Which Star Causes the Most Virus and Spyware Infections?

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:50:56 -0700

You don't want to think that looking up photos of your favorite celebrities will cause your computer to (gasp!) get infected, but apparently, according to McAfee Inc., there is one starlet whose search causes more viruses and spyware infections than any other celebrity. Do you know who it is?

Take the quiz

Varicella virus vaccine (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:54:17 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Varicella Virus Vaccine (ver-a-SEL-la VYE-rus vak-seen)

Prevents varicella virus (chickenpox) in adults and children 12 months and older. Some types of this vaccine (such as Zostavax®) are used to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) in adults 60 years and older.

Brand Name(s)

Varivax, Zostavax

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to varicella virus vaccine, or to gelatin or neomycin. You should not get this vaccine if you are pregnant, if you have a blood or bone marrow disorder, AIDS, tuberculosis, or an infection with fever. Do not receive this vaccine if you are receiving steroid medicine (such as prednisone or dexamethasone), medicine to treat cancer, or other medicines that keep your body from fighting infection. One type of this vaccine (called Zostavax®) should not be given to children.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Children 12 months to 12 years old may need a second shot within 3 months after receiving the first vaccine. Teenagers older than 13 years and adults should have a "booster" shot 4 to 8 weeks after the first vaccine. Adults receiving Zostavax® should receive only one dose of the vaccine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (such as some cold medicines) for 6 weeks after being given varicella vaccine. Carefully check the label of any pain, headache, or cold medicine you use to be sure it does not contain aspirin or salicylic acid.
After receiving the Varivax® vaccine, you should not receive a varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) or other immune globulin for at least 2 months.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after getting this vaccine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding.
You may be able to pass the virus to other people after getting this vaccine. People who are most at risk of catching the virus from you are pregnant women, newborn babies, and people whose bodies cannot fight infection (such as with bone marrow disease, cancer drug treatment, or AIDS). Talk to your doctor about this risk.
If you develop a rash after getting the varicella vaccine, avoid close contact with people at high risk for catching the virus until after your rash is gone and any skin sores have completely healed.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently had a blood or plasma transfusion or received immune globulin.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Chest pain.
High fever.
Seizure.
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
Skin rash that looks like chickenpox.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Weakness or loss of feeling in any part of your body.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Cough, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cold-like symptoms.
Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
Feeling tired, depressed, nervous, or irritable.
Headache, ear pain, joint pain.
Mild skin rash, itching, or dryness.
Pain, redness, swelling, rash, or a hard lump where the shot is given.
Stiff neck.
Trouble sleeping.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0702

Influenza virus vaccine, h5n1 (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:28 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1

Keeps you from getting sick with an influenza virus ("catching the flu").

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to influenza virus vaccine, H5N1 (a flu shot).

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

It is very important that you receive the second dose on schedule. If you missed the second dose or if you must cancel the appointment for the second dose, make another appointment as close to that date as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as well if you are also using these medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure you doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to chicken or egg products. Also tell your doctor if you have any problems with your immune system or if you have a severe nerve and muscle problem called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had severe reactions to previous influenza vaccinations.
This medicine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea or nausea.
Headache.
Muscle pain
Pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness where the shot was given.
Tiredness or weakness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5648