Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of a membrane of the eye. This membrane, or conjunctiva, covers the white part of your eyeball. In your eye you have tiny blood vessels that usually are not easily seen, but when these blood vessels become inflamed or irritated, they are more easily visible. When they are more visible, the whites of your eye (the sclera) become pink or red, giving pinkeye its characteristic name. What causes pinkeye? Pinkeye can be caused by a number of different things, like viruses, bacteria, allergens, getting something in your eye, or a blocked tear duct.[Read more...]
What is the chickenpox? Chickenpox is a very contagious infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The infection causes a very itchy, blistery rash all over a person’s body. Routine vaccination against the varicella virus has significantly decreased the number of cases of the chickenpox we see each year. Prior to the vaccine, it wasn’t abnormal for everyone to have been infected with the virus sometime before adulthood. How is the chickenpox spread? Being that the chickenpox is so contagious, the virus is easily spread from one person to another through the air or through direct contact with a[Read more...]
What is a headache? A headache is defined as a pain that occurs anywhere in the head or neck region. They are more common among older children and teenagers. Although headaches can be concerning to a parent, they are often not associated with serious medical problems. Children, like adults, get the same type of headaches, and they may even be hereditary, meaning if you as a parent have headaches or migraines, it is possible that your children will also have them. What are the different types of headaches? Tension Headache – This type of headache is usually a result of[Read more...]
Measles, also known as rubeola, is an infection caused by a virus. The measles was once very common all over North America, but since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, the number of measles cases and deaths has reduced drastically. Measles occurs most often in the winter months, and is very contagious to others around you. Measles can cause a mild infection, or can be severe causing death. What are the signs and symptoms of measles? The following are some of the signs and symptoms that your child may show if infected with the measles: Fever – this[Read more...]
