While both chickenpox and shingles come from the same varicella zoster virus, they are two very different illnesses. One tends to affect children more, while shingles affects older adults.
What’s The Difference Between Chickenpox and Shingles?
What is the difference between disease eradication and elimination?
When most people hear that a disease is eradicated or eliminated, they often think these two terms mean the same thing. While both terms do have a similar meaning, those who work in public health know that there is a difference in meaning.
So, what is the difference between eradication and elimination? And when is a disease considered one of the two terms?
Epidemics of the U.S. Civil War
The Civil War lasted from 1861-1865, and while artillery and combat, hunger and more certainly held a firm grasp on mortality within the war, there was one army, dubbed “The Third Army” by historian Jeffrey S. Sartin. It was the army of infectious diseases that by far killed the most soldiers, families, emancipated slaves, children, and more – over a million people were stuck in the middle of these disease hot-spots during the war.
Ben Franklin and the Smallpox Vaccine
It was announced earlier this year that the FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. While many parents are ushering their children to their local pediatricians, pharmacies and clinics to receive the vaccine, other parents still remain on the fence about giving the vaccine to their children. This could be due to a number of reasons, medical issues, beliefs, and more.
Can Pneumonia Be Contagious?
Pneumonia is an illness where either one or both of the tissue of the lungs swell, and the air sacs within the lungs begin to fill with mucus. It is most commonly caused by bacteria and viruses. In other cases, it can be caused by fungi or even an inhaled particle of food, in some rare cases. That doesn’t make them all contagious, though. Here is a breakdown of what pneumonia is, and whether or not it is contagious.
Can You Catch Shingles By Hugging Someone With Shingles?
Shingles, which is caused by the varicella zoster virus, is an illness that one in three people will deal with in their lifetime. This is because the chickenpox virus is still in their body, and has reactivated to form what is now at this age, shingles. Various factors like age, medical status, and other diseases that could’ve possibly caused it to reactivate. Is shingles contagious? Can you catch shingles by hugging someone with shingles? While chickenpox is also caused by the same virus, does that mean that shingles is, too?
Scientists Developing Vaccine for the Black Plague
The black plague is not a disease you hear about very frequently unless you’re reading a book or watching a movie about the Middle Ages. Also known as the bubonic plague and the “Black Death,” although the plague is not commonly seen in most parts of the world, there are some undeveloped areas where there are still outbreaks. Because of this, researchers are currently working on a vaccine for the plague, with one currently in clinical trials.
Are Anthrax Vaccines Safe?
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax bacteria can form spores, which are dormant structures that are very resilient. People contract this illness by coming into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax cannot transmit from person to person. While anthrax is a serious disease, a vaccine is available for those who develop it. Discover how often the vaccine is available, who should take it, and its safety below.
Do I Need A Meningitis Vaccine For College?
When summer comes to an end each year, there is always a bit of a whirlwind of activity, especially when it comes to packing up your items and heading for your first year of college. While it is fun to imagine what your dorm room will look like, there are other things that you also should be considering, like vaccination against meningitis.
Why is Chickenpox Called ‘Mata’ in India? The nickname with a unique background.
Every culture subscribes to some form of superstition when it comes to disease. When passed down from generation to generation, these beliefs become a part of the people and what makes them so unique. Indian culture, in specific, has a rich and vast belief system, filled with storied histories and colorful tales.
Chickenpox happens to be associated with a myriad of superstitions worldwide, be it through tall tales, religious texts, or even holistic medicines used as a panacea for the dreaded virus.
