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Vaginitis What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is any inflammation or infection of the vagina. It's common in women of all ages. About 1 in 3 women have vaginitis at some time in their lives. What causes vaginitis? Bacteria, yeast, viruses, parasites, and chemicals in creams or sprays

Vulvitis What is vulvitis? Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. It’s a symptom that can result from an array of diseases. This can include infections, injuries, allergies, or irritants. Because it can be challenging to find the

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A

Polio (Poliomyelitis) What is polio? Poliomyelitis is commonly called polio. It's an infectious disease. It is caused by 1 of 3 types of poliovirus. Polio is easily spread from person to person. The poliovirus is a virus that can cause paralysis. But most people who are infected

Rubella (German Measles) What is rubella? Rubella is sometimes called German measles. It's a viral infection. It usually causes a mild illness in children. Adults have a slightly more severe illness. But the virus can cause serious birth defects in pregnant people. A vaccine is

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness that produces symptoms in many systems of the body. Certain bacterial infections release toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can spread to many body organs. This can cause

Household Safety Checklist To protect you and your family, do a thorough safety check of every room in your home on a regular basis. You can prevent unintentional accidents, injuries, and nontraumatic emergencies. Your family will be healthier and safer when you practice a little

Firearms Safety The importance of firearms safety About one-third of homes in the U.S. have some type of firearm. Access to firearms in the home raise the risk of unintentional firearm-related death and injury among children. Unintentional shootings cause a major portion of all

First-Aid Kit Everyone should have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, in the car, and in the workplace. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency. It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items

Oral Health and Dental Specialists What is a general dentist (DDS or DMD)? To become a general dentist, a person must graduate from dental school and have either a DDS or a DMD degree: DDS. Doctor of dental surgery DMD. Doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the