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Zika virus
Condition

Zika virus

Zika virus disease is an infection that is spread by mosquitoes. Most people who are bitten and catch the Zika virus suffer no symptoms. Any symptoms are usually mild and last for around a week. These are similar to most viral infections: muscle aches, joint aches, headaches, fever, rash, and irritated eyes (conjunctivitis). Zika virus becomes important only in its threat to pregnant women. An unborn baby can suffer from birth defects, such as having a smaller-than-average head size (microcephaly). Zika is present in many hot countries. You catch it after a bite from the Aedes mosquito, which may carry the virus. The same mosquitoes can also have dengue and yellow fever, two serious tropical diseases, so there are lots of reasons to take steps to prevent being bitten. Aedes mosquitoes are active during the daytime, with bites most likely in the early morning, afternoon, and evening. It's worth being well-informed about the risks wherever you are traveling to. Up-to-date Zika virus maps can be found online or at your doctor's practice. Zika virus is contagious and can be passed on from an infected individual via sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral.

Rotavirus
Condition

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea. It mostly affects children under 5 years, and it's usually mild enough to just be treated at home. This is different to toddler's diarrhea. Early symptoms include a temperature, vomiting, and then 3 to 7 days of watery diarrhea. They may also get abdominal pain and cramps. It takes about 2 days after being exposed to the virus for symptoms to start. Even after the other symptoms have resolved, loose stools can last for up to 10 days, although hopefully improving in that time. It's so common that most children in the US have had it by 5 years old. Older children and adults can also catch rotavirus, but in adults, it's usually a milder illness. They should still be cautious about not infecting others, though.

Lyme disease
Condition

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a condition caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread by an insect called a tick. It is called Lyme disease after the American town where it was first described. The ticks bite an infected animal and then bite us. An infected tick often leaves a classic mark of Lyme disease: a distinctive circular rash, described as a bullseye on a dartboard. This rash may take up to a month to develop, and some don't get it at all. Anyone affected might feel unwell with a fever, muscle aches, headaches and lethargy. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to cause multiple symptoms in many different parts of the body that last weeks or months after the initial infection. There are three stages of Lyme disease: Early local skin reaction – this happens 3 to 36 days after being bitten by an infected tick and causes the classical bullseye rash and – in about 1 in 3 cases – a flu-like illness for a few days. Early disseminated disease, which can happen weeks or months afterwards. This includes joint problems such as pain and swelling (often in the knee), nerve inflammation, palpitations, dizziness and breathlessness. Late disease. This can happen years later with many possible symptoms, including persistent joint problems, confusion, mood changes and memory problems, weakness and tiredness.

Varicose veins
Condition

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are superficial veins that occur on the legs and feet. They can become swollen, enlarged, and visible.  For some people, the appearance worries them; for others, the varicose veins can cause bothersome symptoms. Warm weather or standing up for a long period of time can make varicose veins appear worse.

Allergic rhinitis
Condition

Allergic rhinitis

The word ‘rhinitis’ means inflammation of the nose and if this is caused by an allergy, it’s known as ‘allergic rhinitis’. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergy to pollen. Typically, grass or tree pollen are the culprits. They cause itchy eyes, nose, and throat, plus sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms occur in what’s known as hay fever season, which is typically from the end of March to July but varies depending on where you are in the country and whether your allergy is to grass pollen or tree pollen. House dust mite and pet allergy can trigger allergic rhinitis at any time of the year. Allergic rhinitis is very common, with around 7-8% of people in the US suffering with it at some point in their life; however, it most commonly starts as a child or teenager. It can run in families, and you are more likely to have allergic rhinitis if you also suffer from asthma or eczema. Allergic rhinitis is not contagious.

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