Oral antiviral drug effective against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
An oral antiviral drug that targets a key part of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) polymerase and inhibits the synthesis of viral genetic material has been identified, a finding that could provide an effective treatment against RSV disease, according to researchers in the Center for Translational Antiviral Research at Georgia State University. The findings, published […]
Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection (Face) Picture Image on MedicineNet.com
Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection (Face) Shingles. Shingles occur when the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox erupts after the initial infection, sometimes many years later as in the case of this 90-year-old woman. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years. It reactivates if the immune system is weakened, attacking […]
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Chickenpox and Shingles?
What causes chickenpox? Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The difference between chickenpox and shingles is that chickenpox usually occurs first, and shingles are a result of a reactivation of chickenpox later on. Even though chickenpox and shingles are usually spoken of together, they are very different illnesses. Some think only […]
Draft Genome Sequence of Latest Monkeypox Virus Unveiled
The latest monkeypox virus now popping up in multiple countries appears most closely related to a strain that circulated in 2018-2019, according to a draft genome sequence of a recent case. Sequencing of a skin lesion sample from an infected male patient in Portugal — where at least 20 confirmed cases have been reported — […]
Is There an Age Limit for Shingles?
What are shingles? Shingles is known as herpes zoster and it is a skin disease caused by a varicella-zoster virus. There is no age limit for shingles. There is no age limit for shingles. However, you’re more likely to develop shingles as an adult if you had chickenpox as a child. The virus that causes […]
Powassan Virus Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Vaccine
Powassan Virus Disease Symptoms & Signs Powassan virus disease is a rare viral infection. Powassan (POW) virus is a Flavivirus, a genus in the family of Arbovirus; it is related to the West Nile virus. The virus is named after Powassan, Ontario, where it was discovered in 1958. Most cases in the U.S. have been […]
Who Is Eligible for the Shingles Vaccine?
Who is a candidate for the shingles vaccine? Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus lives in your body forever. 10% of people who had chickenpox in childhood will get shingles as an adult, often when they are over […]
RSV Vaccine Holds Promise for Pregnant Women
A bivalent protein-based vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) administered during pregnancy was safe and led to higher neutralizing antibody responses in mothers, as well as evidence of protection in their infants, an interim analysis of a phase IIb trial found. The geometric mean ratios of 50% neutralizing antibody titers against RSV A and B […]
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis, Definition
Facts you should know about mononucleosis (mono) An Epstein-Barr virus is the most common cause of infectious mono although there are other illnesses that produce similar symptoms. This infectious disease can be spread by saliva, and the incubation period for mono is 4-8 weeks. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious illness typically caused by the Epstein-Barr […]
What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? HIV is a virus that causes immunosuppression. The difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is the first stage of the viral illness while AIDS represents the progression of the illness. People often confuse HIV and AIDS. Although both weaken the immune system, they aren’t the […]