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Virginia's rising syphilis cases are another bellwether of a strained public health system - WWBT

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For more than two years, COVID-19 has largely monopolized the time and resources of local health departments across Virginia. But as the virus moves into an uneasy plateau, health officials are turning their attention to another infectious disease with alarming rates of growth. Since at least 2016, cases of syphilis — a sexually transmitted disease once thought to be on the verge of eradication — have been rising across Virginia. Cases increased by 158 percent between  2007 and 2017, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health, and rates jumped again the following year. In 2020, the most recently available data, there were 1,288 new diagnoses of early-stage syphilis, an increase of 228 cases compared to just four years earlier. Even more concerning has been a persistent rise in congenital infections among infants who contract the disease from their mothers. A decade ago, in 2011, Virginia had zero cases. In 2020, there were 15, including five syphilitic stillbirth...

STDs that Cause Dry Skin: Types and their Treatments - Healthline

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Many of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are typically identified by a handful of common symptoms. Herpes, for example, frequently causes genital warts and bumps around the mouth or genitals. But sometimes, STDs cause less obvious and lesser-known symptoms. One of these often unrecognized symptoms is dry skin. Indeed, dry skin may be one sign that you have an STD. Frequently, "STD" is used interchangeably with the term sexually transmitted infection (STI), but they're different. STIs are infections that can develop into STDs. As an example, human papillomavirus (HPV) is an STI, unless it leads to genital warts or cervical cancer, which are STDs. In this article, we'll primarily discuss dry skin that's caused by STDs. We'll also look at some key STIs and their connection to dry skin. Dry skin is a common symptom of a number of conditions, from allergies and psoriasis to STDs. Any patch of dry skin you develop isn't necessarily a sign you...

Dr. Oz bought thousands of doses of hydroxychloroquine during pandemic - New York Post

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Dr. Mehmet Oz personally bought thousands of dollars worth of hydroxychloroquine during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, Oz spent $8,800.00 on 2070 tablets of the drug. The purchase came at a time when the TV doctor was heavily promoting the anti-Malaria drug as a possible treatment for the deadly virus. His advocacy even reached the White House which confirmed Trump was taking the drug in May of that year. Oz's campaign confirmed the purchase and said the doctor had been trying to help Columbia University with a study. "At the outset of the pandemic, Dr. Mehmet Oz spoke with health experts worldwide who were seeing hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as viable treatment options for desperately ill COVID patients. He offered to fund the clinical trial at Columbia University," Brittany Yanick, Oz's Communications Director told The Post. The campaign said Oz had been prepared to spend $250...

Jock itch: Symptoms, treatment, prevention - Insider

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Jock itch is a fungal infection that causes red, scaly, itchy patches of skin in the groin area. If you're not careful, you can spread the fungus to other parts of your body. First, try eliminating jock itch with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice. Jock itch is a fungal infection in the groin area that causes an intensely itchy, sometimes painful rash. Known medically as tinea cruris, jock itch is caused by the same fungus that leads to ringworm and Athlete's foot. "Jock itch usually isn't serious, but it is unappealing and uncomfortable," says Judson M. Brandeis, MD, a urologist and men's health expert with Brandeis MD.  Here's why you shouldn't be embarrassed by this common condition, but should get treatment ...

Avapro (Irbesartan) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages - Verywell Health

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What Is Avapro? Avapro ( irbesartan ) is a prescription medication option for the treatment of hypertension or diabetic nephropathy in people with hypertension. Avapro is in the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) medication class. It works by blocking angiotensin II, which is a type of hormone. Angiotensin II raises high blood pressure by squeezing blood vessels and encouraging the release of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone influences the kidneys to hold onto salt and water. With high amounts of salt and water in the body, blood pressure also rises. Angiotensin II can also lead to kidney damage by squeezing the kidney blood vessels and lessening blood flow to the kidneys. Angiotensin II and aldosterone are some of the hormones in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). If you suspect that you're pregnant, notify your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps, such as stopping the ARB during your pregnancy. Taking an ARB—like irbesa...

Janumet and Janumet XR: Side effects, dosage, price, and more - Medical News Today

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Janumet and Janumet XR can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Janumet or Janumet XR. These lists do not include all possible side effects. For more information about the possible side effects of Janumet or Janumet XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on managing any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Janumet or Janumet XR, you can do so through MedWatch. Mild side effects Mild side effects* of Janumet and Janumet XR can include: Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don't go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from Janumet and Janumet XR. To learn about other ...

Infants' Tylenol dosage: How much, when, and how often - Medical News Today

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Knowing the correct Tylenol dosage for infants is important. Tylenol, when used correctly, is a safe and effective option for managing pain and fevers. The active ingredient, acetaminophen, also comes in a generic form. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The producers of Tylenol recommend consulting a pediatrician before giving this drug to infants under 24 months or weighing less than 24 pounds (lb). Tylenol can harm the liver, and the difference between a safe dose and a potentially dangerous one is relatively small. Follow the instructions on labels and a doctor's advice carefully. If the first dose does not work, do not give a child more Tylenol. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until an infant is 6 months or older before giving them nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil). Tylenol may be a safe alternative to these drugs in younger infants, but it is important to chec...