Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccine): Side effects, dosage, uses, and more
Cicada-geddon: The Fungus That Controls Insects Like 'zombies'
Billions of cicadas are about to be "controlled like zombies" into spreading a strange fungus that "hijacks their bodies and behaviour", according to a report.
In a development worthy of a horror film, the bugs will develop "hypersexualisation" and therefore spread the fungus ever more widely, as males flirt like females, despite the fact that their genitals have fallen off, said CNN.
"The truth is actually much stranger than fiction," Dr John Cooley, an associate professor in residence of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut, told the broadcaster.
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'Saltshakers of death'Periodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground and only emerge after 13 or 17 years. But this year, two broods of cicadas will emerge in historically high numbers.
Trillions of the "baby-carrot-size insects" will be "singing their hearts out from Wisconsin to Louisiana, Maryland to Georgia, and many places in between", said Washington Post.
In an event dubbed by one expert as "cicada-geddon", the mass of bugs will emerge across several US states. Some of them will be "zombie cicadas" that are infected by the sexually transmitted fungus, said CBS News.
And what a fungus it is: it destroys the insects' genitals and replaces their abdomens with a cavity packed with fungal spores. This then manipulates the bugs into hypersexual behaviour to spread the fungus further, transforming them into what some scientists dub "saltshakers of death".
Not put off by the fact they by now have a "chalky gumdrop of spores instead of genitals", said CNN, the super-spreading cicadas still attempt to mate, "with gusto", thanks to the "hypersexualisation" that the fungus has installed in them.
Normally, female cicadas flick their wings to show that they're ready to mate but both male and female cicadas infected with the Massospora fungus flick their wings to draw in "amorous, soon-to-be-infected males", added the broadcaster.
Infected cicadas "seem to want to party", said the Washington Post, and although the fungal castration makes this technically impossible, the close contact makes the fungus spread around "like an STD," said an expert.
New medicine?Although it is not entirely clear how the fungus might affect other wildlife or humans, Matthew Kasson, an associate professor of Mycology and Forest Pathology at West Virginia University, told CBS News that he's observed thousands of compounds in infected cicadas, and some could be toxic.
He said "a lot of animals" including snakes and birds are "gobbling these cicadas up" as they're emerging. "Is it possible they're having an effect on the animals that eat them? Yes, it is possible."
But the fungus could have a positive effect for humans. Researchers believe it could be a source of new medicines, he told the Washington Post, as it has been used as a traditional form of medicine for inflammation among cultures in China and New Zealand's Maori.
Meanwhile, Kasson encourages Americans not to worry about the forthcoming episode. Instead, see it as a "biological spectacle" and "one of the natural wonders of the world", he told CNN.
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Yeast Infection: Signs & Symptoms
A yeast infection can feel like itching or even burning. Or you may have swelling so extreme, it leads to sores. Sexual intercourse may be painful. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, a yeast infection can be uncomfortable.
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus. It generally causes your vagina and vulva (the tissues at the opening of the vagina) or your penis to itch. You may also have a discharge.
Knowing how to spot the symptoms of a yeast infection can help you get the most effective treatment.
A yeast infection is a condition caused by a fungus that can lead to itchiness of your vagina and vulva (the tissues at the opening of the vagina) or penis. It can also cause a discharge. Yeast infections are a common type of vaginitis or vaginal infection. Knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms can help you get the most effective treatment. (Photo credit: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images)
Your vulva and vaginal opening or your penis may look red, swollen, and irritated. There may be a white coating or shiny sores on your vaginal or penile tissue. Your discharge may be different than normal. Your symptoms will vary depending on how severe your infection is.
Yeast infection discharge
It may be watery or thicker and look like cottage cheese. It's usually whitish to yellowish in color. A vaginal yeast infection shouldn't smell different than normal. Symptoms can vary from person to person.
Your symptoms depend on where the infection is and how your body responds. Your symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Or you may have no noticeable symptoms.
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms
Yeast infections are a common type of vaginitis or vaginal infection. Three of every four women and people with a vagina get one in their lifetime. And many have more than one.
Also known as vaginal candidiasis, if you have a vaginal yeast infection, you'll most likely have extreme itching in and around your vagina; this is the most common symptom. In addition to itching, you might also have:
Penile yeast infection symptoms
A penile yeast infection is also called candida balanitis. This can happen when there's an overgrowth of fungus on the penis or if you have sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection.
About 3%-11% of men and people assigned male at birth will get a yeast infection in their lifetime. It tends to happen on moist, warm, creased areas of skin such as the head of the penis and foreskin.
It's more common if you aren't circumcised and for children under age 4. About 1 in 30 uncircumcised people will develop a yeast infection. It's also more common if you have phimosis, which means the foreskin doesn't easily pull back over the penis.
The symptoms include:
Sometimes the symptoms of a yeast infection can be more serious and require extra care. Or you may get repeated infections. You might need a longer course of treatment or a prevention plan with your doctor to keep the infection from coming back. Severe yeast infections are also called complicated yeast infections.
You can get a more complicated infection if:
Your infection might also be more complicated if it's caused by a different type of fungus than what commonly causes yeast infections. This can mean the usual over-the-counter treatments are not as effective.
Signs of a complicated infection include:
Vaginal yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are different types of vaginitis. BV is caused by bacteria rather than a fungus. Both infections can cause itching and a burning feeling when you pee. However, other symptoms are not the same.
You may have BV rather than a yeast infection if your vagina has a bad smell or if you have a thin, white, green, or gray discharge.
See your doctor if you think you may have BV or if you're not sure what infection you have.
Both infections may cause discomfort and a burning sensation when you pee. But while a yeast infection causes symptoms like vaginal itching and a thick or watery odorless discharge, a urinary tract infection (UTI) does not. If you have a UTI, you may have these symptoms instead:
Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve within 72 hours of starting treatment. Call right away if you have any signs of a complicated infection.
You should also make an appointment with your doctor if:
If you think you have a yeast infection but aren't sure, it's important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can also let you know if something else may be causing your problems.
Treatment can help relieve your symptoms, keep an infection from becoming severe, and prevent you from spreading any potential infections during sex.
If you have itching around your vagina or penis and a thick, white, chunky, or watery discharge, there's a chance you have a yeast infection. Call your doctor if you're not sure. Over-the-counter treatments often provide relief in a few days.
Pneumonia: What To Know
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can range from mild to so serious that you have to go to the hospital. It happens when an infection causes air sacs in your lungs (the alveoli) and tubes in your airways that connect to them (bronchioles) to fill with fluid or pus. That can make it hard for you to breathe in enough oxygen.
Anyone can get this lung infection. But children younger than 2 and people over 65 are at higher risk. That's because their immune systems might not be strong enough to fight it. Lifestyle habits, like smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol, can also raise your chances of getting pneumonia.
You can get pneumonia in one or both lungs. Pneumonia in both lungs is sometimes called bilateral pneumonia or double pneumonia. You can also have pneumonia and not know it. This is sometimes called walking pneumonia.
Causes include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If your pneumonia results from bacteria or a virus, you can spread it to someone else.
Pneumonia can be grouped into types based on what caused it. Many things can lead to pneumonia, but some of the most common are:
Bacterial pneumonia
More people get this type of pneumonia than any other. While several types of bacteria can cause it, the most common in the U.S. Is streptococcus. People sometimes get bacterial pneumonia after a viral infection like a cold or the flu.
Viral pneumonia
Viruses, such as cold and flu viruses, cause about a third of all cases of pneumonia. They're the most common cause of the condition in children under 5. This type of infection isn't usually as serious as bacterial pneumonia, but it can be. Viral pneumonia raises your risk of also getting bacterial pneumonia.
Fungal pneumonia
Fungi found in dirt or bird poop can also cause a pneumonia infection. This type is more likely to affect people with weaker immune systems, such as those who have long-lasting health problems.
Walking pneumonia
This is a nickname for a less serious type that's officially called mycoplasma pneumonia. It's named for the bacteria that causes it. Young adults and older children most often get this type, which often doesn't require bed rest.
Your symptoms can vary, depending on the cause of your pneumonia, your age, and your overall health. They usually develop over several days.
Common signs of pneumonia include:
Along with these symptoms, older adults and people with weak immune systems might be confused or have problems with thinking. They might also have a lower-than-usual body temperature.
The symptoms of viral pneumonia tend to come on slowly, and they are often mild at first. They may include:
If you have trouble breathing, coughing that doesn't stop, chest pain, or a fever of 102 F or higher, see your doctor.
Symptoms of pneumonia in babies
Babies with pneumonia may not show any symptoms. But they could seem tired or restless. They might also have a cough, fever, vomiting, or trouble breathing. It also may be hard for them to eat.
You get pneumonia when a potentially harmful substance that your body could usually fight off overwhelms your immune system and infects your lungs.
Viruses that can lead to viral pneumonia include:
Causes of bacterial pneumonia include:
Fungal pneumonia causes include:
Aspiration pneumonia
You can get aspiration pneumonia when you breathe in a foreign substance, like vomit, saliva, or food. You're more likely to get it if something has interfered with your gag reflex, such as a brain injury or overuse of drugs or alcohol.
Is pneumonia contagious?
Bacterial and viral types of pneumonia are contagious. The germs that cause them may spread through the air when someone who is infected talks, coughs, or sneezes. You might also get pneumonia after touching a surface that has the germs on it, then touching your mouth or nose.
Can the flu turn into pneumonia?
Influenza viruses can cause pneumonia, particularly in people who have other health conditions or are at higher risk of it for another reason
Can COVID turn into pneumonia?
The virus that causes COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia. It can also make you more prone to get an infection from other types of viruses or bacteria by weakening your immune system or causing you to need a ventilator.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
If you get pneumonia while you're in a hospital, that's called hospital-acquired pneumonia. It tends to be more serious, since it can be caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and those who get it have other health issues. You might also hear the term health care-associated pneumonia. This refers more broadly to pneumonia you catch while in any health care facility, such as a long-term care facility or dialysis center.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia
You have ventilator-associated pneumonia if you get the infection while using a ventilator, a machine that helps you breathe.
Community-acquired pneumonia
Most cases are what's called community-acquired pneumonia, which means you didn't get it in a hospital.
Anybody can get pneumonia , though it most commonly affects babies and people over 65.
You're also at higher risk if you:
Your doctor will start with questions about your symptoms and your medical history, like whether you smoke and whether you've been around sick people at home, school, or work. Then, they'll listen to your lungs. If you have pneumonia, they might hear cracking, bubbling, or rumbling sounds when you breathe in.
If your doctor thinks you might have pneumonia, they'll probably give you tests, including:
If your symptoms started in the hospital or you have other health problems, your doctor might give you more tests, such as:
Pneumonia vs. Bronchitis
Like pneumonia, bronchitis can give you a long-lasting cough, fever, fatigue, and chest pain. You can also get pneumonia after having bronchitis. But bronchitis, which results from inflammation in the tubes that carry air to your lungs, tends to be much less serious. See your doctor if you have these symptoms so they can figure out which condition you have and how best to treat it.
Pneumonia can have several complications, including:
Your treatment will depend on what caused your pneumonia, how serious it is, and your overall health. Most people are able to recover at home with rest and medication.
Pneumonia medication
If you have bacterial pneumonia, you'll get antibiotics. Make sure you take all of the medicine your doctor gives you, even if you start to feel better before you're through with it.
If you have viral pneumonia, antibiotics won't help. You'll need to rest, drink a lot of fluids, and take medicine for your fever. Antiviral medications can work well against some, but not all, of the viruses that cause pneumonia.
Your doctor will prescribe antifungal medication to treat fungal pneumonia.
Atypical pneumonia treatment
Atypical pneumonia is caused by bacteria that are hard for doctors to detect with standard methods, such as mycoplasma and legionella. With a mild case, you may be able to recover with rest and self-care at home. If it's more serious, your doctor will treat it with antibiotics.
Pneumonia nebulizer
Your doctor may prescribe a nebulizer or inhaler to you or your child to help with breathing. But this won't treat the pneumonia itself.
Hospitalization for pneumonia
If your symptoms are serious or if you have other conditions that make you more likely to have complications, your doctor may send you to the hospital. While you're there, your doctor will probably give you fluids or antibiotics through an IV. You may need oxygen therapy or breathing treatments. And the doctors might need to drain fluid from your lungs.
How long does pneumonia last?
Depending on what type of pneumonia you have and how sick you are, it could take anywhere from a week to a month or more to recover. You'll probably feel fatigued for a month or so. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month. You need lots of rest while you're recovering, so don't try to rush it. Ask your doctor when you can return to your usual activities. Limit contact with other people while you're sick so you don't spread the germs that cause pneumonia.
Signs that pneumonia is improving
You can tell you're recovering when your symptoms improve. While you'll probably be tired for a while, you should notice:
There are some things you can do at home to ease your symptoms and help you recover:
To avoid pneumonia and the germs that can cause it, take these steps:
Pneumonia vaccine
There are two types of vaccines that can prevent infection with the pneumococcus bacteria, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. They're recommended for:
Children under 2, kids ages 2-5 who are at high risk for pneumonia, and those who go to group child care should also get a pneumonia vaccine.
A flu shot can also help prevent pneumonia in both kids and adults. So can vaccines that protect against:
Pneumonia is a lung infection most often caused by bacteria or a virus. It may be mild enough that you can recover at home, or serious enough to put you in a hospital. Vaccines can protect you against pneumonia. See a doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, a high fever, or a cough that doesn't go away.
What are the 4 stages of pneumonia symptoms?
Bacterial pneumonia has four stages:
Pneumonia vaccine: How often?
Three pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccines are widely used in the U.S.: PCV15, PCV20, and PCV23. PCV13 is an older vaccine, but it is still used occasionally. Doctors may use them for different people, depending on their age and health condition:
Your doctor can tell you how many shots you need and when.
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