Health Report

Vaccines: Inoculation, Immunization, Safety & Schedule Overview What are vaccines? Vaccines train your body to fight off harmful invaders that make you sick. These harmful invaders are called pathogens (or germs) and include viruses and bacteria. Vaccines can prevent you from getting sick with a serious illness and help stop the spread of disease. What does vaccine mean? Vaccine comes from the word “vacca,” which means “cow.” Edward Jenner created the term from his use of cowpox to prevent smallpox. Today, a vaccine is anything that causes the immune system to recognize a harmful substance in the body and attack it. What do vaccines treat? Vaccines are mostly used to prevent you from getting sick from viruses and bacteria. Some immunotherapies used to treat cancer are also called vaccines. What’s the difference between vaccination and immunization? Vaccination an...

Septicemia (Blood Poisoning): Causes, Management Overview What is septicemia? Septicemia, sometimes called blood poisoning, is an infection that occurs when germs get into the bloodstream and spread. The germs are usually bacteria but also can be viruses or fungi. Septicemia vs. sepsis: How can I tell the difference? Some people use the words septicemia and sepsis as if they mean the same thing. But technically, septicemia is an infection that happens when bacteria or other germs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. That can trigger sepsis , which is the body’s reaction to the infection. Who might get blood poisoning? Anyone can get septicemia, but it’s more common in people who: Are in the hospital or have had recent surgery (especially those who have catheters or IVs). Are very old or very young. Have had septicemia before. Have infect...

Septic Shock: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Overview Septic shock occurs when a bacterial infection causes low blood pressure, widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation) and organ failure. What is septic shock? Septic shock is a serious medical condition that can occur when an infection in your body causes extremely low blood pressure and organ failure due to sepsis . Septic shock is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment. It’s the most severe stage of sepsis. What’s the difference between septic shock and sepsis? Septic shock is the last and most dangerous stage of sepsis. Sepsis can be divided into three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis : Sepsis is life-threatening. It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection. Severe sepsis : This is when sepsis causes your organs to malfunction. This is usually because of low blood pressure, a result of inflammation ...

Sepsis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention Overview What is sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by your body’s overwhelming response to an infection. Without urgent treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death . Sepsis definition Sepsis is your body’s extreme reaction to an infection. When you have an infection, your immune system works to try to fight it. But sometimes your immune system stops fighting the infection and starts damaging your normal tissues and organs, leading to widespread inflammation throughout your body. At the same time, an abnormal chain reaction in your clotting system can cause blood clots to form in your blood vessels . This reduces blood flow to the different organs of your body and can cause significant damage or even failure. What are the three stages of sepsis? Healthcare providers u...

Parenteral Nutrition: What it Is, Uses & Types Overview Parenteral Nutrition: Definition, Uses & Types What is parenteral nutrition? Parenteral nutrition means feeding intravenously (through a vein). "Parenteral" means "outside of the digestive tract." Whereas enteral nutrition is delivered through a tube to your stomach or the small intestine, parenteral nutrition bypasses your entire digestive system, from mouth to anus. Certain medical conditions may require parenteral nutrition for a short or longer time. Some people need it to supplement their diet, and some people need to get all of their calories intravenously. What are the two types of parenteral nutrition? Parenteral nutrition can be partial or total. Partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) is parenteral nutrition given to supplement other kinds of feeding. If you’re eating but sti...

Electrolyte Imbalance: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Overview What is an electrolyte imbalance? An electrolyte imbalance occurs when you have too much or not enough of certain minerals in your body. This imbalance may be a sign of a problem like kidney disease . Electrolytes are minerals that give off an electrical charge when they dissolve in fluids like blood and urine. Your body makes electrolytes. You also get these minerals from foods, drinks and supplements. Electrolytes in blood, tissue, urine and other body fluids play a critical role in balancing body fluids, regulating your heart rhythm and supporting nerve and muscle function. What do electrolytes do? Electrolytes perform different functions in your body: Sodium controls fluid levels and aids nerve and muscle function. Potassium supports heart, nerve and muscle functions. It also moves nutrien...