Tag: Viral infections

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful viral infection characterized by a blistering rash, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Despite treating various inflammatory skin conditions, the potent topical steroid clobetasol is not an appropriate treatment for shingles and its use can be dangerous.

While antibiotics are often requested for respiratory illnesses, it is a common misunderstanding that antivirals are a cure-all for viral infections. A viral infection that clears up on its own, like the common cold, usually does not require medication and doctors opt for symptomatic care instead. Understanding **why do doctors not prescribe antivirals** in every case depends on complex factors like the specific virus, timing, and potential side effects.

While antibiotics like amoxicillin target bacterial infections, antiviral medications are designed specifically for viral illnesses. Knowing if and when **can you take amoxicillin with an antiviral** is safe requires understanding their distinct mechanisms and potential interactions, though for many common antivirals, no significant interaction is reported.

According to the CDC, millions of Americans are infected with the viruses that require treatment with valacyclovir. Many of these individuals may also suffer from allergies, prompting the common question: Can I take an antihistamine with valacyclovir? While the combination is generally considered safe, there are important factors and potential additive side effects to consider, especially concerning the type of antihistamine used.

Foscarnet is an antiviral medication, not a chemotherapy drug, primarily used to treat and prevent severe viral infections in immunocompromised individuals. Its use in patients undergoing cancer treatment is often a source of confusion, but it is administered to address opportunistic viral infections rather than to combat cancer itself. This article clarifies the distinction by exploring the different mechanisms and applications of these two drug classes.

According to the CDC, millions of cases of viral gastroenteritis, or 'stomach bug,' occur annually, often causing symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Deciding whether **Is Pepto or Imodium better for stomach bug?** depends on your specific symptoms, the bug's cause, and crucial safety considerations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, particularly for viral infections. This highlights the critical need for understanding **what does cefdinir not treat** to ensure proper medication use and combat the rise of antibiotic resistance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of antibiotic prescriptions in humans are unnecessary, a critical factor contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Understanding when not to prescribe amoxicillin is vital for both patient safety and global public health.

According to a 2024 CDC report, common side effects of flu antiviral medications like oseltamivir include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The question of are antivirals hard on the body is complex, as the impact varies significantly depending on the specific drug, patient health, and duration of treatment.

The common misconception that antibiotics can cure the flu persists, even though influenza and most coughs are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. This article clarifies why there is no “best antibiotic for flu and cough” and explains the correct approach to treatment for these common ailments.