Antibiotics have been used for the past 70 years to treat illnesses and prevent thousands of deaths. However, some antibiotics are no longer as effective at killing bacteria and treating illnesses. This is known as Antimicrobial Resistance or Antibiotic Resistance.
Antibiotics will not cure a cold or the flu. They are also not appropriate for bronchitis, some ear infections or sinus infections.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can kill helpful bacteria in the body and increase your risk for serious infections.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Learn more about Antibiotic Resistance.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.
Can Hepatitis A be prevented?
Yes. The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated. Experts recommend the vaccine for all children, and people with certain risk factors and medical conditions. The vaccine is also recommended for travelers to certain international countries, even if travel occurs for short times or on closed resorts.
Without treatment, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can make a person very sick and even cause death. Learning the basics about HIV can keep you healthy and prevent transmission.
HIV can be transmitted by:
HIV is NOT transmitted by:
The amount of measles cases in the US has been extremely low in the last 30 years due to an effective two-dose anti-measles vaccination program, but recently there have been an increasing number of cases nationwide. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recommending assessment of patients and vaccination of patients lacking evidence of immunity.
Any suspected case of measles should be immediately reported to the local health department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.
Should a patient call with a concern that they have measles? They should be advised to avoid all public activities until they can be evaluated and arrangements should be made to have them isolated, preferably in an Emergency Department.
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus, which can make people sick. Symptoms may include a rash, resembling pimples or blisters, often preceded by flu-like illness. Overall illness typically lasts 2 - 4 weeks. While some people experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe pain. Mpox can be spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.
The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself from getting mpox:
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