Simple, accurate health tests for the home and the workplace.
What is tetanus? Tetanus is a rare but serious disease of the central nervous system. Tetanus cannot be spread from person to person. What causes tetanus? Tetanus is caused by a bacterium, which lives in soil and manure. The bacterium enters the body through an open wound for example, one caused by animal bites, burns […]
What is the throat? Your throat runs from the back of your mouth to the top of your respiratory and digestive tracts, it comprises the tonsils, larynx and pharynx. Your throat has an important function – it helps to filter out potentially harmful bacteria, which can lead to infection. What is a sore […]
What is polio? Polio, also known as poliomyelitis is a very serious, contagious condition. Polio can affect both adults and children but thankfully, as a result of successful vaccines, polio is becoming very rare in most countries. The Americas, U.K. and most of Europe are free of polio as a disease but with people taking […]
What is mumps? Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus, a relative of the measles virus. Mumps causes enlargement of the 2 salivary glands. The salivary glands are found towards the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and the jaw. What causes mumps to spread? Mumps is spread from person to person […]
What is meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can occur at any age but it is most likely to affect young children and young adults. Thankfully, it is a rare illness but although some cases are mild, meningitis can be fatal if not dealt […]
What is measles? Measles is a contagious infection caused by a virus. Measles was once common, but because of immunization it is now fortunately becoming very rare. How is measles spread? Measles is spread very easily from person to person, when droplets of the virus are circulated through the air from an infected person coughing […]
What is juvenile arthritis? Juvenile arthritis refers to all types of arthritis that affect children. However, it is fortunately quite rare. There are three main types of juvenile arthritis: Polyarthritis – this type affects five or more joints and is more common in girls. This type commonly affects smaller joints like the hands and feet, […]
Influenza and the common cold We have all heard of influenza and know it can make you feel very ill, but did you know there are only 3 types of the influenza virus (known as A, B and C) but many strains. However, the common cold can be caused by nearly 200 different viruses. What […]
What is German measles? German measles is a mild infectious illness caused by the rubella virus, which is why it is sometimes called rubella. There is no connection between German measles and measles, which is caused by a different virus. What causes German measles? German measles is caused by a virus, and is spread by […]
What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection, which mainly affects the nose, throat and occasionally the skin, but in more serious cases, it can attack the heart and nerves. Diphtheria is now very rare in the U.K. and almost all new reported cases are acquired from holidays abroad. What causes diphtheria? Diphtheria […]
Ear infection Most parents are familiar with ear infections and they are usually the most common reason for a visit to the doctor. Chances are, that by the time a child reaches the age of 6 they will have suffered an ear infection of some form. Most ear infections get better without any treatment, but […]
What is eczema? Eczema or dermatitis are two medical terms used to describe numerous skin conditions. The word eczema comes from the Greek and means ‘to boil over’. Like many allergic conditions the severity and type of the condition can vary from person to person. Although it can sometimes look very unpleasant eczema is not […]
