Should I be worried about the new kind of “bird flu” discovered in China?

Posted June 17, 2013

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DEAR DOCTOR K: I heard that a dangerous new kind of "bird flu" was recently discovered in China. Should we in the United States be worried?

DEAR READER: You're right: In March 2013, cases of a brand-new kind of bird flu were discovered in China. One of the hardest things to predict is what will happen when a new strain of the influenza ("flu") virus first infects humans. I'm not exaggerating when I say it could turn out to pose no threat at all in the U.S., or it could be truly terrible.

What is C. diff infection?

Posted January 09, 2013

DEAR DOCTOR K: I've heard that an illness known as "C. diff" is running rampant in hospitals. What is it? How can I avoid it during my upcoming hospitalization?

DEAR READER: You're referring to a dangerous intestinal infection caused by a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile, or "C. diff." C. diff bacteria, and the spores they produce, are not just in hospitals; they're everywhere. And they're not just in the environment around us; they're also inside many of us, in our intestines, along with trillions of other bacteria.

What is infectious arthritis?

Posted December 24, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I saw my doctor for pain and inflammation in my knee. He said I have arthritis caused by a bacterial infection. Could this be true?

DEAR READER: I'll bet that, like many of my patients, you think of arthritis as something caused by wear and tear on a joint. That is the main cause of the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. However, there are other kinds of arthritis, too.

Can pelvic inflammatory disease affect fertility?

Posted December 18, 2012

Illustration: Development of pelvic inflammatory disease

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have pelvic inflammatory disease, and I'm worried this could affect my fertility.

DEAR READER: You're right to be concerned. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the United States. The more often a woman gets PID, the greater her risk of becoming infertile. Most cases of PID develop from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), usually gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Do vitamin C or milk have an effect on colds?

Posted December 11, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: My mom always told me to take vitamin C and not to drink milk when I had a cold. Is this true or just an old wives' tale?

DEAR READER: The idea that vitamin C supplements might prevent the common cold, or shorten the duration and reduce its symptoms, was popularized by the biochemist Linus Pauling. Randomized controlled trials involving thousands of people were conducted. My interpretation of the results of those studies is that they showed no evidence that vitamin C supplements reduced the duration or severity of the common cold. There was weak evidence that they might reduce the risk of catching it.

How can I prevent food poisoning?

Posted November 21, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I recently suffered through a miserable bout of food poisoning. How can I protect myself in the future?

DEAR READER: There are few things less fun than food poisoning. I speak from experience, and not just experience as a doctor. Abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea -- clearly not an experience you want to repeat. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect yourself.

Should I get vaccinated against whooping cough?

Posted November 17, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: My daughter wants me to get a booster shot for pertussis. She says it will help protect her young kids against whooping cough. Is this true?

DEAR READER: Your daughter is right. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes violent coughing. The coughing makes it hard to breathe and produces a deep "whooping" sound. Pertussis can occur at any age, but infants and young children are most likely to become seriously ill from the infection.

How can I prevent traveler’s diarrhea?

Posted November 12, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm about to travel to a developing country. How can I avoid traveler's diarrhea?

DEAR READER: Traveler's diarrhea comes from eating food or drinking water contaminated by certain bacteria, viruses and parasites -- particularly the bacteria called enterotoxigenic E. coli. About half of the people traveling to a developing country come down with traveler's diarrhea. Fortunately, it is usually not severe. Still, it can spoil a good vacation.

Are flu shots safe for children?

Posted October 29, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: Does my child really need a flu shot? How do I know it's safe?

DEAR READER: Every fall and winter, parents face the question: Should my child get an influenza (flu) shot? Many parents worry about risks and side effects, and if the shot is really necessary or worthwhile.

How do I properly wash my hands?

Posted October 15, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: Is there a "right" way to wash your hands? I wash my hands regularly but still get sick.

DEAR READER: I answer a lot of questions about complicated, serious diseases. Yet your question, about something all of us do every day, is at least as important because we don't always do it well -- and we pay a price for that.

Infectious Diseases