A bacterial infection is an infection caused by bacteria. Bacterial infections can often be treated successfully with antibiotics. An infection may begin as a bacterial infection. Or a bacterial infection may follow a viral infection that does not get better. When a viral infection doesn't get better for 10 days or...

What is an ear infection (otitis media)? An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the area behind the eardrum. This infection is called otitis media. The area can get infected when germs from the nose and throat are trapped there. Ear infections happen mostly to young children. They're the most common kind of...

What is a fungal nail infection? A fungal nail infection is an infection that occurs when a fungus gets into your fingernail, toenail, or nail bed. Fungi can infect your nails through small cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and nail bed. If you're healthy, the infection probably...

A fungal infection is an infection caused by a fungus. Fungal infections may affect the skin (for example, athlete's foot or jock itch), nails (for example, fungal nail infections), or hair (for example, ringworm of the scalp and beard). Fungal infections are usually treated by putting medicine directly on the skin...

A urinary tract infection is a general term for an infection anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra (where urine comes out). Most urinary tract infections are bladder infections. They often cause pain or burning when you urinate. They're caused by bacteria and can be cured with antibiotics.

Bladder infection (cystitis) is the most common infection of the lower urinary tract. Bladder infection is usually caused by bacteria that get into the bladder by traveling up the urethra. Bladder infections are more common in girls and women than in boys and men. Symptoms of a bladder infection can range from mild to...

A viral infection is caused by a virus and is often the cause of minor illness, such as a cold or a stomach infection. A viral infection usually causes many different symptoms that often come on quickly (over hours to a day or two) without prior illness. Viral infections that cause minor illnesses are usually not...

Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) is a common childhood infection that anyone can get. It can cause a runny nose, coughing, and wheezing. Most people get over RSV with home care. There are medicines for babies and young children that can help prevent infection. And adults age 60 and over can get a vaccine to...

A stomach infection, sometimes called gastroenteritis, can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It is sometimes called "stomach flu," but it is not the flu. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal (belly) cramps, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss. A stomach infection...

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread by sexual contact. If you're pregnant, you can also spread them to your baby before or during delivery. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some examples of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and...

Infection can develop after an injury or wound to the skin or the mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth or nose. Symptoms of infection may include: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area. Red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the area. A fever.

A middle ear infection is a problem that happens when germs grow in the space behind your eardrum. This often happens after a cold or a throat infection. It can cause ear pain, fever, and trouble hearing. Nonprescription pain medicine may be all you need. Some children may need to take antibiotics.

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is an infection of the nose, sinuses, or throat. Examples of URIs include colds, influenza (flu), and sinusitis. Common symptoms are a runny or stuffy nose and a cough. Most URIs can be treated with home care. This may include drinking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter pain...

What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria. If it's not treated by a doctor, it can get worse over time and cause serious health problems. The infection can be active at times and not active at other times. When the infection is active, you have symptoms. When it's...

A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus invades a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail (nail bed). The infected nail usually turns yellow or white, and it may crumble and split. Bits of skin and nail may build up under the nail. The nail may also get thick, and it may separate from the skin. Most...

During this exam for sexually transmitted infections, the doctor: Looks for discharge from your penis. The doctor may put a thin swab into the urethra and take a sample of fluid and cells to test for infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Checks your testicles for swelling and tenderness. May look at the end of your...

Briefly discusses common sexually transmitted infections. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care.

Discusses HIV, a virus that attacks white blood cells called CD4+ cells which are an important part of the immune system. Covers symptoms and stages of infection, including last stage called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Covers HIV treatment.

Discusses infection caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that normally lives in the vagina. Covers symptoms like itching or soreness in vagina or burning when you urinate or have sex. Looks at treatment with medicines like Monistat.