The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye (sclera). Conjunctivitis – or pink eye, as it is sometimes known – is a medical condition where the conjunctiva gets inflamed, usually due to a viral/bacterial infection, allergic reaction or being triggered by an…
Tag: Viral infection
Why Do We Get Fever?
Fever, or pyrexia, refers to an increase in body temperature beyond its normal range. While our temperature may vary slightly during the course of the day (by not more than 1.0°C – 1.5 °C, usually higher in the evening than in the morning) and due to other factors such as exercise, menstrual cycle phase, hot…
Measles
Measles is caused by a virus that enters the body via the respiratory system. It is a highly contagious disease which has the potential to cause serious complications. Fortunately, the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and subsequent implementation of global vaccination drives has significantly reduced the incidence of measles and/or its complications over…
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue that causes the brain to become swollen. It is not a very common condition and, on average, affects about 10-15 individuals per 100,000 annually. The condition can be life threatening and therefore requires immediate medical attention. Encephalitis more commonly affects small children than adults. Older people are…
Laryngitis
The larynx, or voice box, is an organ found in the upper region at the back of the throat that contains the vocal cords which are responsible for the vocal sounds that we make. The vocal cords comprise of two membranous folds that ideally open and close smoothly and create sounds with their movement and…
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that bridges the uterus to the vagina. It is the eighth most common type of cancer globally, and the fourth most common type to occur among women (after breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer). According to a scientific…
Varicella (aka Chickenpox)
Varicella, or what we commonly call chickenpox, is an infectious communicable viral disease that mostly affects children. However, it can also occur in adults – particularly those who have not had chickenpox during their childhood or have not been vaccinated. Symptoms Chickenpox is typically characterised by the appearance of around 250-500 itchy blisters all over…
Coronaviruses
(Scroll down for an update posted on 29/03/2020.) With the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, TBL felt that it would only be apt to have a discussion on the tiny microbes that are currently making a huge impact on global healthcare, travel, trade and economy. Viruses are tiny infectious microorganisms that can infect any living organism (including…
Is it a Cold? Is it the Flu?
It can be a bit tricky to differentiate between the common cold and the flu (influenza) – particularly during flu season. They are both infectious diseases that are communicable, and are both caused by viruses that attack the nose, throat and, sometimes, the rest of the respiratory tract or lungs. Let’s take a look at…
The Bio Log 