A cold is an infection of the nose, sinuses, and/or throat. There are more than 200 types of viruses that can cause a cold. A virus is a type of germ that causes infections. In the U.S., most colds occur in the Fall and Winter.

How is it spread?

Most people get a cold from a person who has a cold. A cold virus spreads easily. For example: when a person with a cold sneezes, coughs, talks, or laughs, the virus can spread into the air as droplets. These droplets can spread to people as they breathe and to surfaces up to 6 feet away. Cold viruses can spread to your hands if you touch anything that has the virus on it. If you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you can get the cold virus.

What are signs of a cold?

• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Sore throat.
• Coughing.
• Headache (mild).
• Muscle aches and pains (mild).
• Chest discomfort (sometimes).
• Tiredness (sometimes).
• Fever (rare).

Flu vs. Cold: Know the Difference

How can you feel better if you have a cold?

• Get plenty of rest.
• Consider the use of over-the-counter drugs. Note: not all over-the-counter drugs are safe for children.
• Use a clean humidifier to help relieve congestion.
• Soothe a sore throat with ice chips, throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children).
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid second-hand smoke.

If you have a cold?

• Clean hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand cleaner.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.
• Don’t share eating or drinking utensils, hand towels or toothpaste.
• Stay at home if possible.
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, such as water, teas, broths, and sports drinks.
• See your health care provider if your:
  • Temperature goes over 100.4°F.
  • Symptoms last over 10 days.

How can you avoid a cold?

• Limit or avoid people who are at risk.
• Clean hands often.
• Eat the right foods and get enough sleep to stay healthy

Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and infection.

Germs can be spread from hands to high-touch items such as doorknobs, grocery carts, handrails, phones and computer keyboards. When you handle these items, then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, germs can spread. This is just one way that germs spread. Keeping your hands clean helps you:

• Avoid getting sick.
• Avoid spreading germs to others.
• Keep your family.
• Be a healthy role model for others.

When should you clean your hands?

Before:

• Preparing or eating food.
• Caring for someone who is sick.
• Treating a cut or would.
• Putting in contact lenses.

After:

• Going to the bathroom.
• Contact with body fluids such as blood, vomit, or feces.
• Changing diapers or helping someone with toileting.
• Caring for someone who is sick.
• Blowing your nose.
• Coughing or sneezing.
• Touching an animal or handling their toys or waste.
• Handling garbage, trash cans, or drains.
• Treating a cut or wound.
• Handling raw meat

Simply put: Clean your hands often, whether they look dirty or not.

How should you clean your hands?

You can clean your hands using soap and water. Or, you can use an alcohol hand cleaner.

With soap and water:

1. Wet your hands with clean running water.
2. Add soap to make suds and scrub all over your hands and wrists.
3. Rub:
   • Palms.
   • Back of hands.
   • Between the fingers.
   • Fingers.
   • Wrists.
4. Continue rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds.
5. Rinse hands well under running water.
6. Dry your hands using a clean paper towelor air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the water and to open the door when leaving the restroom.

Need a hand washing timer? Sing “Happy Birthday” through twice in your head!

With alcohol hand cleaner:

1. Apply product to the plam of one hand (see product label for directions/enough to use on BOTH hands.)
2. Rub:
   • Palms.
   • Back of hands.
   • Between the fingers.
   • Fingers.
   • Wrists.
3. Keep rubbing until hands are dry, at least 30 seconds

Use soap and water instead of alcohol hand cleaner:

• When your hands are visibly dirty.
• Before eating or preparing food.
• After handling raw meat.
• After handling animal waste.
• After going to the bathroom.
• After changing a diaper.
• After assisting someone with toileting.

Most alcohol hand cleaners from grocery or drug stores contain alcohol to reduce or kill most germs and viruses. They come in all sizes – even ones that fit in a child’s pocket.

How can you help others to clean their hands?

• Lead by example and clean your own hands often.
• Teach your friends and family when and how to keep their hands clean.
• Keep alcohol hand cleaner handy. Place it near you at work, each room at home, and in your car. Teach your family and friends to do the same.
• Teach your children good hand cleaning habits, like cleaning their hands before touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

One way to remind everyone of when to clean hands is to put a bottle of alcohol hand cleaner next to each box of tissues in your home.

If you are a patient or a visitor in a hospital or medical facility:

• Clean your hands and ask your family to do the same:
  • Before entering a patient room or touching a patient.
  • After leaving a patient room or touching a patient.
• See that staff put on gloves before touching broken skin or open wounds.
• Use alcohol hand cleaners in halls or in patient rooms.
• Ask staff about the steps the hospital is taking to help staff keep their hands clean.
• Ask or remind hospital staff to clean their hands before and after touching a patient.

Don’t be afraid to ask anyone, including health care providers, to clean their hands before touching a patient.

Lenses can collect bacteria, fungi, and other germs if not cleaned correctly. Wearers are at risk of eye infections and corneal ulcers since contacts are worn directly on the eye.

Eye infections can cause:

• Pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Blindness.

How should you clean and store your contact lenses?

Safely cleaning and storing your contact lenses is the best way to prevent eye infections. Follow your eye care provider’s and the maker’s instructions.

1. Always clean hands before touching your eyes and contact lenses.
2. Remove the lens and place in the palm of your hand.
3. Rub the contact lens with solution for 5 to 10 seconds on each side
4. Rinse the lens with a stream of solution. This helps to remove bacteria and deposits.
5. Store lenses in the proper storage case with fresh solution.
6. Rinse the empty case with fresh solution and allow to air dry. Never use tap water.
7. Replace your contact lens storage case at least once every 3 months.

Replace contact storage cases at least once every 3 months.

When should you wear contact lenses?

Most types of lenses are only worn while awake. Contact lenses should not be worn when:

• Sleeping (some can be worn overnight*).
• Showering.
• Swimming.
• Using a hot tub.

*Some types of extended wear lenses can be worn when sleeping. Talk to your eye care provider about when to remove your contact lenses.

Never expose contact lenses to water.

If you wear contact lenses:

Always:

• See your eye care provider:
  • For regular exams.
  • To ask what products and solutions to use.
  • To ask when to replace your lenses.
  • If you have any problems with your eyes, vision, or lenses.
• Clean hands before touching your eyes and lenses.
• Use fresh, sterile solutions to clean and store lenses.

Never:

• Re-use lens solutions to clean or store lenses. Discard all solutions after use. Used solutions may have germs that can cause eye infections.
• Expose your lenses to water, including distilled, bottled, tap, lake, or ocean water. Water can contain germs that cause eye infections.
• Use saliva to wet your lenses.
• Transfer sterile contact lens solution to another container for later use.

What are signs of an eye infection?

• Discomfort.
• Excessive tearing or mucus.
• Unusual sensitivity to light.
• Itching.
• Burning.
• “Gritty” feeling.
• Unusual redness.
• Blurred vision.
• Swelling.
• Pain.

See your eye care provider right away if you have signs of an eye infection. Allergies can cause some of the same signs as an eye infection. Allergies usually affect both eyes equally. Some infections may affect only one eye.

Influenza or “flu” is a respiratory illness caused by a flu virus. Flu viruses spread each fall, winter, and spring.

Young (infants) and the very old are most at risk for severe illness from seasonal flu. In the U.S., about 3,000 to 49,000 people die yearly from seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu shot each year.

How is it spread?

The flu virus spreads easily. For example, when a person with the flu sneezes, coughs, talks, or laughs, the flu virus can spread into the air as droplets. These droplets can spread to people and surfaces up to 6 feet away.

The flu virus can spread to your hands if you touch anything that has the virus on it. If you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you can get the flu.

The flu virus can live on some surfaces, such as countertops and door knobs, for up to 48 hours.

Seasonal flu is contagious from 1 day before any signs appear to up to 5 days after you get sick.

Flu spreads easily between people and can live for up to 2 days on some surfaces such as doorknobs, tabletops, and counters.

Flu vs. Cold: Know the Difference

What are signs of flu?

• Fever (100°F or higher).
• Body or muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Stomach symptoms (mostly in children)

How do you know if you have the flu?

Your health care provider (HCP) can examine and test you for the flu virus.

How is it treated?

Your HCP may treat you with antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs are most effective if taken within the first two days of being sick.

If you have the flu, how can you feel better?

• Stay home.
• Rest.
• Drink fluids.
• Take medicines for fever such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil® or Motrin®).
• Call your healthcare team within 48 hours for advice about what to do next
  • Antiviral medicines may reduce flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of your first symptoms.

What can happen if the flu gets worse?

Most people with the flu will not need medical care or antiviral drugs. Most will recover in less than two weeks. Even healthy people can have severe illness from the flu. Adults should get medical help right away if they have:

• Shortness or breath or wheezing.
• Coughing up blood.
• Pain or pressure in your chest when breathing.
• Chest pain, especially if you have heart disease like angina or congestive heart failure.
• Trouble with balance, walking or sitting up, or becoming confused.

Over time, flu can lead to:

• Pneumonia.
• Bronchitis.
• Sinus and ear infections.

Flu can also make other health problems worse. Those with asthma may have more asthma attacks. Those with heart problems may also get worse. Flu can cause severe illness and even death in:

• Children under 5, more so those under age 2.
• Adults 65 years of age or older.
• Pregnant women.
• Those who have medical conditions such as:
  • Asthma.
  • Diseases of the brain or muscles such as brain injury, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and stroke.
  • Chronic lung disease, such as emphysema (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.
  • Heart disease.
  • Blood diseases such as sickle cell disease.
  • Gland diseases such as diabetes.
  • Kidney diseases.
  • Liver diseases.
  • Weak immune system due to disease or medicines, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids.
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are taking aspirin pills long-term.
• Those who are obese.
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

These people should alert their HCP if they get signs of the flu. They may need early treatment.

People who are more likely to have severe illness from the flu should talk to their HCP about taking antiviral drugs if they get the flu.

If you have the flu:

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand cleaner.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.
• Do not share eating or drinking utensils, hand towels or toothpaste.
• Stay home until 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, broths, and sports drinks.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid second-hand smoke.

How can you avoid the flu?

• GET A FLU SHOT each year. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot each year because flu virus can change from one year to the next.
• Clean hands and surfaces often.
• Limit or avoid contact with people who are sick

The best way to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot each year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of every 6 (about 48 million) Americans will suffer a foodborne illness during any given year. Thousands of those made sick by germs in food will need hospitalization and die.

What are the signs of illness from food?

• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Dehydration.

How is food handled safely?

• Be smart when buying groceries (see section on next page).
• Keep hands, surfaces, and foods clean.
• Store foods in the right containers.
• Store foods at the right temperature.
• Thaw and prepare frozen foods as recommended.
• Follow specific preparation techniques.
• Recognize serving principles.
• Use good judgement when eating out.

You can’t see, smell, or taste harmful bacteria that may cause illness.

Tips for the outdoorsman:

• Field dress, butcher, and store wild game using clean processes.
• Learn to how to safely select, clean, and store fish and shell fish.
• Select and clean wild produce with care. Discard any damaged or insect infested fruits, vegetables or game.

When buying groceries:

• Visit the refrigerated or frozen section last.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, fish and shellfish separate from fruits and vegetables while shopping.
• Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods.
• Do not buy food if the package is torn, damaged or leaking.
• Do not buy foods after the “Sell-By” or “Use-By” dates.
• Use insulated coolers if traveling or delaying your trip home.

When hunting and gathering:

• Do not gather, handle or eat wild game that seems ill or abnormal. Do not take any part of their body, including antlers.
• Wash hands and wear gloves while cleaning wild game.
• Do not eat or drink while gathering or cleaning game.
• Discard the entire carcass if the chest or abdomen is abnormal.
• Quickly take out intestines to prevent leakage. Game meat with leakage should be cut away. Meat touched by leakage should not be eaten by people or pets.

Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer with an appliance thermometer. The refrigerator should be at 40 °F or below and the freezer at 0 °F or below.

Clean hands, surfaces, and foods

• Keep hands clean.
• Wash hands using hot soapy water after contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood, or unwashed fruits or vegetables.
• Wash hands before and after handling food.
• Clean hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.
• Use separate cutting boards and knives for meats and vegetables. This avoids the spread of germs.
• Keep cutting boards, dishes, counters, utensils, and hands clean.
• Clean cutting boards and work surfaces with warm soapy water (with one tablespoon of bleach added).
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

When storing foods you should:

• Refrigerate perishable food within two hours (one hour when above 90°F).
• Store meats on the bottom shelves to avoid dripping on other foods.
• Keep meat in the original package and wrap with foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
• Remember: freezing meat does not always protect against disease.
• Cook beef, veal, lamb, or pork within three to five days.
• Cook or freeze fresh poultry, fish, ground meats, and other meats within two days.
• Store cans in a cool, clean, dry place.
• Discard dented, leaking, bulging, or rusted cans.
• Do not store food beyond expiration dates.

Hepatitis means that the liver is inflamed. This can be caused by germs, viruses, some medicines, some diseases, or heavy alcohol use.

Three common types are caused by viruses:

• Hepatitis A virus causes hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C virus causes hepatitis C.

These three can be acute. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic. Chronic hepatitis B and C are serious health problems.

Acute viral hepatitis:

• Is caused by hepatitis A, B, and C viruses.
• Usually occurs within a few weeks after you have the virus.
• Can be mild, severe or even life-threatening.
• Hepatitis B or C may lead to long-term (chronic) infection.

Chronic viral hepatitis:

• May be lifelong.
• Can cause liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and liver cancer.
• Often is caused only by hepatitis B and C viruses.

There are safe and effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B.

What are the signs of hepatitis?

You may not have any sign of hepatitis. Or, you may have:

• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Tiredness.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach pain.
• Light stools.
• Dark urine.

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus. It may make you sick for a few weeks to a few months. Most recover with no lasting liver damage.

How is it spread?

Hepatitis A is spread by contact with the hepatitis A virus. This includes:

• Contact with any person infected with the hepatitis A virus.
• Oral-anal sexual contact with an infected person.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then placing your hands near or in your mouth.
• Sharing forks, spoons, knives, and other utensils that have virus on them.
• Eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by feces that contain the virus. These can include:
  • Fruits.
  • Vegetables.
  • Shellfish.
  • Ice.
  • Water.

In the United States, chlorine in water kills hepatitis A virus. But infected food workers can still spread it directly to food. This occurs when hands are not washed or cleaned and food is handled

Those with hepatitis A can spread it to others a few weeks before they begin to feel bad.

Who is at risk of hepatitis A?

In the U.S., you are at a higher risk if you:

• Have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A.
• Use illegal drugs, whether injected or not.
• Live with someone who has hepatitis A.
• Have bleeding problems and take certain medicines for blood clotting.
• Have oral-anal sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A.
• Travel to areas that have high rates of hepatitis A.

Travel to Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, or Central and South America, including Mexico, increases the risk of getting hepatitis A.

What are signs of hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A does not always cause you to feel bad. It may make you sick for a few weeks to a few months. Older people can get sicker when they have it. Young children usually do not show any signs. Signs include:

• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Tiredness.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach pain.
• Light stools.
• Dark urine.
• Diarrhea.

Symptoms can show 2 to 6 weeks after contact with the virus.

How do you know if you have hepatitis A?

The only way to know if you have it is by seeing a health care provider (HCP). S/he may take a sample of your blood to test.

How is it treated?

There are no medicines for treating hepatitis A. If you have been recently exposed to the virus, tell your HCP. Most people recover by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. A few people will need to be hospitalized.

What can happen if you have hepatitis A for a long time?

Most people improve without treatment and have no lasting liver damage. Signs usually last less than 2 months. Some can be ill for as long as 6 months. The virus can cause liver failure and death mostly in:

• People 50 years of age or older.
• People with other liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C.

If you have hepatitis A:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid drinking any alcohol.
• Check with your HCP before taking:
  • Medicines.
  • Supplements.
  • Over-the-counter drugs.
• Clean hands often, especially after using the bathroom.
• Avoid preparing food, while you are sick.
• Talk to those below so they can learn more to protect themselves:
  • Household contacts.
  • Sexual contacts.
  • Playmates/attendees at childcare centers.
  • Persons sharing illegal drugs.
  • Persons sharing food or drink.
  • Coworkers and/or restaurant patrons where there is an infected food worker.

If you have hepatitis A, avoid drinking alcohol.

How can you avoid hepatitis A?

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to be vaccinated. People with certain risk factors and health problems need this vaccine. Ask your doctor if the vaccine is right for you. You cannot get hepatitis A from the vaccine. The vaccine is for:

• All children at age 1 year.
• Those who use injection and non-injection illegal drugs.
• Those with chronic (lifelong) liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
• Those who take medicines for blood clotting.
• People whose work has a risk such as:
  • Sanitation workers.
  • Plumbers.
• Those who live in areas with high rates of hepatitis A infection.
• Travelers to countries that have high rates of hepatitis A. These include:
  • Africa.
  • Asia.
  • Latin America.
  • South America.
  • Eastern Europe.

Other ways to avoid hepatitis A, especially if you have not been vaccinated:

• Consider boiling water or drinking bottled water if you live in a place with untreated water.
• Eat cooked foods and fruits that you can peel.
• Avoid eating uncooked vegetables or fruits that could have been washed with dirty water, such as lettuce.
• Avoid eating raw or steamed shellfish such as oysters. Shellfish may live in dirty water.
• Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex.
• Clean hands often.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Most adults who have hepatitis B will recover on their own. Hepatitis B can be either “acute” or “chronic.”

Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after exposure to the Hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can — but does not always — lead to chronic infection.

Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body.

How is it spread?

Hepatitis B virus is spread by contact with body fluids that carry the virus, such as:

• Blood.
• Semen.
• Vaginal fluids.
• Other body fluids.

Contact with infected body fluids can spread hepatitis B. It is mostly spread by:

• Sexual contact: (This is the most common way it is spread in the U.S.).
  • Vaginal and anal sex.
  • Sharing unclean sex toys.
  • Body fluids with hepatitis B can enter tiny breaks or rips in the linings of the vagina, vulva, rectum, or mouth. Rips and tears in these areas can be common and often unnoticed.
• Needle sharing:
  • Used or unclean needles.
  • During illegal drug or drug equipment use.
• Contact with blood:
  • Open sores of an infected person.
  • Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.
  • Being tattooed or pierced with tools that were not properly cleaned.
  • During occupational exposures to needles, splashes of blood, and body fluids.
  • During blood transfusions given before 1975 (since then all blood is screened).
• You may have hepatitis B from before you were born:
  • Hepatitis B can spread to babies during pregnancy, birth, and during breastfeeding.
• There is no risk of getting hepatitis B when donating or giving blood.

Men are 6 times more likely to become chronic carriers.

Who is at risk of hepatitis B?

Anyone can get hepatitis B. However, in the U.S., you may be at a higher risk if you:

• Have not been vaccinated for hepatitis B.
• Have sex partners that have hepatitis B.
• Have HIV or hepatitis C.
• Share needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment.
• Live with someone who has hepatitis B.
• Have a weak immune system.
• Have diabetes.
• Work in health care or public safety and are exposed to blood or body fluids on the job.
• Are an infant born to an infected mother.
• Travel to areas that have moderate to high rates of hepatitis B.
• Are a man who has sex with men.

What are signs of hepatitis B?

When you first get hepatitis B, it is called acute hepatitis B. Most adults who have it will recover on their own. However, children and some adults can develop chronic (lifelong) hepatitis B.

Acute hepatitis B: Signs of acute hepatitis B can appear within 3 months after you get the virus. These signs may last from several weeks to 6 months. Most adults have signs of acute hepatitis B virus infection. Many young children do not show any signs. Signs include:

• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Tiredness.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach pain.
• Light stools.
• Dark urine.
• Joint pain.

Chronic hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is chronic when the body can’t get rid of the virus. Children, mostly infants, are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B than adults. People with chronic hepatitis B may have no signs for as long as 20 or 30 years. Signs may be the same as acute hepatitis B. There may also be signs of liver damage and cirrhosis such as:

• Weakness.
• Weight loss.
• Small, red, spider-like blood vessels on the skin.
• Confusion or problems thinking.
• Loss of interest in sex.
• Swollen stomach or ankles.
• A longer than normal amount of time for bleeding to stop.

How do you know if you have hepatitis B?

The only way to know if you have hepatitis B is by seeing a health care provider (HCP). S/he may take a sample of your blood. There are several blood tests to see:

• If it is an acute or a chronic infection.
• If you have recovered from infection.
• If you are immune to hepatitis B.
• If you could benefit from vaccination.

How is it treated?

Acute hepatitis B: Your HCP may suggest rest, good nutrition, and fluids. S/he may give you a type of protein that may help fight the virus. Some people may need to go to the hospital.

Chronic hepatitis B: People with chronic hepatitis B should seek care from a HCP experienced in treating hepatitis B. These can be:

• Some primary care providers.
• Infection specialists.
• Gastroenterologists (digestive system specialists).
• Hepatologists (liver specialists).

If you have chronic hepatitis B, get checked regularly for signs of liver damage. Talk with your HCP about treatment. Not every person with chronic hepatitis B needs treatment. If you show no signs of liver damage, your provider will continue to check for liver problems.

What can happen if chronic hepatitis B is not treated?

Chronic hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems. Up to 1 in 4 people with it have serious liver problems. These include:

• Liver damage and scarring (cirrhosis).
• Liver failure.
• Liver cancer.
• Death.

If you have hepatitis B:

• See your health care provider regularly.
• Tell current and recent sex partners that you have hepatitis B.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid drinking any alcohol.
• Check with your HCP before taking:
  • Prescription medicines.
  • Vitamins or supplements.
  • Over-the-counter drugs.
• Avoid spreading hepatitis B to others by:
  • Having safer sex and using condoms during all sexual contact.
  • Not sharing used or unclean needles and sex toys.
  • Not donating blood, blood products, or organs.
  • Cleaning all blood spills – even those that have already dried. Use a mixture of bleach and water (one part household bleach to 10 parts water). Even dried blood is a risk to others.
  • Not sharing personal care items like razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or earrings.
  • Not sharing glucose-monitoring equipment.
  • Asking sexual partner(s) and people living in close contact with you to be tested and vaccinated.

How can you avoid hepatitis B?

Getting the vaccine for hepatitis B is the best way to prevent it. The vaccine is safe and effective. It can take 3-4 shots over a 6-month period. You will not get hepatitis B from the vaccine. Ask your HCP if you should get this vaccine. It is recommended for adults if you:

• Have sex with or live in the same house as a person with hepatitis B virus infection.
• Have sex with more than one partner.
• Seek care in a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV testing or treatment, or drug treatment.
• Are a man who has sex with other men.
• Inject drugs.
• Have a job that involves contact with human blood.
• Are on the staff of, or a client in, a facility for the developmentally disabled.
• Are a hemodialysis patient or have end-stage renal disease.
• Have HIV infection.
• Are a dialysis patient.
• Have chronic liver disease.
• Have diabetes and are under age 60.
• Seek care in a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV testing, or drug treatment.
• Live or travel for more than 6 months a year in countries where hepatitis B is common.

Travelers at increased risk for infection include:

• Adventure travelers.
• Peace Corps volunteers.
• Missionaries.
• Military personnel.

Theses may raise the risk for hepatitis B for travelers:

• An injury or illness that breaks the skin such as shots, fluids in the vein, transfusion, stitches, and surgery.
• Dental treatment.
• Unprotected sexual contact.
• Sharing syringes or drug injection equipment.
• Tattooing, ear piercing, or acupuncture that break the skin.
• Manicures and pedicures which may break the skin.
• Sharing certain items such as earrings, razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers.

Other ways to avoid hepatitis B:

• Avoid sexual contact.
• Have safer sex:
  • Reduce the number of sexual partners.
  • Condoms, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of getting hepatitis B. Each time you have sex use a condom (male or female type):
    • During vaginal sex.
    • During anal sex.
    • During oral sex.
  • Have sex with only one partner who does not have sex with others and does not have hepatitis B.
• Know that other forms of birth control do not protect against hepatitis B.
• Not using or injecting drugs.
• Not reusing or sharing syringes or drug equipment.
• Wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood.
• Do not use another person’s toothbrush, razor, nail clippers or any other item that might have even a tiny bit of blood on it.
• Make sure any tattoos or body piercings are done under good conditions, using:
  • Sterile tools.
  • Clean hands and single use gloves.
  • Disinfected work surfaces.

Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C virus can lead to chronic viral hepatitis, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and liver cancer.

How is it spread?

Hepatitis C is mostly spread by blood from an infected person from:

• Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.
• Needle sticks with unclean needles.
• Sharing items that may have come in contact with blood, such as razors, nail clippers, pierced earrings and toothbrushes.
• Being tattooed or pierced with uncleaned tools that were used on an infected person.
• Having sexual contact with a person who has the hepatitis C virus. The risk of getting it from sexual contact is thought to be low.

Hepatitis C is rarely spread from a blood transfusion because:

• Hepatitis C tests are done on all donated blood since 1992.
• There is no risk of getting hepatitis C when donating blood.

Hepatitis C is not spread by kissing, hugging, coughing, or sharing food and eating utensils.

Who is at risk of hepatitis C?

Anyone can get hepatitis C. Those at high risk should be tested and treated. In the U.S., you are at a higher risk if you:

• Were born between 1945 and 1965.
• Have ever used a needle to inject drugs, even if once and long ago.
• Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992.
• Have ever been on kidney dialysis.
• Were born of a mother who had hepatitis C at the time.
• Are a Vietnam-era Veteran.
• Had contact with hepatitis-C-positive blood to nonintact skin or to mucous membranes.
• Received tattoos or body piercings in non-regulated settings.
• Have ever snorted drugs or shared equipment.
• Have liver disease.
• Have abnormal liver tests.
• Have a history of alcohol abuse.
• Have hemophilia and received medicine for blood clotting before 1987.
• Have had a sexual partner with hepatitis C, now or in the past.
• Have had 10 or more lifetime sexual partners.
• Have HIV.

The only way to know if you have Hepatitis C is to be tested. See your health care provider.

What are signs of hepatitis C?

When you first get hepatitis C, it is called acute hepatitis C. About 15% of people who have acute hepatitis C infection clear the virus from their bodies. The other 85% of people develop a chronic (lifelong) hepatitis C infection. New medications to treat hepatitis C have a very high cure rate.

Acute hepatitis C: Most people with acute hepatitis C do not show signs. If signs occur, the average time is 6–7 weeks after exposure, but can be less or more. Some people can have mild to severe signs like:

• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Tiredness.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach pain.
• Light stools.
• Dark urine.

Chronic hepatitis C: Millions of people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C infection. Most do not know they are infected. They don’t look or feel sick until the virus causes liver damage. This can take 10 years or more to happen. Signs may be the same as acute hepatitis C. There may also be signs of liver damage and cirrhosis such as:

• Weakness.
• Weight loss.
• Small, red, spider-like blood vessels on the skin.
• Confusion or problems thinking.
• Loss of interest in sex.
• Swollen stomach or ankles.
• A longer than normal amount of time for bleeding to stop.

How do you know if you have hepatitis C?

The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is by a medical exam. Blood tests can tell you:

• If it is acute or chronic infection.
• If you have recovered from infection.
• If you could benefit from vaccination for hepatitis A and B.

In some cases, your health care provider (HCP) may take a liver biopsy. A needle is used to remove a tiny piece of liver. This will help to know the degree of liver damage.

How is it treated?

Chronic Hepatitis C is curable. If you have chronic hepatitis C infection, your HCP will examine you for liver problems. Talk to your HCP about treatment that can:

• Clear the virus from the body.
• Slow down or prevent liver damage.
• Lower the chance of getting cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Talk with your HCP about all options before treatment. Treatment may not be for everyone. Some patients might not need it. Others might not be able to be treated due to other medical problems.

What can happen if hepatitis C is not treated?

Of every 100 persons infected with HCV, approximately:

• 75–85 will go on to develop chronic infection.
• 60–70 will go on to develop chronic liver disease.
• 5–20 will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20–30 years.

1–5 will die from the consequences of chronic infection (liver cancer or cirrhosis) Chronic hepatitis C infection is the leading cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis in the U.S. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver which causes it to not work well. Both liver cancer and cirrhosis can be fatal. A liver transplant may be needed if chronic hepatitis C causes the liver to fail.

If you have hepatitis C:

• See your HCP regularly.
• Tell current and recent sex partners.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid drinking any alcohol.
• Check with your HCP before taking:
  • Prescription drugs.
  • Vitamins and supplements.
  • Over-the-counter drugs.
• Avoid spreading hepatitis C to others by:
  • Having safer sex and using condoms during all sexual contact.
  • Not sharing used or unclean needles and sex toys.
  • Not donating blood, blood products, or organs.
  • Cleaning all blood spills – even those that have already dried. Use a mixture of bleach and water (one part household bleach to 10 parts water). Even dried blood is a risk to others.
  • Not sharing personal care items like razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or earrings.
  • Not sharing glucose-monitoring equipment.
  • Asking your sexual partner(s) to be tested for hepatitis C (and perhaps other infections).

If you have hepatitis C, you can prevent liver damage by not drinking alcohol. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.

How can you avoid hepatitis C?

Right now there is no vaccine to protect you against hepatitis C. You can take steps to protect yourself:

• Never share needles, syringes, water, or “works” for intravenous drug use, to inject steroids, or cosmetic substances.
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you use drugs.
• Handle needles and other sharp objects safely.
• Do not use personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood
• Do not get tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.
• Wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood. Always clean hands after removing gloves.
• Have safer sex. Each time you have sex use a condom.

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs.

Pneumonia may be caused by:

• Bacteria. Pneumococcus, a type of bacteria, causes pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common type of bacterial pneumonia.
• Viruses. Influenza (flu) virus is one of the most common causes of viral pneumonia.
• Fungi (rare).
• Parasites (rare).

How is it spread?

• When a person with pneumonia sneezes, coughs, talks, or laughs, germs can spread into the air.
• The germs can spread to people and surfaces up to 6 feet away.
• Germs can spread to your hands if you touch anything that has the germs on it.
• If you then touch your eyes, nose or mouth before cleaning your hands, the germs can get into your body and you might get pneumonia.
• Can occur after contact with germs in your community or during a stay in a healthcare facility.

Who is at risk?

• Adults age 65 years or older.
• Persons with certain chronic illnesses or conditions
• including asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
• Persons with a weakened immune system.
• Smokers.
• Children younger than 5 years of age.

What are signs of pneumonia?

• Cough (sometimes with thick, creamy, or bloody mucus).
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Tiredness.
• Confusion.
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.

How do you know if you have pneumonia?

A health care provider can look for pneumonia by:

• Asking questions about your symptoms.
• Listening to your lungs.
• Taking a chest X-ray.
• Taking a blood or mucus sample.

More tests may be done if it gets worse or if you have other health problems.

How is it treated?

• Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.
• Viral pneumonia can be treated with antiviral drugs.

Mild cases of pneumonia can be treated at home with medicine and rest. Most severe cases are treated in a hospital. In addition to medicine, oxygen and other methods may be used to support breathing and body functions.

What can happen if pneumonia gets worse?

• The lungs cannot send enough oxygen to the body.
• Pus pockets and fluid can form around the lung.
• Infection can spread to other areas of the body.
• In severe cases, pneumonia can cause death.

Pneumonia causes about 1 million hospitalizations and about 50,000 deaths a year.

If you have pneumonia:

• Always finish treatment.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand rub.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve.
• Do not share eating or drinking utensils, hand towels or toothpaste.
• Do not smoke.
• Clean surfaces often such as:
  • Countertops.
  • Refigerator and freezer handels.
  • Doorknobs.
  • Light switches.

How can you avoid pneumonia?

• Get vaccinated. Discuss pneumococcal vaccine options with your health care provider.
• Keep your hands clean with soap and water or alcohol hand rub.
• Limit or avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Keep healthy. Eat the right foods and get enough sleep.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections spread by sexual contact with someone who is infected. STDs, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

There are about 20 million new STD infections each year in the United States. There are 20 types of infections spread by sexual contact. These often show different signs of infection or no signs at all. You can have an STD and not know it.

Bacterial STDs can be treated and cured with antibiotics. These include:

• Chlamydia.
• Gonorrhea.
• Syphilis.

Viral STDs that can be managed with treatment. These include:

• Hepatitis.
• Herpes.
• HIV.
• HPV.

The only way to know if you have an STD is by a medical exam and testing from your health care provider.

How do you know if you have an STD?

Your health care provider (HCP) can examine and test you for STDs. Some men are at a higher risk for getting STDs. They should have regular exams and testing. Higher risk men include those who:

• Have had a previous STD.
• Have new or multiple sexual partners.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM).
• Use condoms only some of the time.
• Have sex for drugs or money.
• Use needles for illegal drugs.

If you have an STD, tell current and recent sex partners of the infection.

How can men avoid STDs?

• Avoid sexual contact.
  • This includes vaginal, anal, oral sex, or genital touching.
  • This is the only way to be absolutely sure of avoiding STDs.
• Have safer sex:
  • Reduce the number of sexual partners.
  • Always use condoms and use correctly.
  • Have sex with only one partner who does not have sex with others and does not have an STD.
  • Limit or stop drug and alcohol use before and during sex.

The Role of Circumcision

What is circumcision?

Male circumcision is the surgical removal of some or the entire foreskin covering the tip of the penis. Germs can grow under the foreskin and create hygiene problems.

Why do men get circumcised?

• Parents made the decision when they were an infant.
• Religious, social, or cultural reasons.
• Medical reasons (to prevent infections or fix tight foreskin).

Benefits of circumcision

Research studies have shown that male circumcision lowers the risk of:

• Acquiring HIV, genital herpes, human papilloma virus and syphilis.
• Penile cancer over a lifetime.
• Cervical cancer in sex partners.
• Urinary tract infections in the first year of life.

Uncircumcised men can speak with their health care provider about:

• How circumcision may impact disease and infections.
• How circumcision may impact sexual sensitivity.
• Benefits and risks of the procedure.
• Who will perform the procedure.

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. 1 out of every 3 people in the U.S. will get shingles (herpes zoster) in their lifetime.

If you have had chickenpox, you can get shingles. Even children can get shingles. For some people over age 60, shingles will cause severe pain which can last for months, even years.

Who is at risk?

You have a high risk of getting shingles if:

• Your immune system doesn’t work well.
• You have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• You take drugs that suppress your immune system.

Most people have just one outbreak of shingles in their lifetime, but some can have more.

There are about 1 million cases of shingles every year in the U.S.

What are signs of shingles?

• Most get a painful rash or blisters on one side of the body. These scab over in 7-10 days and clear in 2-4 weeks.
• There can be pain, itching or tingling in the rash/blister area. This can happen 1-5 days before it can be seen.
• The rash/blister can occur:
  • l in a single patch or a stripe around the left side of the body.
  • l in a single patch or a stripe around the right side of the body.
  • l on one side of the face.
• In rare cases, the rash can look like chickenpox.

Other signs that are not always present may include:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• General ill feeling.
• Joint pain.
• Muscle weakness.

Can I give it to someone else?

The virus that causes shingles can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox. The person exposed may get chickenpox but not shingles.

The virus is spread by direct contact with fluid from the blisters caused by shingles.

• Shingles does not spread before the blisters appear.
• When the blisters dry up (crust over) the person can no longer spread the virus.

Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox. The chance of spread is very low if the rash/blister is covered.

What can happen if you have it for a long time?

• Shingles that occurs on the face or scalp can affect the eye and cause a loss of vision.
• Rarely, it can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and even death.

If you have shingles:

• Keep the rash/blisters covered.
• Avoid touching or scratching the rash/blisters.
• Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of the zoster virus.
• Avoid contact with these people until the rash/blisters is crusted:
  • Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.
  • Children under the age of one.
  • Old children who have not been vaccinated for chickenpox.
  • Premature or low birth weight infants.
  • Those with weak immune systems.
  • Those undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Those who have had an organ transplant.
  • Those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Can shingles be prevented?

Talk with your healthcare provider (HCP) about the shingles zoster vaccine.

What is the treatment?

Antiviral medicines such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can reduce the length and severity of shingles. For best effect, these must be started as soon as possible after the rash/blister appears. Contact your HCP as soon as possible.

Other treatments:

• Medicines for pain.
• Antihistamines for itching.
• Wet compresses, Calamine Lotion, and Colloidal oatmeal baths for itching.

Shingles usually clears in 2-3 weeks.

A UTI occurs when bacteria grow in the urinary tract. It makes and stores urine and carries it out of the body.

The organs that can be infected include:

• Bladder (common) – Stores urine.
• Urethra (common) – The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
• Kidneys – Collect waste from blood to make urine.
• Ureters – Move urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

UTIs cannot be spread between people.

How is it spread?

The foreskin of the uncircumcised penis makes it easier for germs to get trapped and enter your urinary tract. Besides age, your risk for UTIs can be increased by:

• Sexual intercourse, especially anal sex.
• When urine stays in the bladder too long.
• Problems emptying the bladder fully.
• Diabetes.
• Kidney Stones.
• Having a tube that drains urine from the bladder.
• Obesity.
• An enlarged prostate gland or an infected prostate (prostatitis).

What are signs of UTIs in men?

UTIs in the bladder and urethra may cause:

• Urge to urinate often, but not much urine comes out.
• Burning, stinging or pain with urination.
• Discharge/fluid seeping from the penis.
• Heavy feeling in the lower belly.
• Waking in the night to urinate.

Other signs of UTI may include:

• Pain or pressure in the lower back or sides.
• Rectal pain.
• Urine that smells bad or looks dark, cloudy, or red.
• Tiredness, fever and chills.

How do you know if you have a UTI?

A health care provider (HCP) can examine you for UTIs. A urine sample will be tested. Other tests may be done if your HCP thinks it has spread, or if you have had many UTIs. You may be asked about:

• Signs of your UTI.
• Past UTIs
• Sexual contact.
• Other health conditions, such as diabetes

Men who are uncircumcised are at higher risk for UTIs. Bacteria can build up easily in the folds of the extra skin on the penis. Also, men who engage in anal sex are more at risk.

How is it treated?

UTIs are treated and cured with antibiotics. Always finish treatment. If treated quickly, most UTIs do not cause serious problems. You may need longer treatment or a different antibiotic if you:

• Have UTIs often.
• Have diabetes.
• Have a UTI that has spread to your kidneys.

If you have a UTI:

• Always finish antibiotic treatment.
• Return to your health care provider if:
  • Signs don’t go away.
  • Signs come back.
  • Signs get worse.
  • You have more or different signs of UTI.

UTIs in the bladder and urethra that are not treated can spread to the kidneys and cause serious illness.

How can you avoid UTIs?

• Urinate when you have the urge.
• Don’t hold in urine for a long time.
• Urinate before and after having sex.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Clean your genital area every day, especially after having sex.
• Use barriers such as condoms during sex.

To reduce UTIs, some HCPs suggest showers instead of baths.

Urethritis is inflammation (irritation) of the lining of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Urethritis can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Infections of the urethra include chlamydia and gonorrhea.

If left untreated, urethritis caused by an STI can result in:

• Severe pain
• Infertility (inability to have children)
• Painful or swollen testicles
• An increased risk of getting or spreading HIV

Symptoms

Some people with urethritis do not have symptoms.

If symptoms occur, they can include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Clear or white discharge from the penis
• Pain and swelling in the testicles

Prevention

Condoms can prevent the spread of STIs known to cause urethritis, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Testing

Your health care provider can diagnose urethritis with a urine sample, or by swabbing fluid from the tip of the penis.

Treatment

Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the STI that is causing the urethritis.

Sex Partners

If your urethritis is caused by an STI, your sex partner(s) also need to be treated so they do not develop serious health problems, re-infect you or pass the infection on to others. Tell all of your sex partners from the previous two months about your infection so they can be examined and treated.

Vaccines are medical preparations given to help the body boost its immune system or to fight disease. Vaccines can prevent disease and save lives. Some diseases are rare in the U.S. as a result of safe vaccines that work.

In the 19th and early 20th century illnesses such as whooping cough (pertussis), measles, mumps and German measles struck hundreds of thousands of people in the United States, mostly children. Tens of thousands of people died.

What types of vaccines are available?

• Chicken Pox (Varicella).
• Influenza (Seasonal Flu).
• Hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B.
• Haemophilus influenza Type B (Hib).
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella.
• Meningococcal.
• Pertussis (whooping cough).
• Polio.
• Shingles.
• Pneumococcal.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria.

Your health care provider (HCP) can help you decide which vaccines to receive.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are some of the safest medical products. Before approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccines are tested many times by scientists. Their goal is to ensure that vaccines are effective and safe. Vaccines are the best defense we have against diseases; however, no vaccine is 100% safe or effective for everyone. People don’t react to vaccines the same way. Talk to your health care provider (HCP) about vaccines. Talk about any possible side effects. Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety. The benefits of getting a vaccine far outweigh the risks.

In the U.S.:

• Vaccine supplies are the safest, most effective in history.
• Vaccines are tracked for safety and effectiveness.
• Vaccines are tested over and over.
• Vaccine makers use strict production standards.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and three federal agencies work on vaccine safety:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Scientists from FDA and CDC work closely to track reports of vaccine side effects (adverse events).
• A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is given to those who get a vaccine. It:
  • Explains vaccine benefits and risks.
  • Is handed out before each dose of certain vaccines.

Vaccines are the most effective tool we have to prevent some diseases.

Are vaccines effective?

Most childhood vaccines build immunity about 90 - 100% of the time. None are perfect. Each vaccine has its own degree of effectiveness. History shows that disease drops when a new vaccine released. Vaccines work best when most members of a community get it– the more people vaccinated, the lower the risk of exposure to disease.

Immunity is when your body can avoid infection or disease.

How do vaccines work with your immune system?

• When germs, such as bacteria or viruses, invade the body, they attack and multiply. This is called an infection. Infection can cause illness and disease.
• Vaccines help your body’s immune system (natural defenses) prepare to fight germs and infection.
• When vaccinated, your immune system attacks the harmless vaccine and prepares for future infections.
• When the infection comes along, your body will quickly know how to stop it. You may never feel sick. Or you may have a milder illness than you would have if you hadn’t been vaccinated.

How do vaccines protect you and your community?

Vaccines can prevent disease and save lives. If enough people get vaccinated, large outbreaks of disease can be avoided. This is known as “community” or “herd” immunity. Herd immunity helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated. These include infants and people with certain types of weakened immune systems. Herd immunity is found for many conditions, such as:

• Influenza.
• Measles.
• Mumps.
• Rotavirus (stomach and intestinal).
• Pneumococcal disease.
• Pertussis (whooping cough).
• Polio.
• Rubella (German measles)

Your HCP should have a record of all the vaccines have been given. You should also keep a record.

A genital yeast infection is caused by a fungus called candida. Although more common in women, men can get yeast infections.

How is it spread?

A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. Men can get a genital yeast infection from unprotected sex with a partner who has a yeast infection. It is easier to get a yeast infection if:

• You use antibiotics.
• You have diabetes.
• Your immune system is weak.

What are signs of yeast infection?

• Redness, itching or burning at the tip of the penis.

How do you know if you have it?

Your health care provider (HCP) can examine you. S/he will look for signs of infection and may collect samples for lab tests.

How is it treated?

Yeast infections in men are treated with over-the-counter antifungals. See your HCP if signs don’t go away or they reoccur.

What can happen if you don’t get treated?

Signs of infection may get worse. It can lead to balanitis — inflammation of the head of the penis.

How can you avoid a yeast infection?

Refrain from sexual contact until all signs of the infection are gone. Ask your sex partner(s) to see an HCP for an exam.