It’s normal for the mouth to feel dry occasionally — especially during dehydration, stress, or nervousness. But if dryness becomes persistent, it may signal an underlying health concern. In that case, a healthcare provider or dentist should be consulted for assessment. Why Dry Mouth Occurs Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) occurs when the salivary glands […]
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Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia). The most common symptom is diarrhea, often accompanied by digestive discomfort. Although unpleasant, giardiasis is usually treatable and rarely dangerous with proper care. Common Symptoms Symptoms can include: Diarrhea Abdominal cramping Bloating or gas Nausea or upset
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Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects the stomach and intestines. Although uncomfortable, most infections clear within a few days and can be cared for at home. Because norovirus spreads easily, staying home helps prevent others from getting sick. Common Symptoms Symptoms often appear 1–2 days after exposure and may include: Sudden vomiting (sometimes
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Gastroenteritis is a stomach and intestinal infection that commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea in children. Some children also develop fever or stomach cramping. Vomiting usually resolves within 1–3 days, while diarrhea can last 5–7 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks. Watch for Signs of Dehydration While the infection itself is usually short-lived, dehydration can be
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Mumps is a viral infection best known for causing painful swelling below the ears at the parotid glands. This swelling creates a distinctive “hamster face” appearance. Other symptoms may include headache, joint discomfort, and fever, which can appear a few days before the facial swelling. When to Seek Medical Assessment If mumps is suspected, it’s
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Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters. While most cases in children are mild, the illness can spread easily within families, schools, childcare centres, and workplaces. Staying Home to Reduce Spread If a child has chickenpox, caregivers should notify the school and keep the child home for
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Measles is a contagious viral infection that can affect anyone who has not been vaccinated or previously infected. It is more common in young children, although outbreaks can occur in teens and adults as well. Most cases clear within 7–10 days. Early Symptoms to Watch For Symptoms typically begin about 10 days after exposure and
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Many Canadians enjoy swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Open-water swimming is exciting and refreshing, but natural waterways can introduce risks that indoor pools do not. With proper safety awareness, most risks can be reduced. Jellyfish Stings (Saltwater) In marine areas, jellyfish are a common cause of stings. Most species in Canadian waters are not
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A tetanus shot may be recommended when an injury breaks the skin and vaccination status is unclear or not up to date. Tetanus is rare in Canada due to vaccination, but it can occur when bacteria enter the body through a wound. What Is Tetanus? Tetanus is a serious infection caused by the Clostridium tetani
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Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes small white flakes to shed from the skin. It’s harmless but can feel embarrassing when flakes fall onto clothing. Mild dandruff is often manageable with simple self-care and over-the-counter products. Everyday Measures That May Help People with mild dandruff often find improvement with gentle changes to scalp
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