A sunburn occurs when skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays for extended periods. It is classified as a first-degree burn, meaning it affects only the outer layer of the skin. While many sunburns are mild and heal on their own, more severe cases can cause significant discomfort and may require medical attention. Across Canada, […]
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An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system responds to a substance that is usually harmless. While the immune system’s role is to defend the body against harmful bacteria and viruses, it can sometimes react aggressively to non-threatening substances known as allergens. Allergic reactions affect people across Canada and can range from mild discomfort to
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Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the human body. This nerve begins in the lower back, runs through the hips and buttocks, and travels down each leg to just below the knee. In Canada, sciatica is a common condition among people
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Some respiratory illnesses are rare in Canada but may still pose a risk to Canadians who travel internationally. One example is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a viral respiratory illness that has primarily been linked to travel in or around the Arabian Peninsula. While MERS cases in Canada are extremely uncommon, understanding how serious respiratory
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Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can develop over time in people living with diabetes. It most commonly affects the feet and lower legs, causing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. Because diabetes impacts blood sugar levels, prolonged elevation can damage the nerves and the blood vessels that supply them. In Canada,
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Discoid eczema, also known as nummular eczema, is a less common form of eczema that causes round or coin-shaped patches of irritated skin. These patches often appear on the lower legs, hands, or elbows and may be intensely itchy, inflamed, or prone to recurring flare-ups. In Canada, discoid eczema is often aggravated by cold weather,
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A collapsed lung, medically known as pneumothorax, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. This air buildup places pressure on the lung, causing part or all of it to collapse. The result can be chest pain, breathing difficulty, and reduced oxygen levels. In Canada, collapsed lungs may occur
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Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium commonly found in soil, dust, and animal waste. Infection can occur when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a puncture wound or deep cut. In Canada, tetanus is rare due
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Rabies is a serious viral infection that is transmitted to humans through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. In Canada, rabies is most often associated with wild animals, including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Rabies affects the brain and spinal cord and can be life-threatening if
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpes virus family. In Canada, most people are exposed to CMV at some point in their lives, often without realizing it. Healthy individuals usually experience no symptoms or only mild illness. However, CMV can cause more noticeable symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, and
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