In Europe, the main carriers of rabies are foxes. In many countries, the Nordic dogs mandatory vaccinations against rabies. However, the disease can be transmitted to all warm-blooded animals, including humans.

Rabies is caused by a virus that invades the nervous system, and later displayed with the saliva of an infected. People often become infected with rabies because of a dog bite, or, occasionally, monkeys. Rabies is rightly considered to be a dangerous disease. By the time the symptoms appear, the disease is virtually incurable and usually leads to death of the infected.

Fortunately, rabies can be prevented with a vaccine, and in the case of an animal bite patients have the opportunity to receive the necessary treatment before symptoms appear.

What causes rabies

The causative agent is a virus of rabies. The rabies virus is well "hidden" from the immune system The immune system - how it works?   - After entry into the body quickly penetrates into the central nervous system (CNS), where rapidly reproduces itself and extends to various areas of the brain.

Begins as a result of inflammation of the brain affects many functions of the central nervous system.

Through the nervous system, the virus spreads to many body tissues, including the skin, mucous membranes and salivary gland.

How is rabies

Rabies is a classic zoonotic infections - is a disease that is transmitted directly from animals to animals and from animals to humans.

Its effects on the brain causes aggressive behavior (called "disease" is not accidental), and the animals can attack and bite other animals or humans without provocation on the part of the latter. Together with the saliva of the virus enters the tissue bitten by an animal or human.

In the theory of rabies may hurt all warm-blooded animals. In practice, it is most common in dogs, cats, foxes and monkeys. In countries where pets are required to undergo vaccination against rabies, and the population of foxes is regulated, it may be the main carriers of bats.

Rabies is most common in the continental regions of Asia, America and Africa. It is found in many European countries and Greenland; it is considered that it is not the British Isles and in Denmark, as well as Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

It is clear that these countries intend to maintain their status in the regions free from rabies. Hence the strict rules on the import of animals.

Despite the measures taken, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10 million people per year are treated for rabies (it should be remembered that treatment is started after an animal bite, before symptoms appear, therefore, can be treated and non-infected people). It is estimated that every year between 40 000 and 70 000 people worldwide die from the disease.

Symptoms of rabies

Typically, the incubation period lasts from three weeks to three months. In some cases, it may take several years.

Not all people bitten by animals suffering from rabies infected with the disease. Only one out of six symptoms of rabies bitten - even in the absence of any treatment.

At rabies infected and untreated human disease develops in two stages.

Prodromal phase of rabies

At this stage the patient has fever, vomiting and loss of appetite, headache, Headache: Causes and Complications And pain at the site of the bite.

The disease affects the autonomic nervous system. The signs of this is the increased salivation and lacrimation.

Neurological phase

The second stage of rabies patient may develop paralysis. So, there may be spasms of the throat and difficulty breathing.

Often, the patient has a strong fear of water (hydrophobia therefore also known as "hydrophobia"), increased anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease?   and hyperactivity.

At this stage the animals are particularly aggressive and may be no reason to attack others. In addition, there are symptoms such as involuntary movements, confusion and delirium.

Forecast

After the appearance of overt symptoms of rabies mortality rate among the infected is almost one hundred percent. We know only a few cases where people have experienced this disease, has evolved to phase symptoms.

With timely and proper treatment the disease is stopped, and the patient recovers completely.

Nail fungus - is a fungal infection that affects one or more nails on the hands and feet. Fungal nail infection begins with the fact that the nail changes color (white, yellow, gray), becomes opaque, thickens and begins to crumble destroyed that looks disgusting and causes discomfort. Over time, the fungus spreads throughout the nail, the infection spreads to the skin around the nail and the skin of the foot.

Fungal nail infection is difficult to treat, and is prone to relapse, so it is very important time to diagnose the disease and start treatment.

Symptoms of nail fungus

There are various classifications of nail fungus depending on the type of fungal infection and its symptoms, so the signs and symptoms may vary somewhat. In general, onychomycosis (this is the medical name for nail fungus) are diagnosed in the presence of one or more features:

• thickening of the nail plate;
• brittleness, peeling or destruction of the nail;
• breaking the mold of the nail plate;
• dull unhealthy nail color, lack luster;
• darkening of the nail caused by the accumulation of dirt under it.

Fungus infection of the nail plate can also separate from the nail bed, and the void is formed, on which the nail plate changes its color. This disease is known as onycholysis - detachment of the nail from the soft tissues of the finger. You may feel pain in the fingers or toes and discover a slightly unpleasant odor.

When you need to see a doctor

When the nails are infected with fungal infection Fungal infection: to prevent and defeat , Get rid of it is extremely difficult, and if left untreated, this condition can persist for a lifetime. Consult your doctor at the first sign of nail fungus, ie when the notice under the tip of the nail tiny white or yellow spot.

Causes of nail fungus

Fungal infection of the nails in most cases is caused by dermatophyte fungi group, but the perpetrators of onychomycosis may be yeast, and molds. Infection occurs by contact with onychomycosis through household items: rugs in the bathroom, washcloths, shoes, manicure supplies; as well as in pools, baths, saunas, gyms, showers.

What the fungus?

Fungi - a microorganism which is not necessary for the survival of the sunlight. Some fungi are useful, while others cause disease and infection. All fungi are characterized by the following general properties:

• They live in warm, humid environments, including swimming pools and showers;
• can penetrate the skin through tiny cuts visible or invisible, or through a small gap between your nail and nail bed;
• They cause problems only if the nails are continuously exposed to heat and moisture - These conditions are ideal for the growth and spread of fungi.

The fungus on the nails of hands and feet

Onychomycosis occurs more often in the toe nails than fingernails.

Nails feet in shoes are in a dark, warm, moist environment conducive to the breeding of fungus;

Poor blood circulation in the toes prevents the normal immune response - the body more difficult to detect and destroy the infection.

Risk factors

Aging - the most common risk factor for the occurrence of nail fungus for several reasons, including:

• poor circulation and blood flow to the extremities;
• a longer period of possible exposure to the fungus;
• age nails grow slowly and thickened, which makes them more susceptible to infection.

Men are more prone to nail fungus than women, especially men, in the family history of the disease.

Other factors that may increase the risk of nail fungus:

• sweating;
• work in conditions of high humidity or moisture;
• psoriasis of the skin;
• Wearing socks and shoes that do not allow the skin to "breathe" and does not absorb sweat;
• walking barefoot on wet floors in public places such as swimming pools, gyms and shower;
• athlete's foot (tinea Ringworm - not only infectious disease   Stop);
• the presence of minor damage to the skin or nails, or other infections;
• diabetes Diabetes - threatening and incurable disease , Circulatory disorders or weakened immune system The immune system - how it works? .

Complications of nail fungus

Nail fungus can be very painful and cause permanent damage to the nail. This disease can also lead to other serious infections, especially if your immune system is weakened by medication, diabetes or other diseases, such as leukemia and AIDS.

In diabetes, impaired blood flow and normal blood flow to the feet is reduced. In addition, any slight damage to the feet - including a nail fungal infection - can lead to more severe complications requiring immediate medical attention.