A neuroma is a painful condition that occurs when a nerve in the foot becomes irritated or damaged. Colorado Springs neuroma often presents as a sensation of burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes and can be caused by factors such as wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, overuse, or trauma. While neuromas can be treated with medications or surgery, there are also several home remedies that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Here are home remedies for neuroma that you can try at home:

1.   Stretching and exercises

Stretching and exercises can help to improve blood flow to the affected area and reduce pressure on the nerve. Some stretches that may be beneficial for neuroma include toe curls, toe spreads, and toe scrunchies. You can also try massaging the affected area or using a tennis ball or rolling pin to roll over the place gently.

2.   Orthotic inserts

Orthotic inserts are inserts that you place inside your shoes to help correct problems with foot alignment and reduce pressure on the nerves. They can be especially helpful for people with neuromas, as they can help redistribute weight and reduce the stress on the affected area.

3.   Ice therapy

Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary relief from pain. To use ice therapy, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day as needed.

4.   Rest and elevation

Resting and elevating the affected foot can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid standing or walking for long periods, and use a chair or stool to elevate your foot when sitting down.

5.   Footwear modifications

Wearing too tight or high-heeled shoes can put additional pressure on the nerve and contribute to developing a neuroma. To help alleviate pain, try wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels. Avoid shoes that are too tight or have a narrow toe box.

6.   Massage

Massage not only helps reduce pain but may also lessen some of the strain on your nerves. Just be careful not to overextend or forcefully massage your foot. Speak with your doctor about seeing a licensed massage therapist if you are concerned that doing at-home massages would exacerbate your neuroma.

7.   Maintain a healthy weight

Your feet bear every pound of your body weight. And if you have a neuroma, they feel it much more intensely. It is crucial to maintain a healthy weight to enhance your general health and reduce the strain on your feet. Consult your physician if you need help to lose weight. They will direct you toward a healthy way of living that will aid in weight loss.

Neuromas can be painful and uncomfortable, but with the right home remedies and care, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. Remember to always to consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they are severe.

Call Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado to book your appointment for neuroma treatment.

Physical medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and other health conditions using physical methods. A Physical medicine specialist Monroe Township performs diagnosis through examination and testing, prevention, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive medicine.

Physical medicine treats pain and other symptoms. It also provides medical care after surgery to restore the body’s normal function. Physical medicine is concerned with the structure and function of the body as a whole (the anatomy) rather than with a specific area or organ system.

Here are the uses of physical medicine.

Control the symptoms of chronic conditions: Chronic conditions do not improve with time or occur in a constant state. Examples include hypertension, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. If a patient has been suffering from these conditions for years, it is difficult to keep them under control. However, physical medicine helps to reduce the symptoms.

Help patients maintain a healthier lifestyle: By monitoring changes in the patient’s condition and helping them manage their symptoms, doctors can help patients adopt healthier habits that can reduce risk factors for disease and promote overall health.

Promote healing after injury or surgery: When an injury occurs, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving around. A physical therapist can help you recover more quickly by using gentle massage techniques that reduce inflammation and promote healing of damaged tissue while preventing re-injury from occurring again in the future.

Improve your overall health: Physical medicine can also help improve your overall health by strengthening your muscles and improving circulation. You can reduce stress on your heart, lungs, brain, and other organs by improving circulation. This will allow them to function at their best and help you live happier lives.

Prevent injury from reoccurring by strengthening weak muscles: The body comprises different systems that work together to keep us alive and healthy. Muscles are one of these systems. Physical medicine helps to strengthen your muscles and tendons, which helps prevent injuries from reoccurring by strengthening weak muscles that have been damaged in the past.

Help with weight loss: Weight loss is one of the biggest benefits of physical medicine. If you have been struggling to lose weight, it may be worth giving physical therapy a try. Physical therapy can help boost metabolism by increasing calorie burn during exercise, so you can lose weight more easily than ever before.

Prevent nerve damage: If you suffer from nerve damage or neuropathy, physical medicine may help prevent this condition from worsening over time. If you have neuropathy, you may experience numbness or tingling in your hands or feet that lasts more than a few days or weeks out of the blue. This could be a sign that there is nerve damage occurring in your body that needs attention right away.

Physical medicine has several benefits. For instance, it can help relieve pain for people who have had surgery or an injury. It can also help people with arthritis and other conditions that cause chronic pain. Physical medicine may also be used to treat certain conditions that involve the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Besides, it can also be used to help patients recover from a stroke or head trauma. For more information about physical medicine, contact University Pain Medicine Center experts now.

Thanks to the advancements in medical technology, you do not necessarily have to undergo an invasive procedure to achieve youthful, radiant skin. The thread lift procedure is one of the best minimally-invasive skin tightening treatments to help you eliminate loose skin with minimal downtime. This Thread Lift procedure is FDA-approved to help patients remove different signs of aging, such as loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. The thread Lift procedure involves inserting thin threads into the deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen production and improve your overall skin texture for a more youthful skin appearance. In this article, we will look at the reasons why you need to consider PDO thread lift Downey

Enhances Collagen Production

Once the thin PDO threads are inserted into your deeper skin layers, collagen production in your body is induced in the affected areas. Increased collagen production in your body helps improve the overall health of your hair, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and skin. Collagen eliminates all signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles, allowing your skin to remain youthful and plump. There are other notable advantages involved with increased collagen production in your body, such as increasing your skin density, improving skin texture, and enhancing skin hydration to smoothen out rough and dry skin.

Generally Safe

PDO Thread Lift Procedure is safe compared to other traditional skin treatments and involves minimal side effects. This procedure entails using safe, FDA-approved materials that can be naturally broken down in your body and released in the form of carbon dioxide and waste. The PDO threads inserted in your deep skin layers are biodegradable and completely absorbed by your body six to twelve months after the procedure. Facelifts can also be done using thin PDO threads as they are safe and do not result in any allergic reaction.

Long-term, Desirable Results

Unlike dermal fillers and injectables that usually produce short-term results- less than one year, PDO Thread Lift Procedures produce long-lasting skin results that can last for more than three years. Most dermatologists often recommend regular PDO procedures to guarantee durable results and maintain a youthful, glowing skin appearance. Additionally, your PDO Thread Lift Procedures results can be prolonged by practicing certain healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating lots of fruits and vegetables, getting adequate sleep, and drinking plenty of water.

Minimally Invasive

One notable benefit of PDO Thread Lift Procedures is that it is a minimally invasive treatment and requires no scarring or incisions. Compared to other invasive cosmetic surgeries, this procedure requires no preparation or downtime, implying that you have the procedure and drive yourself home post-treatment. PDO Thread Lifting Procedures usually take less than one hour and require a few weeks of recovery.

Can Be Used With Other Anti-Aging Skin Procedures

PDO Thread Lift Procedures can be combined with different anti-aging skin treatments to help you achieve your desired skin appearance. Some other treatments that can be used with a PDO Thread Lift procedure include; microneedling, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and Botox. By combining these different skin treatments, you can treat various facial cosmetic problems on your neck, eye, cheeks, jawline, chin, and nose.

Are you looking forward to achieving a youthful skin appearance without surgical procedures? Then you need to consider the PDO thread lift procedure. This anti-aging procedure is the ideal solution to removing loose skin and improving your overall skin texture with minimal downtime. PDO Thread Lifts is one of the recent anti-aging skin treatments today that is injected into your deep skin layers to encourage collagen production and smoothen your overall skin texture. Get started and contact a PDO Thread Lift specialist today to effectively and safely treat your skin concerns.

Kidneys are critical for your overall well-being, with the most notable role being waste elimination. The bean-shaped organ filters waste from your blood and facilitates its removal from the body through urine. Kidney failure means one or both do not work correctly, resulting in the waste buildup, which can cause severe complications and even death. Proper treatment can help you lead a healthier and longer life. Dialysis is often the go-to, and with modern advancements, it is more manageable. With dialysis access Bakersfield, the procedure is easier as the area provides a path for blood to travel through tubes with fewer challenges, especially when more visits are necessary. The best part is that caring for the dialysis access area is manageable.

Having the access placed can be scary, and you might be wondering how to keep it safe and functional. Your doctor will provide guidelines per the option used. Below are general tips to ease your dialysis access site care endeavors.

Always keep it clean

Hygiene can’t be emphasized enough with or without the dialysis access site. Keeping the site as clean as possible limits the chances of infection and contamination, making it easier to keep it functional for an extended period. Wash the limb regularly and your hands before and after touching the area. Cleaning just before and immediately following the treatment may seem straightforward, but it can easily slip your mind as you focus on other concerns that seem to impact the area more.

Sleep with care

Lying on the limb with the graft or AV fistula should always be avoided. This is considering the pressure the area can take, which can even lead to clots. It is easier said than done, but you need to take the relevant measures to ensure you train your body to comfortably sleep in a position that does not create any excess pressure on the dialysis access site.

Clothes

Your fashion taste and style do not have to change, but you need to re-evaluate your wardrobe and keep items that do not constrict the access area. Wearing tight clothes and selections like watches and other jewelry over or near the graft/AV fistula should be avoided. This will help minimize the pressure and possible access problems like clotting.

Activities

Your activities can endanger the access area. For instance, chopping items in a way that you can cut or scrape the area could lead to serious worries. Carrying heavy items over the limb or access site can also cause excess stress and impact its effectiveness. It may take some time to get used to, but you need to focus more on protecting the site as you go about your routine.

Information is key as you strive to keep the dialysis access site safe and functional. You probably read about listening to the bruit and feeling the thrill to establish if it is in good condition or if you should call your doctor, but don’t focus solely on such aspects and forget the simple aspects that count. You should understand the materials provided to ensure you are well informed about the dialysis access and materials involved but don’t overlook the everyday aspects as highlighted above. Visit Heart Vascular and Leg Center for more on dialysis access care and all dialysis concerns.

Workplace injuries happen when you are on the job or company grounds. When they do, they can have serious repercussions on your health, life, and career, ranging from minor sprains to disability. Understanding the causes of these injuries can help you avoid them. It can also tell you when to see a work-related injury Colonia specialist for treatment and a workers’ compensation attorney for reimbursement. Here is a review of the top five factors that contribute to workplace injuries.

Overexertion and Fatigue

Overexertion happens when you throw, carry, hold, pull, push, or lift heavy objects or perform these actions repetitively. Along with bodily reaction, this factor is ranked as the fifth most common cause of workplace injury on the Workplace Safety Index. It is characterized by excessive, strenuous, or repetitive physical motion. Overexertion can also be caused or worsened by fatigue. A fatigued worker is more likely to be inattentive and work to exhaustion, leading to accidents and injury. Usually, these problems can be avoided by taking regular breaks during a work shift.

Slip and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injury. They happen when your foot loses traction with a walking surface and can be caused by wet slippery floors, improper footwear, unexpected changes in flooring, such as potholes, and uneven surfaces. When they happen, slips and falls can cause soft tissue injuries, dislocations, and other similar injuries.

Same-Level and Lower-Level Falls

A same-level fall happens when you slip or trip on a level surface and fall. This accident is usually caused by hazards like wet floors, open drawers, loose wires, cables lying across the floor, potholes, and more. Moreover, poor lighting can make these falls more likely because people cannot spot and avoid these hazards. Lower-level falls, on the other hand, occur when you fall from a height such as a roof or a ladder to a lower level. This type of accident can cause serious injury or even death. Employers can minimize them by ensuring workspaces are uncluttered and well-lit, and employees wear fall protection gear.

Equipment Accidents

Equipment accidents are more common in factories or workplaces with heavy machinery. They can happen in several ways. Most commonly, you can get hurt by being struck by a piece of equipment or falling objects. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this is the most common cause of workplace death in the construction sector. Other ways equipment can injure you is when you get caught or crushed between two heavy objects or moving machinery.

Auto Accidents

Employees can also get injured while operating vehicles, such as company cars, motorcycles, trucks, cranes, and more. These accidents can happen on the road as you run a work errand or within company grounds, such as in a parking lot or factory.

Discuss Your Workplace Injury with Your Doctor

Workplace injuries can be catastrophic, especially when they lead to temporary or permanent disability, chronic pain, or reduced function. If you get injured at work due to any of these factors, seeking immediate medical help can increase your chances of a quick and complete recovery. It can also help your legal claim if you decide to seek benefits for your injury. Talk to a work injury specialist today to learn more about how they can address your injuries and restore your health.

Recent statistics indicate more than 10 million Americans experience pain in the temporomandibular joint. TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) refers to conditions that affect the function of the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint). CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center offers pain management for TMJ Dundalk to address inflammation and prevent complications.

Factors causing TMD and related disorders

Researchers are yet to understand the exact causes of TMJ pain. TMD can occur after the joint sustains trauma, forcing the disc between the ball and socket joint to dislocate. 

But TMD also co-occurs alongside other physiological conditions like arthritis. Some of the conditions that cause TMD may include:

• Bruxism: Clenching and grinding the teeth can stress the jaw muscles and the TMJ joint. The jaw can exert 250 pounds of force, which strains the joint and damages teeth. The risk is higher if you smoke or consume considerable amounts of caffeine. Stress and anxiety can also worsen symptoms of bruxism.
• Arthritis of TMJ joint: TMD could be a case of TMJ joint arthritis that affects the cartilage and soft tissue. Arthritis may cause changes to the structure of the joint. Patients may notice clicking sounds and jaw locking during the initial face of the disorder.
• An improper bite: The upper and lower jaw should fit perfectly together. If the jaws are not aligned, it may lead to jaw pain. TMD tends to worsen if you don’t treat malocclusions on time.

Challenges with diagnosing TMD

TMD may refer to any of the 30 conditions falling under the umbrella term. Therefore, no standard procedure exists for diagnosing TMD. It is challenging to discern the various symptoms that may relate to associated disorders.

Your provider will review your medical history. Obstructive sleep apnea, chronic neck pain, and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with TMD. A physical exam is performed to check the movement of your jaw and neck muscles.

The diagnostic process utilizes x-rays to view the joints around your jaw. An MRI device provides a detailed visual of the tissue surrounding the TMJ joint. An x-ray and MRI can detect bone degeneration and tissue inflammation to facilitate treatment planning.

Treatment for TMD disorders

You can treat mild symptoms by holding a cold pack in the area where there is pain. Use a cold pack for 10 minutes and repeat the process several times a day. Switching to soft foods can ease the pain in your jaw. Relaxation techniques can alleviate muscle tension in your jaw and reduce teeth grinding.

Your provider may prescribe NSAIDs or muscle relaxants to address inflammation, pain, and muscle soreness. Stress and anxiety medication may also relieve symptoms. But that will depend on the cause of your pain from your diagnosis.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy {CBT} is another evidence-based therapy for treating TMJ. CBT educates patients on pain management techniques through a series of therapies. Studies show it can successfully alleviate symptoms without additional interventions.

Botox or steroid injections can successfully address some cases of TMD. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing surgery.

If you are experiencing TMJ pain, call CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center to book your consultation today.

Cardiovascular issues can be life-threatening as they deal with the heart and the blood vessels which supply blood to all body organs. The heartbeats allow the oxygenated blood to flow to the organs carrying glucose and energy. It also allows the blood that carries carbon dioxide and wastes to flow from the organs back to the heart and lungs. Thus, the heart should be in good condition to foster proper organ function, but issues like obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol could affect heart function. Therefore, you should see a Hudson, FL cardiologist for these reasons.

Worrying Symptoms

During the annual checkups, the primary doctor might ensure you are okay, and they would take all the vitals important for your health. They may notice worrying symptoms such as irregular heartbeat and recommend a cardiovascular test. Thus, you would see a cardiologist for these worrying symptoms as they indicate serious heart and vascular issues. For instance, chest pains might be associated with respiratory issues but also indicates a looming stroke. Fortunately, the cardiologist will recommend medications and remedies to deal with stroke.

Family History of Cardiovascular Issues

Cardiovascular issues are highly hereditary, and if a close family member has developed heart disease in the past, there might be cancer, and you would develop the same condition. Therefore, you should take the annual exams at a cardiologist’s office if you are at risk of a hereditary cardiovascular issue. If a relative has had a stroke in the past, symptoms like chest pains should send you directly to the cardiologist’s office.

Related Conditions

Some health conditions might increase the chances of cardiovascular disease, and you should look out for these related issues. For instance, gum diseases and oral issues indicate a stroke likelihood. Additionally, health issues such as diabetes result from obesity and are associated with high body weight and are associated with cardiovascular problems. Thus, the cardiologist will guide you to other specialists who treat the underlying health issues.

Taking Up Exercises

You may need to see a cardiologist when taking up exercises if you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle predisposes you to cardiovascular problems due to weight gain and inactivity. You may not know how your body will react to the sudden exercises, but your cardiologist tests the heart to determine if it will handle high-intensity activities. They will recommend slow exercises and encourage high-intensity activities once you build muscle and core strength.

High Blood and Cholesterol Levels and Preeclampsia during Pregnancy

High blood cholesterol and high blood pressure might damage the vascular veins and the heart. The cholesterol deposits restrict blood flow in the vascular system leading to high blood pressure and heart issues. Additionally, high blood pressure results from a straining heart when pushing blood to all vital organs. Additionally, preeclampsia in women during pregnancy is associated with high blood pressure, and you would need a cardiologist to deal with the condition effectively.

Sometimes we might fail to see a cardiologist even when there is a family history of heart disease. However, it is prudent to see a cardiologist as heart issues are life-threatening and might lead to death. The first sign to see a cardiologist is when you have worrying symptoms such as chest pains, which indicate the possibility of a stroke. Moreover, related health complications like diabetes and gum disease will expose you to cardiovascular issues, and you should deal with them effectively and seek necessary treatments. Finally, seek cardiovascular care if you have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

A medical spa provides an ideal way to experience both the benefits of a traditional day spa and a medical aesthetic clinic. For instance, in a medical aesthetic clinic, you can find various treatments to eliminate skin problems like sagging, acne, and rosacea. Specific services from your local medical spa Kingwood may include microneedling, vitamin injections and infusions, hair restoration, and body contouring. Consequently, below are the top benefits you can get from a visit to your nearest medical spa.

1. Numerous treatment options

A medical spa provides various aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermal fillers, photo facials, laser hair removal, and facial treatments.

For instance, the IPL photofacial treatment can fix pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, age spots, rosacea, and uneven texture. As a result, you can benefit from firmer, younger-looking skin with even tone and texture. The IPL works by gently directing light energy to the upper layers of your skin, stimulating collagen production and skin cell regeneration.

2. Relaxing environment

A med spa offers an environment and atmosphere that encourages you to remain relaxed and calm during and after treatment. A relaxing atmosphere helps boost your mood and foster a positive state of mind that promotes physical and mental healing and recovery.

A medical spa often offers the necessary support you may require during different treatments and has staff always ready to answer your questions.

3. Anti-aging treatments

Most people who visit medical spas seek treatments for anti-aging. Cosmetic anti-aging procedures can help improve your appearance and boost a positive self-image and self-esteem.

Some leading anti-aging treatments your aesthetic practitioner may recommend are Botox injections, skin tightening, and laser hair reduction.

Botox injections can reduce skin wrinkles and help tackle various health issues, including excessive sweating, eyelid spasms, migraine, and bladder disorders.

Non-invasive treatment techniques your doctor may choose for tightening your skin include ultrasound, radiofrequency, laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. During chemical peels, your doctor uses an acidic solution or chemical to peel away your skin’s outermost layer. Therefore, chemical peels can eradicate aged spots and wrinkles, delivering a more vibrant skin tone.

On the other hand, with dermal fillers, your doctor injects substances into your skin to fill out the wrinkles and lines in your lips, face, and hands.

4. Attractive eyes

You can enhance the attractiveness of your eyes by considering eyelash extensions, professional removal of eyelashes, darkening your brows, and lifting and curling of eyelashes.

5. Treatment of common illnesses

The treatments offered by medical spas to deliver healthy and glowing skin may also help in providing relief against chronic diseases and conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and insomnia. Therefore, you will feel less discomfort and embarrassment after cosmetic skin treatment.

A medical spa may also deliver long-term well-being by alleviating symptoms of past injuries or health problems, including heart issues.

You can only receive the best possible restorative beauty and cosmetic treatments by choosing the right medical spa. A skilled aesthetic practitioner can ensure that your treatment is safe and effective. Ensure the practitioner offering modern skin care services is legally registered to practice, offers safe therapies and equipment, and generally has positive online reviews.

Contact Renove Medical Spa today for specialist modern skin care services.

As the skin is one of the most significant and sensitive parts of your body, it’s no wonder it’s susceptible to countless issues. One of the leading aspects that will determine your overall appearance is the health of your skin. While you may be working tirelessly to alleviate your appearance, numerous issues can affect your quality of life. However, nothing should hinder your confidence since medical dermatology Washington services are here to your aid.

Dermatology clinics are well-equipped with experts and tools that ensure you regain your original natural look. However, many don’t comprehend when they should have a warrant to visit a dermatologist. Therefore, this guide provides top signs indicating you should seek medical dermatology.

1.  Chronic skin irritation

Although skin irritation can occur for various reasons, they usually occur due to allergies or scrapes. Typically, most skin irritations should last within a few days; if they persist longer, your condition is more severe. If you experience skin irritation that often recurs, you should seek medical attention before the problem goes out of hand. It would help if you didn’t ignore bumps, rashes, or any other types of chronic skin irritation since they can come from skin disorders like eczema.

2. Dry, flaky patches

The sudden occurrence of dry patches in your skin proves that all isn’t well with your skin. Usually, this can be a sign of psoriasis, and the patches mainly appear on your chest, lower back, elbows, knees, and scalp. In such a case, you should consult a medical dermatologist to diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatments for your relief.

3. Persistent acne

While acne is a prevalent skin issue, regular acne shouldn’t last for long periods. It mainly occurs when grime and dirt block your skin pores, preventing your skin from naturally sweating out toxins. If you experience acne that persists longer and causes severe pain or scarring, you should consult an expert dermatologist instantly. Furthermore, a professional should address acne that resists other treatments.

4. Wrinkles and signs of aging

As you age, it’s no secret that your skin will develop unusual changes that may affect your appearance. Although signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines, are natural and can’t be reversed, a medical dermatologist can help you preserve a youthful look despite age. Also, seek dermatology help if you detect dark spots on your scalp, arms, or other body parts.

5. Potential risk factors for skin cancer

Skin cancer is becoming common over the years, and many people don’t understand its early symptoms. Therefore, one of the leading reasons to seek dermatology help is to get frequent skin cancer screenings. If you exhibit any risk factors for skin cancer, like family history, irregularly shaped moles or growths, fair skin, rashes with scaly textures, and a history of sunburns, you should get screened immediately.

6. Unexplained hair loss

Hair loss is typically associated with certain health conditions or genetic predispositions. However, many people don’t understand that a dermatologist can ultimately stop or slow their hair loss. Medical dermatology clinics provide treatments like transplants and laser procedures to ensure they reverse your hair loss condition.

Your overall outlook plays a critical role in your everyday life. Therefore, you should give your skin the maximum attention it deserves if you want to safeguard its wellness. Suppose you experience any of the signs listed above, you should prioritize scheduling your appointment with a medical dermatologist any time soon.

People’s bodies respond differently to the COVID-19 virus. Many experience mild symptoms and recover without special treatment, while others end up requiring emergency care. Although the chance of recovery is high, you should still visit any Covid testing center Philadelphia, PA near you. That is because there are different variations of the virus. In case you get the lethal kind, you can receive prompt medical care.

What are the variants of this disease, you may ask? Without further ado, here are five of them below.

Omicron

Although this variant is the most contagious, it causes less severe illness and death in general. Its symptoms appear three days after infection and include a runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle ache. If you have recovered from COVID-19, you are not safe yet, since this variant can cause reinfection.

Due to how quickly it spreads, you are better off isolating yourself from people. Ensure you do that after your doctor confirms you suffer from this variant. If you have to go out, you should wear a mask to protect others.

Delta

This variant emerged in India in 2021. Vaccinated people who get the Delta virus are typically asymptomatic or display less severe symptoms. Therefore, if it affects the unvaccinated, they are likely to get hospitalized for a long time. Other people at risk of contracting the variant include people under 50 years.

The symptoms of Delta are a bit different from the original COVID-19 strain. You will not experience coughs and loss of smell, as is usually the case with the virus. Instead, you should watch out for fever, runny nose, and sore throat.

Alpha

This is yet another variant to take seriously. When it was first discovered in the United Kingdom in November 2020, it began to spread rapidly by December. Its high rate of infection was due to the Alpha variant having many mutations in its spike protein. People with this strain usually experience appetite loss, muscle aches, chills, and headaches.

Since this variant is one of the latest ones, certain vaccines such as AstraZeneca will be ineffective against it. Therefore, it would be best to consider the Pfizer and Moderna jabs.

Beta

When the Beta variant broke out in South Africa in 2020, there was an increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Just like the previous strain, some vaccinations are ineffective against it. That explains why the country had to stop rolling out the AstraZeneca vaccine for a while. People who want protection from this variant should consider two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Soon, the variant reached the United Kingdom. The country had no choice but to enforce foreign travel restrictions and surge testing.

Gamma

This variant has the same mutations as Alpha and Beta. As a result, the strain easily attaches itself to human cells. Nonetheless, it is not as infectious as the two strains.

This strain was popular in Brazil. Scientists discovered that you could become re-infected despite recovering from the original COVID-19 infection.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first occurred, medical workers were still trying to understand it. Fortunately, they have uncovered its nature and manufactured the appropriate vaccines. When you visit a doctor, they will recommend the best jab based on the variant that has affected you. Remember, you should see one as soon as you discover certain symptoms.

After your visit from the doctor, you should also be mindful of those around you. You can avoid spreading the virus to others by not sharing personal household items and by isolation.