Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12060141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="beijing" source="Orion">Beijing</keyword> is doing anal swabs on a small segment of its population to detect Omicron cases.</li><li>27 people were swabbed this week in the procedure, which involves a cotton bud being inserted close to two inches into the rectum.</li></ul>In a bid to ring-fence COVID-19 cases and stop the spread of the Omicron variant in the run-up to the Beijing Winter Olympics, <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword> is resorting to anally swabbing a small segment of its population. According to Chinese <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">news</keyword> outlet <a href="https://www.bjnews.com.cn/detail/164232531614196.html">The Beijing News</a>, at least 27 people at an apartment building in Beijing's Haidian district were given anal swabs this week. Haidian district is where an infected woman — Beijing's first reported Omicron case — lives. These anal swabs <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-anal-factbox/factbox-chinas-anal-tests-for-coronavirus-upset-visitors-idUSKBN2AV0Y4">involve inserting a cotton swab around one to two inches into the rectum</a>. The swab is then tested at a lab and analyzed the same way as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) coronavirus tests performed on nose or throat samples. Chinese state-linked media outlet <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1213668.shtml">Global Times</a> reported in January 2021 that while most people were swabbed via nose or throat swabs, authorities used anal swabs for "key groups" of people sent to quarantine centers to increase the accuracy of the test.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microbiology-professor-china-anal-swab-test-covid-19-makes-sense-2021-1">Insider's Catherine Schuster-Bruce</a> spoke to Joanne Santini, professor of microbiology at University College London, about the anal swabs. Santini told Insider that while anal swabs are not pleasant ways to test for COVID-19, it makes sense and is "the obvious thing to do" to detect an existing viral load that nose or throat swabs might not pick up. While the test may be scientifically sound, it did cause some controversy in February 2021, when <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-accuses-china-making-diplomats-take-anal-swabs-coronavirus-2021-2">the US accused China of forcing American diplomats to take anal swab tests</a> — which <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56196977">China denied</a>. The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56245404">Japanese government also registered a similar complaint with China</a>, telling Beijing to stop requiring anal swab tests for its citizens, citing "psychological pain" and distress. While the Chinese capital has not gone into complete lockdown, all inbound travelers are now required to get an additional COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in the city, per a report from <a href="https://m.weibo.cn/1893892941/4726318493598687">Beijing Daily</a>.Beijing detected its first Omicron infection around a week after Tianjin, a neighboring northern city, reported <a href="http://www.news.cn/local/2022-01/12/c_1128254048.htm">97 COVID-19 cases.</a> Officials there <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/12/chinas-omicron-hit-tianjin-launches-new-round-of-mass-covid-testing.html">subjected the entire population of 14 million people to compulsory COVID-19 testing</a>.It's commonplace for Chinese cities to issue swift lockdowns if small clusters of COVID cases are discovered, per China's COVID-zero policy. Authorities locked down <a href="https://www.insider.com/china-ramps-up-harsh-covid-lockdown-bars-international-travelers-xian-2022-1">Xi'an</a>, a city of 13 million people, <a href="https://www.insider.com/china-xian-intense-lockdown-people-running-out-of-food-covid-2021-12">after recording about 1,000 COVID-19 cases</a> between December 9 and December 23. Similar lockdowns also happened in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-city-one-million-on-lockdown-after-handful-coronavirus-cases-2022-1">Yuzhou, a central Chinese city home to 1.2 million people,</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-china-64ca91f0f2315eabea84bb4a9d0801eb">Anyang, a city of 5.5 million residents.</a><a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/news/olympic-and-paralympic-winter-games-beijing-2022-updates-on-spectators-vaccination-and-covid-19-countermeasures">The lockdowns come amid preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics, which are set to kick off on February 4</a>. The country plans to implement <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/29/sports/olympics/winter-olympics-beijing-restrictions.html">a "closed-loop" bubble</a>, in which athletes, officials, broadcasters, and journalists may move only within designated locales.Despite the recent upswing in infections, China has managed to keep its case numbers relatively low. According to the country's <a href="http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqfkdt/202201/d9ec13c4b7c14ab39f81366653bbb382.shtml">National Health Commission</a>, 66 cases were detected across 31 provinces on January 20, bringing the number of active cases to 3,297. Of these, Beijing reported three instances of local COVID-19 transmission.

2 weeks out from the Olympics, China is back to using anal COVID-19 swab tests on some Beijing residents to try to detect Omicron cases

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Japan has asked <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> to stop using anal swab <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">Covid-19</keyword> tests on its diplomats.</li><li>The request comes a week after the US State Dept. also asked China to stop the tests.</li><li>China approved their use in Jan., citing studies that said the virus lasts longer in the anus than in the respiratory tract. </li></ul>Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato has asked China to stop using anal swab coronavirus tests on its citizens as they enter the country, citing "great psychological pain," according to a new report from <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-china-japan-idINKCN2AT24I">Reuters</a>.Employees at the Japanese embassy in Beijing said they had been repeatedly subjected to the tests, which some described as humiliating.China introduced anal swab tests in January, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/anal-swab-china-coronavirus/2021/01/27/cc284f56-6054-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html">citing several studies</a> that claimed the tests were more accurate because COVID-19 virus particles remained in anal cavities and feces longer than in respiratory cavities. The swabs quickly became the focus of jokes among users of Weibo, China's most popular social media platform, the <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-deploys-anal-swabs-to-test-for-covid-19">Straits Times</a> reported. "Low harm, but extreme humiliation," said one user."I've done two anal swabs. Every time I did one, I had to do a throat swab afterwards - I was so scared the nurse would forget to use a new swab," said another, according to the Times. But even within the Chinese medical community, there is disagreement over the tests' usefulness. A group of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-hongkong-idUSKBN25Y145">researchers</a> at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that anal swabbing was only more effective among particular populations, specifically children and infants. And even proponents of anal swab tests, like Li Tongzeng, an infectious-disease specialist at Beijing You'an Hospital, recognize the tests are "not as convenient as throat swabs."Besides the test's uncomfortable nature, Dale Fisher, a professor in infectious diseases at the National University of Singapore, told Insider anal swabbing is not ideal because it leads to so many false positives. "The positive test comes about because of an old broken-down virus. These people are not infectious but may be deemed to be."Additionally, "respiratory secretions are the most important in enabling transmission," and "spread to others from feces is unlikely, so respiratory tract swabbing is where the emphasis should be."Japan's request to halt anal swab tests comes a week after <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvxk9a/china-anal-covid-tests-us-diplomats">Vice reported</a> that the US State Department had also asked China to refrain from using anal swabs on its diplomats, saying that the tests threatened their "dignity."China initially <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56196977">denied</a> that it had given anal swab tests to any Americans, but a US Department spokesperson told Vice that counterparts in Beijing admitted to the US that the tests had been done "in error.""The State Department never agreed to this kind of testing and protested directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when we learned that some staff were subject to it," the spokesperson told the media outlet.

Japan asks China to stop using anal swab COVID-19 tests on citizens, saying they cause 'great psychological pain'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The State Department accused <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> of making US diplomats take anal <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> tests, <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvxk9a/china-anal-covid-tests-us-diplomats">Vice reported</a>.</li><li>A spokesperson told Vice that China said the tests were done "in error" after the US complained.</li><li>China said it didn't require diplomats to take the tests but also didn't deny the tests happened.</li></ul>The US has accused China of making American diplomats take anal swabs to test for COVID-19 before backtracking after the US complained, <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvxk9a/china-anal-covid-tests-us-diplomats">Vice reported</a>.A State Department representative told Vice on Wednesday that the US had complained to China when it learned that some staff members had been made to do this kind of test."The State Department never agreed to this kind of testing and protested directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when we learned that some staff were subject to it," the representative said.The person added that China then told the US that the tests were given to American diplomatic staff members "in error" and that diplomatic staff members were supposed to be exempt from the test, which <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microbiology-professor-china-anal-swab-test-covid-19-makes-sense-2021-1">some parts of China have started</a> using in a bid to more accurately find COVID-19 cases.The representative also said the State Department was telling its staff to decline the test if asked to do one.Insider has contacted the State Department for comment.Asked about the report at a Thursday press briefing, according to the country's <a href="https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/web/wjdt_674879/fyrbt_674889/t1856517.shtml">official transcript</a>, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "I have checked with my colleagues. As far as I know, China has never required US diplomatic staff in the country to take anal swab tests."Zhao did not say whether China had already conducted anal swab tests on US officials.Vice said it was not clear how many diplomatic employees or their families had been made do the tests.<a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1214226.shtml">According to the Global Times</a>, a state media outlet, China has been using anal swab tests for some groups of people in the country, including those returning from abroad and those who live in high-risk areas.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microbiology-professor-china-anal-swab-test-covid-19-makes-sense-2021-1">As Insider's Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce reported</a>, Chinese researchers say they found that anal swabs could detect virus cases more accurately - but they also noted that the procedure wasn't as convenient as throat swabs.The test involves a cotton-tipped swab inserted around 3 cm to 5 cm - 1 to 2 inches - into the rectum, with the swab then tested in a lab in the same way a polymerase-chain-reaction <keyword id="8662774" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus-test">coronavirus test</keyword> taken from the nose or throat is.<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/anal-swab-china-coronavirus/2021/01/27/cc284f56-6054-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html">The Washington Post reported</a> in January that Chinese social-media users reacted with disbelief and concern when they learned about the procedure.

The US accused China of forcing American diplomats to take anal swab tests for COVID-19

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> is using anal swabs <keyword id="7869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="test">test</keyword> for COVID-19,<a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1213668.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> in "key groups,"</a> because it's reportedly more accurate.</li><li>An anal swab test involves inserting a small cotton-tipped swab into the rectum.</li><li>Anal swabs are "not nice," but the tests makes sense, said microbiology professor Joanne Santini. </li></ul>China <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/anal-swab-china-coronavirus/2021/01/27/cc284f56-6054-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has introduced anal swabs</a>, as a new type of test that could detect <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> more accurately."If we add anal swab testing, it can raise our rate of identifying infected patients," Li Tongzeng, an infectious-disease specialist at Beijing You'an Hospital, <a href="https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MjM5MjAxNDM4MA==&amp;mid=2666388876&amp;idx=2&amp;sn=9c5d8f5fea8e56a2c3b0fa0499f16c9b&amp;chksm=bdb5b4cf8ac23dd9df76ff5eaafab7b60beb784a017ec7aca1a5a14ab182920edfc51b4c8f69&amp;mpshare=1&amp;scene=1&amp;srcid=0123glfrsMgk9eeT3zXeeb2I&amp;sharer_sharetime=1611719242841&amp;sharer_shareid=02c69e528c9b6ba22233f1b6b35b9516&amp;exportkey=ASU3gPodzOeNORmrnRLoayw%3D&amp;pass_ticket=nptAa%2BNsM2zWxfcEpPNca7dSCd3s2F3bbkhgcZReS3F0Kg4jiNA8qQZ1w8EVW%2B9x&amp;wx_header=0#rdZReS3F0Kg4jiNA8qQZ1w8EVW%2B9x&amp;wx_header=0#rd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said on state-run broadcaster</a> China Central Television Sunday. "But of course, considering that collecting anal swabs is not as convenient as throat swabs, at the moment only key groups such as those in quarantine receive both," Tongzeng added.An anal swab test means inserting a cotton-tipped swab about 3-5cm (1-2 inches) into the rectum, which is then sent to a lab to be tested for the virus. They are analyzed in the same way as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) coronavirus tests taken from the nose or throat.Tonzeng said that a<a href="https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/fmb-2020-0090"> study has shown </a>the virus lasts longer in the anus or faeces than in the respiratory tract. So an anal swab or faecal sample could be useful for identifying disease in mild or asymptomatic cases. But Yang Zhanqiu, deputy director of the pathogen biology department at Wuhan University,<a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1213668.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> told state-run tabloid</a>, The Global Times, that since the virus has been proven to be contracted via the upper respiratory tract rather than the digestive system, the most efficient tests are still nasal and throat swabs. "There have been cases concerning the coronavirus testing positive in a patient's excrement, but no evidence has suggested it had been transmitted through one's digestive system," Yang said. Joanne Santini, professor of microbiology at University College London, told Insider anal swabs are not nice way of testing, but it makes sense. "It's the obvious thing to do," Santini said.Santini explained that the virus attaches to the human body using a receptor called ACE2, and there are many ACE2 receptors in the gut. The viral load - the amount of virus shedded - can also be higher in the faeces, especially if someone is suffering with gastrointestinal problems caused by coronavirus. And viral shedding can last for longer in the faeces than in sputum."Even though a common way of being infected is through respiration, I think there must be some infection happening through the gut via the mouth," she said. "There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 in faeces is infectious, just like other viruses, such as norovirus and other coronaviruses."Santini said that poo samples, however, would be preferable to anal swabs because they are less invasive and could be particularly useful for collecting samples in kids."It's less painful for kids, and people do it all the time for other tests," she said. "You don't have to go anywhere, and you can do it yourself."

China's plan for anal swabs to test for COVID-19 is 'not nice but it's the obvious thing to do,' says a microbiology professor

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Pap smear is a procedure that screens for <keyword id="28838" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</keyword> by testing cells for any abnormalities. </li><li>If your Pap results are abnormal that does not mean you have cancer, and more likely indicates <keyword id="102327" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="HPV">HPV</keyword>. </li><li>Pap smears should be started at 21 and continue every 3-5 years depending on age and medical history. </li></ul>Cervical cancer is the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fourth most common cancer</a> found in women worldwide. But thanks to a screening test called a Pap smear, doctors can catch any abnormal cells early and treat them before they become cancerous. Here's what you need to know about Pap smears, including how often you should be tested and what your results mean. <h2>What is a Pap smear? </h2>The <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Papanicolaou test</a>, most commonly known as the Pap test or Pap smear, is a screening procedure to test for cervical cancer. During <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/cancer/cervical-cancer/whats-pap-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener">your pap smear</a>, a healthcare provider will place a metal or plastic medical device called a speculum inside your vagina to open up and push the vaginal walls apart. This allows the doctor to clearly look at your cervix and collect cervical cell samples with a small brush. The test takes no more than five minutes, says <a href="https://www.uwhealth.org/findadoctor/profile/ashley-j-jennings-md/10319" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ashley Jennings, MD</a>, an OB-GYN at <a href="https://www.uwhealth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UW Health</a>. You may feel slight discomfort when the speculum is inserted, and some may experience mild cramping or spotting after, but the procedure should not be painful.Once the Pap smear is completed, cell samples are sent to a lab and tested for any abnormality - or unusual changes in size, shape, or other characteristics. You should have your results within a few days, says Jennings. Important: To prepare for a Pap smear, <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/pap-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid</a> sex 24 hours before your appointment, as it can inflame vaginal tissue or cause discharge which could lead to an abnormal result. Also, <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/pap-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid</a> any vaginal medicines, creams, or gels for two or three days beforehand. These products can interfere with the cell sample.Likewise, it's important to avoid getting a Pap smear with a heavy period, says <a href="https://globalhealth.rutgers.edu/who-we-are/gloria-bachmann/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gloria Bachmann, MD</a>, the director of the <keyword id="31036" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="womens-health">Women's Health</keyword> Institute at Rutgers University. Your doctor could end up swabbing red blood cells instead of cervix cells, which will throw off the results. <h2>How often should I get a Pap smear?</h2>When and how often you should get a Pap smear mostly depends on your age and medical history. The most <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening#:~:text=Women%20aged%2021%E2%80%9329%20years,test%20alone%20every%203%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent guidelines</a> break testing into four age categories:<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 10.5834%;">Age</td><td style="width: 89.2809%;">Frequency </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 10.5834%;">&lt; 21</td><td style="width: 89.2809%;">None</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 10.5834%;">21 to 29</td><td style="width: 89.2809%;">Every 3 years, no HPV testing</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 10.5834%;">30 to 65</td><td style="width: 89.2809%;">Every 5 years, with HPV testing, or every 3 years if just HPV or Pap</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 10.5834%;">&gt; 65</td><td style="width: 89.2809%;">None, unless you have a history of cervical cancer or atypical cervical cells</td></tr></tbody></table> Some people may need to get Pap smears more often, <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cervical-cancer-screening#:~:text=Women%20aged%2021%E2%80%9329%20years,test%20alone%20every%203%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener">such as</a>:<ul><li>People with a history of cervical cancer </li><li>People with pre-cancer, or when abnormal cells are already known to be present</li><li>Those with the HPV infection </li></ul>Important: Most women who have had their cervix remove will not need a pap smear. A <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/pelvic-exams-pap-tests.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">large 2020 study</a> conducted by the CDC found Pap smears are not medically necessary for women 15 to 20 years old as the likelihood of cervical cancer at this age is minimal. The tests were concluded to cause more anxiety and fear in young women and led to unnecessary costs. Testing for HPV is also an important part of annual screenings for cervical cancer, which is why women over 30 do it alongside their Pap smear. Collections are done during the Pap, not as a separate procedure. HPV, or <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the human papillomavirus</a>, is a common sexually transmitted infection. Around 80% of sexually active people are infected in their lifetime. There are <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv#:~:text=HPV%20stands%20for%20human%20papillomavirus,to%20cancer%20or%20genital%20warts." target="_blank" rel="noopener">over 200 variations</a> of HPV, but only 14 are considered high risk for cancer. Of those, just two lead to the majority of cervical cancer cases. In addition to causing cervical disease, HPV also causes vulvar, vaginal, anal, and oral cavity cancers. Latest research: A <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/hpv-vaccine-prevents-cervical-cancer-sweden-study" target="_blank" rel="noopener">large 2020 study</a> spanning seven years and 1.7 million women found the HPV vaccine, which treats the two HPV strains most likely to cause cancer, reduced cases of cervical cancer by 90%. Even if you've already had HPV it is still recommended that you get the vaccine. It's important to understand that every person is different, says Buchmann. If you are sexually active, she advises establishing care with an OB-GYN provider who can best determine how often you should be receiving Pap and HPV tests.<h2>Pap smear results</h2>Your Pap smear results will fall into <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/understanding-abnormal-hpv-and-pap-test-results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of three categories</a>:<ol><li>Normal: A <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/understanding-abnormal-hpv-and-pap-test-results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">normal</a> - or negative - test result is when your cervical cells do not show any precancerous abnormalities. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/abnormal-pap-smear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abnormal</a>: If your results come back positive - or abnormal - this means some of the cells in your cervix are atypical in size, shape, or other characteristics. This does not mean you have cervical cancer and in most cases, is due to an HPV infection. To ensure it is not cancer, your doctor will conduct further testing, such as:<ul><li>HPV test</li><li>Colposcopy: The doctor will closely examine your cervix with a magnifying tool called a colposcope to better understand the range of the atypical cells and possibly collect a small sample.</li><li>Cone biopsy: If the colposcopy finds a suspicious area, then the doctor may perform minor surgery to remove the abnormal section and analyze it for cancer. Rarely this needs to be done in an operating room. Sometimes doctors will use lasers or freezing techniques to remove the worrisome section. </li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/understanding-abnormal-hpv-and-pap-test-results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unclear (ASC-US</a>): This is the most common abnormal test result. Some of the cells in your cervix may look atypical, but it isn't clear if the cause is an HPV infection. If this happens, your doctor may ask the lab to run an HPV test. Infrequently, they may call you back for another Pap smear or an HPV test. </li></ol><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Related Article Module: Why an abnormal Pap smear doesn't always mean you have cancerA Pap smear is a procedure that screens for signs of cervical cancer in women from ages 21 to 65. The test only lasts a few minutes and you should get results within a couple of days. An abnormal Pap smear does not mean you have cervical cancer. Most of the time, this means you could have an HPV infection, which is normally resolved on its own, but in some cases could develop into cervical cancer. Depending on the extent of cell abnormality, you may not need any treatment but require follow-up testing. While Paps are an important screening tool to detect cancer early, the best prevention of cervical disease is the HPV vaccine. While there are official guidelines to follow on when and how often you should get a Pap smear, it's important to set up regular care with an OB-GYN and discuss what works best for you and your body. <a data-type="5f931989acfefb2959702733">How you get HPV? The major symptoms, risk factors, and how to prevent it</a><a data-type="6040ff5c5c53db2a32394ea2">Why an abnormal Pap smear doesn't always mean you have cancer</a><a data-type="5e8cf35a0b3c9b71c369e8d8">What is a vaccine? Why vaccines are important and how long they last</a><a data-type="604a575810b4ca4e9b3ef4f2">7 steps to prevent cancer in women and what annual screenings could save your life</a>

How frequently you should get a Pap smear or HPV test - and what to expect during the procedure

French researchers have documented the first case of a dog with confirmed monkeypox virus infection that might have been acquired through human transmission. Published in medical journal <keyword id="456544" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Lancet" source="Orion">The Lancet</keyword>, a team from the <keyword id="1487229" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sorbonne-university" source="Orion">Sorbonne University</keyword> in Paris recorded the case of <keyword id="14704650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Monekypox-virus" source="Orion">monekypox virus</keyword> in two men who have sex with men: an HIV-positive <keyword id="268421" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="latino" source="Orion">Latino</keyword> man, aged 44 years, living with undetectable viral loads on antiretrovirals; and a HIV-negative white man, aged 27 years. Twelve days after the onset of monkeypox symptoms, their male Italian greyhound, aged 4 years and with no previous medical disorders, tested positive for the virus. The men, who are non-exclusive partners living in the same household, presented with anal skin ulcer 6 days after sex with other partners. In the Latino man, anal skin ulcer was followed by rash on the face, ears, and legs, while the white man had it on the legs and back. In both cases, rash was associated with weakness, headaches, and fever 4 days later. The dog, who was co-sleeping with the men, presented with mucocutaneous (involving both typical skin and mucous membrane) lesions, including red, tender bumps with white pus on abdomen and anal skin ulcer. The team sequenced monkeypox virus DNA from the dog and the Latino man and found that the samples contained virus of the hMPXV-1 clade, lineage B.1, which has been spreading in non-endemic countries since April. "To the best of our knowledge, the kinetics of symptom onset in both patients and, subsequently, in their dog suggest human-to-dog transmission of monkeypox virus," Sophie Seang,from theA University's Infectious Diseases Department, along with her team wrote in the paper. Given the dog's skin and mucosal lesions as well as the positive monkeypox virus PCR results from anal and oral swabs, we hypothesise a real canine disease, not a simple carriage of the virus by close contact with humans or airborne transmission (or both)," the team added. In endemic countries, only wild animals (rodents and primates) have been found to carry monkeypox virus. However, transmission of monkeypox virus in prairie dogs has been described in the US and in captive primates in <keyword id="28249" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="europe" source="Orion">Europe</keyword> that were in contact with imported infected animals. But infection among domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, has never been reported, the researchers said, suggesting the need to keep pets away from infected patients. "Our findings should prompt debate on the need to isolate pets from monkeypox virus-positive individuals," the team said, calling for further investigation on secondary transmissions via pets. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/vedanta-partners-with-iit-b-to-develop-green-steel-technology/articleshow/93518361.cms">Vedanta partners with IIT-B to develop green steel technology</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/balaji-speciality-chemicals-files-draft-papers-for-ipo/articleshow/93517206.cms">Balaji Speciality Chemicals files draft papers for IPO</a>

A new study documents first human-to-dog transmission of Monekypox virus in France

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11918126" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dogs" source="Orion">Dogs</keyword> smell like corn chips because of the bacteria and yeast that make up their microbiomes.</li><li>Owners can mitigate the smell by bathing dogs more regularly and practicing fold care.</li></ul>On any given day, your dog probably has a scent, and it may not exactly smell fresh. Maybe they smell like a trash can after rolling around on something decomposing in your yard. Maybe they just ran through your sprinkler, bringing that all-too-familiar wet dog smell into your home. But it's not just your dog's fur that can smell bad. Ever taken a whiff of their paws? If your dog's paws smell like Fritos, or another version of your favorite corn chip variety, then your dog may have what's called Frito feet. Don't worry, it's not a sign that your dog just gorged on a bunch of Fritos. Here's what Frito feet actually means as well as other common dog smells and how to keep stinkiness at bay.<div type="image" title="A brown dog rubs its face into the grass outside." height="1967" width="2774" msid="92907689" hostid="261" sizebytes="1337524"></div><h2>It's normal for your dog to smell like Fritos </h2>The Frito feet phenomenon is due to the mixture of bacteria, fungi, and yeast that usually live harmoniously on your dog's skin, aka, the skin microbiome. Sometimes, certain stinky microbes grow and out-populate others, which can cause your dog to smell. For example, an overabundance of the bacteria pseudomonas was associated with smelly, but otherwise healthy, bloodhounds in a small <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30251442/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a>.Though it was the bloodhound's skin, not their paws, that were tested for bacteria, pseudomonas could be a player in Frito feet, according to <a href="https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/rodrigues-hoffmann-aline/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Aline Rodrigues Hoffmann</a>, a veterinary anatomic pathologist who was one of the study's researchers.Pseudomonas has a distinct smell described as a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28778416/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sweet, grape-like</a>, and <a href="https://wickhamlabs.co.uk/technical-resource-centre/fact-sheet-pseudomonas-aeruginosa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corn tortilla-like.</a>Note: If your dog has Frito feet, it doesn't necessarily mean they're sick or unhealthy. In fact, most of the bacteria on healthy dogs are not pathogenic, Hoffman says. If your dog is otherwise symptom-free, you needn't worry about their health.Dogs can pick pseudomonas up from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8326/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">places the bacteria inhabits</a> in the natural environment, like soil and water. So, when you take your dog for a romp in the park or a swim in the pond, there's a chance that they will pick up pseudomonas and may get Frito feet soon after. But pseudomonas isn't the only organism that might be causing your dog's smelly paws. Other microbes at play may include: <ul><li>The bacteria proteus, which some people say smells like <a href="http://www.microbiologynutsandbolts.co.uk/the-bug-blog/old-fashioned-microbiology-or-just-showing-my-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rotten fish</a> as well as — you guessed it — <a href="https://waag.org/en/article/dreaming-microbial-perfume" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corn tortillas</a>. It prefers <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442017/#:~:text=Proteus%20is%20found%20abundantly%20in,cause%20serious%20infections%20in%20humans." target="_blank" rel="noopener">moist areas </a>like soil and wastewater.</li><li>Yeast, or malassezia, may also put off a yeasty scent that can mix with these other bacterial smells. </li></ul><h2>When to worry</h2>Usually, your dog's immune system keeps microbes and pathogens in check at healthy numbers. But sometimes, "when you get an overgrowth of one over the other, that's when they become opportunistic and create infection," says <a href="https://www.drjoyadvm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Joya Griffin</a>, a veterinary dermatologist at Animal <keyword id="11931735" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dermatology" source="Orion">Dermatology</keyword> Clinic - Louisville.Some of the same microbes that cause smells can also cause infections if your dog's skin barrier is compromised due to allergies or an autoimmune disorder, or if the bacteria enters the skin through a scratch or wound. It may be time to take them to a vet if your dog is stinky in addition to exhibiting any of the following symptoms: <ul><li>Itching or chewing at the skin or paws</li><li>Redness and inflammation</li><li>Bumps, lesions, or pus-filled sores</li><li>Hair loss or dandruff</li></ul>"The biggest thing is, if it doesn't smell right or look right, it's always a good idea to have your family vet take a look first. Or, if it's something that's more persistent, and not getting better, potentially seek out an exam by a dermatologist," Griffin says.<div type="image" title="A pug dog’s face looks at the camera." height="1477" width="2451" msid="92907690" hostid="261" sizebytes="140350"></div><h2>Why are some dogs more smelly?</h2>Some dogs smell more than others. This is due to several factors that can be related to their breed, such as the type and thickness of their coat, their body type, how close their toes are together, and how many skin folds they have.Between the toes is a particularly ideal area for bacteria to proliferate. "The toes in dogs are very close together, they have a lot of hairs, and it allows a lot of moisture to accumulate in those areas. Once you have a lot of moisture, you allow those bacteria that are smelly to overgrow, and then you get some smell from their feet," Hoffmann says.Skin folds are another area where bacteria like to congregate. "Whenever you have a folded area, there's going to be more moisture, heat, and humidity in those areas, which will promote overgrowth of bacteria and yeast, and a lot of times those folds are what smells like corn chips, because those are areas where there's a lot of overgrowth of bacteria and yeast," Griffin says.<div type="image" title="Hands massage soap into a dog’s fur during a bath." height="2084" width="3561" msid="92907691" hostid="261" sizebytes="141060"></div><h2>To reduce the odor, wash their feet and bodies more often</h2>If your dog's smell bothers you, try bathing them more often with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/best-dog-shampoo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gentle dog shampoo</a>. Just be sure not to bathe them so often that it dries out their skin."Some people bathe their dogs one or two times a week," Griffin says. "And, when they start to have skin problems, you need to bathe them more frequently, because it helps to restore the barrier function of the skin, increase moisture in the skin, and remove allergens as well as bacteria and yeast overgrowth on the skin."If over-the-counter dog shampoos don't seem to be doing the trick, visit your vet. They may prescribe a medicated product with more effective active ingredients, such as ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or phytosphingosine, that can help balance out microbial overgrowth and repair the skin.If you have a dog with skin folds, such as an English bulldog, pug, or shar-pei, you should practice fold care, Griffin says. Fold care is essentially cleaning between the folds, where smells can originate and irritating infections can bloom.Here's how to practice fold care on your dog:1. Make a cleaning solution. Griffin says you can either dilute medicated shampoo with water or use medicated wipes. 2. Start in the facial folds. Using a cotton ball, cotton swab, or wipe, clean in between the facial folds. 3. Move to the feet. Clean between the toes and around the paw pads. 4. Clean the groin and armpits. For some dogs, you'll also need to clean around the groin area and under the armpits. Griffin says this is a common area for short, squatty dogs like basset hounds and dachshunds to experience fold dermatitis, or <a href="https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0401/p569.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intertrigo</a>.Overall, any area on your dog that stays hot and moist should receive a little extra attention when cleaning.If you are regularly bathing your dog but find that you can't bathe the smell away, you should visit your family vet to make sure there are no underlying conditions, such as dental issues or yeast overgrowth, related to the smell.Quick tip: If you really want to mitigate the smell, you need to wash your dog's bedding as well, Hoffmann points out. When washing, use the hottest temperature water you can. According to a <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/AEM.03002-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 review</a>, cold laundry cycles and detergent aren't enough to get rid of some of those smelly microbes, including pseudomonas.<div type="image" title="A dog is positioned on his side, showing the bottoms of his front paws." height="1475" width="2302" msid="92907692" hostid="261" sizebytes="337390"></div><h2>What does this mean for dog owners?</h2>Both pseudomonas and proteus can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442017/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cause infections</a> in immunocompromised humans, especially in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/pseudomonas.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospital settings</a>. However, Hoffmann says this isn't something healthy people need to be concerned about.In fact, sharing some bacteria and fungi with your dog may actually be a good thing. A <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/00458" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2013 study</a> found that adults who lived with dogs had a more diverse skin microbiome — thanks to sharing microbes with their pooch — than people without dogs. And researchers have found that when you expose healthy people to a greater diversity of microorganisms, it can strengthen the human immune system, helping the body respond better to harmful pathogens, and reducing the likelihood of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7913501/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immune system overreactions</a> to harmless microbes."So in general, you do want to have diversity in your microbiome. And the dogs bring that, they increase the diversity of the human microbiome whenever they are sharing a household," Hoffmann says. Note: Your dog also benefits from sharing microbes with you, since a more diverse microbiome is associated with <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.01584/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less-allergic</a> canine skin. Moreover, a large <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5785484/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> found that dogs living with families who had more than two children — as well as dogs who lived with additional <keyword id="11918129" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pets" source="Orion">pets</keyword> or on farms — were healthier and less allergic.<h2>Other dog smells and what they mean</h2>Certain dog smells can be a telltale sign that something isn't right with their health.Here are a few common dog smells and how to treat them:<ul><li>Fishy smell: This smell usually indicates that their anal glands, or anal sacs, are either impacted or infected. They may also exhibit other symptoms, such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/dog-dragging-butt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">butt dragging</a>. If this happens, you'll need to take your dog to their vet to have their anal glands expressed and examined.</li><li>Rotten breath: They might have dental issues, such as plaque buildup, gingivitis, or ulcers. This smell may also migrate: "If they <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/why-do-dogs-lick-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lick</a> themselves and then they have halitosis or bad breath because of dental disease, then sometimes their body starts to also stink," Griffin says. If you think this is the case, take them to your vet for an examination and teeth cleaning.</li><li>Rancid smell: A rancid, yeasty smell is usually associated with an <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5603939/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">overgrowth of the yeast malassezia</a>. If this is the case, your dog will display other symptoms, including scaly, crusty skin, hair loss, and itchiness. Your vet will prescribe a topical shampoo to treat the condition.</li><li>Strong ear smell: According to Griffin, a strong smell, along with a change in appearance, is usually the first sign of an ear infection in dogs. Your dog may also begin to shake their head or scratch around the ear area. Your vet will usually perform a <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections/#:~:text=How%20are%20Dog%20Ear%20Infections,antibiotics%20and%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20medications." target="_blank" rel="noopener">medicated ear cleaning</a> and may prescribe a topical treatment. If the infection is bad enough, it could call for oral antibiotics.</li><li>Breath smells like urine or ammonia: If your dog's breath is very bad and smells reminiscent of urine, it could be a sign of <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/get-rid-of-stinky-dog-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kidney disease</a>. This condition would be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting and weight loss. If you suspect your dog may have this condition, take them to a vet as soon as possible.</li><li>Wet dog: There's not much you can do here, except dry your dog thoroughly with a towel. This extremely common smell is due to volatile compounds from the <a href="https://www.compoundchem.com/2015/07/28/wet-dog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">microorganisms in your dog's fur</a>, which evaporate along with the water.</li><li>Skunk smell: If your dog got into it with a skunk, you can get rid of the smell by washing them with a mixture of baking soda, mild dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide, according to the <a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/get-rid-of-skunk-smell-on-dog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Kennel Club</a>.</li></ul>Griffin says it's important to try to find the focal point of any smell that isn't normal for your dog. That way, you can examine it to see if it's red and inflamed, itchy, or painful.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>In general, body odor is a normal part of being a dog. Dog's skin is populated by bacteria, yeast, and fungi that can cause strange smells but are typically harmless and can even make your dog healthier. If your dog is experiencing discomfort and symptoms like inflammation, lesions, and itching, however, you should probably take them to your family vet. Bacteria or yeast may have overgrown on your dog's skin, causing the irritation. Your vet can prescribe medicated shampoos to treat the overgrowth.Other dog smells you should look out for include a strong ear smell, rotten breath, or a rancid, yeasty smell. These could point to other conditions, such as dental disease or ear infections, that need veterinary attention.

Why does my dog smell like Fritos — and other canine scent anomalies

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="560921" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Chlamydia">Chlamydia</keyword>, a sexually transmitted disease, rarely causes symptoms, which means it can go undettected for a long time. </li><li>Left untreated, chlamydia can cause long-term complications, including infertility in women. </li><li>Getting tested frequently if you're <keyword id="6355231" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sex">sex</keyword>ually active and practicing safe sex are the best ways to prevent contracting chlamydia. </li></ul>Chlamydia is one of the <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/chlamydia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most common</a> sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms of chlamydia can include discharge from the vagina or penis, discomfort while urinating, and pain in the pelvic region. However, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less than 30%</a> of people infected with chlamydia show symptoms. It is referred to as a "silent" infection because most people who have it tend to be asymptomatic. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. "If left untreated, it can cause serious long-term complications," says <a href="http://www.kakaniobgyn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Krishna Kakani</a>, MD, who has her own OB/GYN practice in Huntsville, Alabama. So getting tested regularly and seeking treatment if you have chlamydia are super important even if you aren't having symptoms. Here's what you need to know about chlamydia and how to treat it. <h2>How do you know if you have chlamydia? </h2>According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, you can get chlamydia via unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has it."It's entirely possible to have chlamydia and not know it, because most people are asymptomatic. Even if you do have symptoms, they may not appear until several weeks after your sexual encounter," says Kakani. The symptoms may persist or disappear in a few days, but that may not mean the infection has gone. The infection can still harm you if you are <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-does-asymptomatic-mean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asymptomatic</a>. The <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/chlamydia-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms of chlamydia</a> can vary among women and men.If you have a vagina, you may experience symptoms such as:<ul><li>Vaginal discharge or bleeding in between menstrual periods</li><li>Pain or a burning sensation while urinating</li><li>Abdominal pain </li><li>Pain during sexual intercourse</li><li>Increased frequency of urination</li><li>Rectal discharge or bleeding</li></ul>If you have a penis, you may experience symptoms such as:<ul><li>Unusual discharge from the penis</li><li>Pain or a burning sensation while urinating</li><li>Pain or swelling in the genitals</li><li>Increased frequency of urination</li><li>Rectal discharge or bleeding</li></ul>You can also get chlamydia in the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/stdfact-stdriskandoralsex.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">throat</a>, which can give you a sore throat; however, it often doesn't cause any symptoms at all.While all sexually active people could get chlamydia, it is especially common among women between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stats.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC</a>. The CDC recommends that you get tested for chlamydia every year, especially if you are:<ul><li>A woman below the age of 25 who is sexually active.</li><li>A woman above the age of 25 with multiple sexual partners, or if you or your partner have had an STI before.</li><li>A man who has male sexual partners.</li></ul>"Chlamydia tests are typically urine tests that require you to provide a urine sample. Your doctor may also do a swab test, by using a cotton swab to obtain a fluid sample from the infected area," says Kakani.<h2>How do you treat chlamydia?</h2>Chlamydia is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/treatment.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">easily treatable</a> with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a single dose, or a seven-day course depending on certain <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK379708/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">factors</a> like your age, which parts of your body are affected, and whether or not you're pregnant. Your symptoms should clear up within a few days; however it is recommended that you complete the course and abstain from sexual activity for a minimum of seven days, to avoid passing the infection on to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-talk-about-stds-with-your-sexual-partner-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">your partner</a>. If your symptoms don't clear up within a week, you should see your doctor again. You should also get tested again in three months, because reinfection is common when it comes to chlamydia. Reinfection can happen if, for example, you have been tested and treated for chlamydia but your partner hasn't been. Having multiple instances of chlamydia can result in serious long-term complications, for people with vaginas especially.A chlamydia infection can persist for <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/chlamydia-a-to-z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several months</a> if it's not treated. Failure to treat it in the early stages can raise your risk of long-term complications. The only 100% effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia is to refrain from sexual activity. However, if you are sexually active, you can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355349" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lower your risk</a> of getting the infection by:<ul><li>Using condoms</li><li>Limiting your sexual partners</li><li>Avoiding <a href="https://www.insider.com/douches-scented-sprays-clean-vagina-2019-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">douching</a>, since it eliminates some of the healthy bacteria in your vagina and can increase your risk of getting infections like chlamydia</li></ul><h2>What happens if you have chlamydia for too long?</h2>The <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">long-term complications</a> that can result from chlamydia include: <ul><li>Pelvic inflammatory disease, in people with vaginas: The infection could spread upward through your reproductive system and cause permanent damage to your uterus or fallopian tubes. Apart from being very painful, pelvic inflammatory disease can also make it difficult for you to conceive, or result in <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-ectopic-pregnancy-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pregnancies outside the womb</a>, which can be life-threatening. Chlamydia doesn't usually cause infertility in people with penises. </li><li>Pregnancy complications, if you are already pregnant: Chlamydia could cause your baby to arrive early. It could also cause pneumonia and conjunctivitis in your newborn.</li><li>HIV: Having chlamydia can raise your risk of getting HIV. </li><li>Reactive arthritis: The chlamydia infection can trigger an <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arthritic reaction</a> in your body. </li></ul>It's important to note that while antibiotic medication can treat the infection and its symptoms, it cannot undo any of the other damage the infection has caused. <h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Chlamydia is a common infection that can be treated easily: however, since it often doesn't show any symptoms, you may not realize you have it. Left untreated, chlamydia can result in serious <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> problems, including infertility in women. Therefore, if you're sexually active, it's important to get tested for it regularly - once a year, at least - even if you don't have any <a href="https://www.insider.com/surprising-symptoms-of-stds-2018-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms</a>. <h2 id="related-articles-from-health-reference:">Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/birth-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectiveness</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/sex-in-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sex in water: 5 safety tips for better water sex</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-birth-control-help-with-cramps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yes, birth control helps with cramps and some methods are better</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-many-calories-does-sex-burn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sex burns about 3 to 4 calories per minute - here's how to burn a little more</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-diet-for-endometriosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best diet for endometriosis that can help relieve painful symptoms</a></li></ul>

Chlamydia often doesn't show symptoms - here are the best ways to tell if you have this serious STI

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Oral and genital <keyword id="99648" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Herpes">herpes</keyword> can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, and that includes kissing.</li><li>You can get herpes from someone even if they show no symptoms or visible sores.</li><li>While possible, it is highly unlikely for herpes to spread through objects like utensils, towels, or toilet seats.</li></ul>When it comes to herpes transmission, it's important to get the facts straight. Understanding how this common sexually transmitted disease spreads can ensure you and others stay safe, and prompt you to <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-herpes-curable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get the right treatment to help manage the disease</a>.A person can contract herpes through direct contact, which means it is possible to become infected if you kiss a person that has the virus. Read on to learn more about how herpes spreads, the measures you can take to prevent transmission, and what to do if you are infected.Quick fact: Herpes is very common infection. An estimated 12% of people 14 to 49 years old in the US <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> have genital herpes. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db304.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral herpes</a> is even more common, affecting about 48% of people in the same age range.There are two kinds of herpes: HSV-1, or oral herpes, and HSV-2, or genital herpes. Both types can make cold sores and blisters pop up on or around the mouth, genitals, or rectum. According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC</a>, the intial stage of herpes infection is four days after exposure. Oral and genital herpes are most contagious during this "outbreak" phase, whether or not the person is showing visible symptoms.<h2>How herpes spreads</h2><ul><li>Oral herpes (HSV-1) is mainly transmitted through saliva (sexual or non-sexual) or mouth-to-mouth contact. Oral herpes can also cause genital herpes through oral sex. </li><li>Genital herpes (HSV-2) is <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">almost always</a> transmitted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone carrying the virus, but can also spread through kissing.</li></ul>"Both oral herpes and genital herpes are transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact and cause cold sores around the infected area," says <a href="https://www.uclahealth.org/leena-shankar-nathan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leena Nathan, MD,</a> assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword>. "Historically, Type 1 has been associated with oral herpes, but nowadays we're seeing both types in <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4248-genital-herpes-hsv-2#:~:text=The%20herpes%20simplex%20virus%20(HSV,someone%20who%20has%20open%20sores." target="_blank" rel="noopener">both locations</a>."<h2>Can you get herpes from kissing? </h2>Since herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with infected areas or contact with saliva, you can get herpes from kissing.This is because both types of herpes virus <a href="https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/herpes-simplex" target="_blank" rel="noopener">enter the body</a> through tiny injuries in the skin or a mucous membrane, such as inside the mouth, genital, or anal areas. Though you're most likely to get oral or genital herpes from someone undergoing an outbreak, both types "spread by direct contact, and there does not always have to be a lesion," Nathan says. "There can be viral particles in sexual secretions."Important: Because the virus doesn't live long outside the body, it is <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/expert-answers/genital-herpes/faq-20058506" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nearly impossible</a> to get it from objects like toilet seats and towels.<h2>How to prevent transmission</h2>The only way to completely protect yourself from both types of herpes is to avoid skin-to-skin contact. While it is unlikely for herpes to spread through inanimate objects, keep in mind that herpes can spread through saliva, so it's best to avoid sharing things like toothbrushes and eating utensils. Other protective measures <a href="https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/herpes-simplex" target="_blank" rel="noopener">include</a>:<ul><li>Condom use during sex</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/Dental-dam-use.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dental dam</a> use during oral sex</li><li>Using a water-based lubricant during sex - oil-based lubricants can weaken latex</li></ul><h2>Symptoms of herpes </h2>While there are telltale signs of herpes simplex infection, many people are <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asymptomatic</a>. In fact, in the US, an estimated 87.4% of 14 to 49-year-olds <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm#:~:text=Most%20infected%20persons%20may%20be,never%20received%20a%20clinical%20diagnosis.&amp;text=The%20age%2Dadjusted%20percentage%20of,12.1%25%20in%202015%2D2016.016." target="_blank" rel="noopener">infected with genital herpes</a> have never received a clinical diagnosis.<a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Signs of infection</a> for both herpes simplex 1 and 2 are:<ul><li>Flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, body aches, or low-grade fever</li><li>Tingling or burning in the area before blisters appear</li><li>Pain during urination (for genital herpes)</li><li>Painful, fluid-filled sores - for oral herpes, they usually appear on the lips and around the mouth Genital herpes appears on the genitals, buttocks, or anus.</li></ul><h2>Diagnosis and treatment </h2>If you have contracted the herpes virus, when your symptoms show up and how long they last will depend on the type of herpes.For example, after <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contracting genital herpes</a>, it can take two to 12 days for symptoms to show, and outbreaks can last two to four weeks. <a href="https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/herpes-simplex-virus-hsv-mouth-infection.html#:~:text=The%20herpes%20sores%20(lesions)%20typically,fluid%20that%20has%20the%20virus." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral herpes outbreaks</a> tend to last a week to 10 days. During an outbreak, herpes simplex can often be <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diagnosed</a> just by looking at the sores. To confirm that a patient has herpes simplex, a doctor may take a swab from a sore. If no sores are visible, a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356167" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blood test</a> can confirm infection. While a blood test shows the exposure or presence of herpes infection, it cannot exactly confirm a current lesion is due to herpes. However, the blood test is an antibody test, so if you have ever been exposed or infected, the test will remain positive forever.Herpes is what's called a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/herpes.htm#:~:text=Genital%20herpes%20is%20a%20chronic,of%20genital%20herpes%20(318)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">chronic infection</a>, meaning that once you contract the virus, you will never be rid of it. Put another way, there is no cure for herpes. However, you can manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks with certain medications.Oral herpes and genital herpes can be <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treated with</a>:<ul><li>Antiviral oral medications, such as <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acyclovir-oral-route-intravenous-route/precautions/drg-20068393?p=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acyclovir</a>, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/famciclovir-oral-route/description/drg-20063776" target="_blank" rel="noopener">famciclovir</a>, and <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/valacyclovir-oral-route/description/drg-20066635" target="_blank" rel="noopener">valacyclovir</a></li></ul>Oral herpes can also be treated with topical medications, such as: <ul><li>Antivirals like <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acyclovir-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20061579" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acyclovir</a> and <a href="https://www.rxlist.com/denavir-drug.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">penciclovir</a></li><li>Over-the-counter ointments, like <a href="https://www.abreva.com/cold-sore-products/abreva-cream/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abreva</a></li></ul>There is also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16813459/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evidence</a> that natural remedies may help with symptoms of both types of herpes. These include <a href="https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/lysine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lysine</a>, <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin C</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3730471/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">zinc</a>, and <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin E</a>. Important: Though it is very rare, herpes simplex can cause additional health issues - like <a href="https://www.umcvc.org/health-library/stm159376#stm159376-sec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meningitis</a> and <a href="https://www.umcvc.org/health-library/ste122097#ste122097-sec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">encephalitis</a> - if it invades a part of the body other than the areas near the genitals and mouth. For example, if you touch your sores or the fluids from the sores, you may <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transfer herpes</a> to another part of your body, such as your eyes. Pregnant women with genital herpes also run the risk of <a href="https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-and-pregnancy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transmitting it to their babies</a>, which - while it is rare - can be deadly for infants. Those who are thinking of trying to get pregnant, or who are already pregnant, should discuss this with their doctors.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Both oral and genital herpes are extremely contagious and spread from skin-to-skin contact. Though they can both spread through kissing, contracting genital herpes this way is rare. While herpes is a chronic condition, both symptoms and chances of transmission can be reduced with various treatments. "If someone has a sore that looks like herpes, avoid direct contact because that's probably the easiest way one would catch the virus," Nathan says. "If you suspect you have it, it is important to go see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment."<h2 id="related-articles-from-health-reference:">Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-herpes-curable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herpes isn't curable, but you can manage it with certain medications</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-should-a-condom-fit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to choose the right condom size and material to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-cold-sores" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 natural home remedies to get rid of cold sores fast</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/canker-sore-vs-cold-sore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The difference between canker sores and cold sores and how to effectively treat them</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-moisturizer-ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">These are the best, most effective ingredients you should look for in a moisturizer</a></li></ul>

It's possible to get herpes from kissing - here's what you need to know to protect yourself and others

WANA (West Asia News Agency) via ReutersA member of the medical team sprays disinfectant to sanitize bathrooms in Imam Reza's holy shrine, following the coronavirus outbreak, in Mashhad, Iran on February 27, 2020.<ul class="summary-list"><li>The new <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">coronavirus</a> is primarily a respiratory illness, and it typically spreads via airborne particles from an infected patient's coughs or sneezes.</li><li>Some research suggests the virus can also spread via <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/some-wuhan-coronavirus-patients-have-nausea-vomiting-diarrhea-2020-2">fecal matter</a>. Multiple studies have found traces of the virus in infected patients' poop.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-wuhan-coronavirus-compared-to-sars-2020-1">SARS</a>, another coronavirus, also spread through poop.</li><li>Here's what you can do to protect yourself.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>To lower your risk of catching the new <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">coronavirus</a>, health authorities recommend staying 6 feet from individuals who show any signs of illness. That's because the coronavirus <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html">typically spreads</a> via airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those viral particles can then infect someone after they land on their nose or mouth or get inhaled.But a growing body of research suggests the coronavirus can also spread via poop particles.A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2762692?guestAccessKey=92259ee4-e63c-492c-b7e9-57bf53a353a8&amp;utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=030420">study</a> of three coronavirus patients in Singapore, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, revealed that the virus showed up in their stool. Samples taken from the toilet bowls and sinks in the patients' isolation rooms came back positive for the virus. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesPeople wear face masks on their way to the 7 train in New York City on March 3, 2020.That evidence supports <a href="http://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/id/ffa97a96-db2a-4715-9dfb-ef662660e89d">findings</a> from researchers at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who also detected viable virus particles in coronavirus patients' feces.China's National Health Commission has confirmed that the virus can spread through contaminated poop, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3064908/coronavirus-south-korean-cases-rise-steadily-it-addresses">the South China Morning Post reported</a> on Tuesday. The fact that the virus can be passed through both our respiratory and digestive systems may explain how it spread from its origin city of Wuhan, China to more than 80 countries in just a few months, researchers suggest.<h2>The virus can travel in poop particles</h2>The authors of the Chinese CDC study wrote that "stool samples may contaminate hands, food, water, etc.," then cause infection if the particles enter a person's mouth, nose, or eyes. For example, an infected patient could use the bathroom, forget to wash their hands or give only a cursory rinse, then touch a friend's hand. That friend could then rub their face and get virus. In medicine, this is known as fecal-oral transmission."This virus has many routes of transmission, which can partially explain its strong transmission and fast transmission speed," the study authors <a href="http://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/id/ffa97a96-db2a-4715-9dfb-ef662660e89d">wrote</a>.That research and the new case study from Singapore adds to a growing body of evidence we have about fecal-oral transmission risk. Here are three other pieces of evidence:<ul><li>Researchers detected coronavirus RNA in poop from the first US patient - a man from Snohomish County in Washington state who was diagnosed in late January - according to a <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2001191?query=featured_home">report</a> in the New England Journal of Medicine.</li><li>Another <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.30.927806v1">January study</a>, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, detected an enzyme signature of the virus in cells from coronavirus patients' small intestines and colons. Typically, coronavirus particles dock to cell receptors in our upper respiratory tract. But those same receptors live in our digestive system, and the study authors suggested that our intestines could be invaded too. </li><li>Blood and anal swabs from nearly <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2020.1729071">140 coronavirus patients</a> at a Wuhan hospital revealed traces of the virus as well. </li></ul>REUTERS/Chris HelgrenVisitors pass a sign in Toronto, Canada, warning about the spread of germs, after another case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the city, March 1, 2020.Other coronaviruses - like those that <a href="https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_Coronavirus.pdf">infect horses</a> and <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/veterinary-support/disease-information/feline-coronavirus">cats</a> - frequently spread via poop. If a healthy horse eats a piece of hay contaminated with fecal matter from an infected horse, for example, it can get sick. Researchers think the new coronavirus <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-sars-bats-animals-to-humans-2020-1">jumped from bats</a> to another animal before infecting humans. That initial spread from bats likely happened via poop, too.<h2>How to protect yourself </h2>The Chinese CDC said the possibility of fecal-oral transmission further underscores the importance of frequent hand washing and the need to disinfect objects and surfaces in medical facilities, transportation vehicles, public toilets, and homes. AP Photo/Lee Jin-manA worker wearing protective gear sprays disinfectant as a precaution against the new coronavirus at a department store in Seoul, South Korea, March 2, 2020.Other viruses like Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E also spread via fecal-oral transmission. Such viruses can use "a vehicle such as food, water, or utensil, and enter a new host through the mouth," according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section10.html">the US CDC</a>.Accordingly, careful food-handling and washing is also important. Both the US and Chinese CDCs recommend boiling drinking water if there's a possibility it could be contaminated with sewage, and not eating raw food like shellfish or produce that may have been harvested or washed in contaminated water.Avoiding swimming pools that may contain contaminated water is also important.<h2>SARS spread through poop, too</h2>During the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak (SARS is also a coronavirus), researchers documented an instance in which one sick person had diarrhea in a <a href="https://jech.bmj.com/content/jech/57/9/652.full.pdf">Hong Kong apartment building</a>, and the virus then traveled through the pipes to infect other residents.In that instance, an issue with the drainage pipes caused a situation in which running exhaust fans with the bathroom door closed created enough negative pressure to suck fecal droplets out of the sewage system and into the bathroom. Those virus-laden droplets then <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539564/#ref5">landed on floor mats, towels, and toiletries</a> that residents touched.Paula Bronstein / Getty ImagesA flight attendant sprays disinfectant onboard a Thai Airlines flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok during the 2003 SARS outbreak.Up to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15836711">76% of SARS patients</a> experienced diarrhea. The symptom has also cropped up among a minority of patients with the new coronavirus: The first US patient had diarrhea the day after he arrived at the hospital. Coronavirus patients in <a href="https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/publichealth/84591">Vietnam</a> have also reported diarrhea as a symptom, and a non-peer-reviewed <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.20020974v1">study</a> of 1,099 Chinese patients found that 4% had diarrhea, too. But a person with the new coronavirus doesn't need to have an upset stomach to shed the virus in their poop. One of the patients from the Singapore case study had normal stool, but their poop still tested positive. Morgan McFall-Johnsen contributed reporting to this story.Read more about the new coronavirus:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/some-wuhan-coronavirus-patients-have-nausea-vomiting-diarrhea-2020-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Some coronavirus patients experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea before they get a fever. They could spread the virus through poop.</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-us-hospital-workers-handle-wuhan-coronavirus-cases-2020-2">Workers at 6 US hospitals reveal how they respond to potential coronavirus cases - including face shields and negative-pressure isolation chambers</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-face-masks-not-entirely-effective-2020-1">People are racing to buy face masks amid the coronavirus outbreak, but they probably won't protect you from illness</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-chinese-wet-market-photos-2020-1">The outbreaks of both the Wuhan coronavirus and SARS likely started in Chinese wet markets. Photos show what the markets look like.</a><a href="/intelligence/digital-health?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_subscription&amp;itm_content=health&amp;itm_campaign=digital-health"></a>Featured Digital Health Articles: - <a href="/telehealth-industry-explained">Telehealth Industry: Benefits, Services &amp; Examples</a> - <a href="/value-based-care-pay-for-performance-healthcare-model">Value-Based Care Model: Pay-for-Performance Healthcare</a> - <a href="/senior-care-market-trends">Senior Care &amp; Assisted Living Market Trends</a> - <a href="/wearable-technology-healthcare-medical-devices">Smart Medical Devices: Wearable Tech in Healthcare</a> - <a href="/artificial-intelligence-healthcare">AI in Healthcare</a> - <a href="/remote-patient-monitoring-industry-explained">Remote Patient Monitoring Industry: Devices &amp; Market Trends</a> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-myths-debunked-wuhan-china-2020-2">Pathologists debunk 13 myths about the coronavirus, including why masks won't help</a></h3>

You Searched For "anal swab test" and got 10 results

2 weeks out from the Olympics, China is back to using anal COVID-19 swab tests on some Beijing residents to try to detect Omicron cases

Cheryl Teh

Japan asks China to stop using anal swab COVID-19 tests on citizens, saying they cause 'great psychological pain'

Julie Gerstein

The US accused China of forcing American diplomats to take anal swab tests for COVID-19

Sinéad Baker

China's plan for anal swabs to test for COVID-19 is 'not nice but it's the obvious thing to do,' says a microbiology professor

Dr. Catherine Schuster-Bruce

How frequently you should get a Pap smear or HPV test - and what to expect during the procedure

Elena Bruess,Lauren Demosthen…

A new study documents first human-to-dog transmission of Monekypox virus in France

IANS

Why does my dog smell like Fritos — and other canine scent anomalies

Zoe McDonald,Sorin McKnight

Chlamydia often doesn't show symptoms - here are the best ways to tell if you have this serious STI

Sanjana Gupta,Lauren Demosthe…

It's possible to get herpes from kissing - here's what you need to know to protect yourself and others

Lindsay Kalter,Jason McKnight

Growing evidence suggests the coronavirus can spread through poop. Here's how to protect yourself.

Aylin Woodward

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides