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To slow infection and ease discomfort for mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) patients, healthcare providers only have one antiviral drug at their disposal—tecovirimat, also known as Tpoxx. But only a fraction of the more than 13,000 confirmed mpox patients in the United States have been treated with the drug. Key Takeaways Tpoxx (tecovirimat) is the only antiviral drug available to manage the symptoms of an mpox infection.The drug was designed to treat smallpox and is available under a special license for use in mpox patients....

The trapezius is a large muscle in your back. It starts at the back of your head and neck, extends across your shoulders, and down the middle of your back, forming a trapezoid. Also known as traps, the trapezius muscles play an important role in posture. They move the shoulders, lift arms out to the side, and protect the neck and spine. You use them when you shrug or pull your shoulders back....

Not infrequently, people experience mild side effects after getting vaccinated. They might notice a little swelling at the injection site, or they might develop a slight fever—all symptoms that go away within a few days. Such vaccine side effects are quite understandable, given that the purpose of the vaccine is to prime your immune system and put it on alert. On the other hand, truly significant vaccine adverse events are exceedingly rare....

An out-of-network provider is one which has not contracted with your insurance company for reimbursement at a negotiated rate. This article will explain the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers, and why you might end up paying a lot more for your care if you choose to use an out-of-network provider. Some health plans, like HMOs and EPOs, generally do not reimburse out-of-network providers at all (except in emergency situations), which means that as the patient, you would be responsible for the full amount charged by your healthcare provider if they’re not in your insurer’s network....

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by fluctuations in mood and energy levels. Each person with the condition is affected differently. However, the length and intensity of manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes will determine the type of bipolar disorder a person is diagnosed with. Read more to learn about the types of bipolar disorder and the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II. Types of Bipolar Disorder Types of bipolar disorder are differentiated by their symptoms and the duration of those symptoms....

A hematologist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the blood. Hematologists focus on direct patient care, while related specialists called hematopathologists use their expertise in blood-related diseases in the lab setting. Hematology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that often overlaps with oncology (the study of cancer). Hematology-oncology is a combined fellowship program that prepares an internist to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of related blood disorders....

People with nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD) have strong verbal and reading skills. They struggle, however, with nonverbal skills in areas like sports, math, and handwriting. They may also seem spacey and unfocused. There is no cure for NVLD, but there are many treatments and therapies that can help. This article looks at nonverbal learning disorder, its characteristics, and its management. Overview Nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD) is a set of specific challenges....

Each year, employers with more than 50 employees that offer health benefits must offer an “open enrollment” period. Most small employers also offer an open enrollment period. Open enrollment is also available for individuals or families who buy their own individual/family health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges or directly from health insurance companies (ie, off-exchange). During an open enrollment period, eligible individuals can opt-in or out of plans, or make changes to the plan they currently have....

High cholesterol can be a result of your diet and lifestyle, genetics, or some of both. It can be hard to tell if you have high cholesterol because it doesn’t come with any symptoms. Having high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other conditions. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes and treatments for high cholesterol and how you can lower your risk of developing it....

Yellow discharge from your vagina may be a sign of an upcoming period, pregnancy, or just its natural self-cleaning process. However, it can also indicate a sexually transmitted infection or other condition that requires treatment. The latter is particularly likely if the discharge is dark yellow or yellow/green, or if it has a foul odor. This article explains what causes yellow vaginal discharge, as well as how and when to treat it....

Age regression is when a person reverts to a younger state of mind. They may regress a few years back from their current age or, in some cases, return to a child-like or infant-like state. Regression is a normal and temporary condition for children, and it can be a coping mechanism for stress and untreated trauma in adults. Examples of regressive behaviors include baby talk, thumb-sucking, and temper tantrums. These behaviors can be voluntary or involuntary....

Zarbee’s Naturals produces a line of non-drug cough and cold relievers that rely on natural ingredients. These products may be appealing when you want symptom relief but wish to avoid the side effects (and dangers to young children) of typical over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications. In addition, Zarbee’s Naturals has a variety of other health-supporting products. Zarbee’s Naturals products do not contain drugs, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or dyes....

Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat certain health conditions for thousands of years. The Greek doctor Hippocrates, often considered the father of modern medicine, famously used apple cider vinegar to clean wounds. This popular home remedy is also thought to help lower blood sugar, curb hunger, and promote weight loss. In addition to these benefits, some proponents claim that apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help lower blood pressure....

A biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound that uses a scoring system to assess the health of your baby during pregnancy. It is most likely to be completed during the third trimester for women who have a high-risk pregnancy or if there’s a chance for complications. If your healthcare provider recommends one, know that BPP testing is considered safe and it’s non-invasive. It utilizes a non-stress test to evaluate the baby’s heartbeat and ultrasound technology to view the amniotic fluid, the baby’s movements, muscle tone, and breathing patterns....

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition involving challenges with mood, relationships, and self-image. Nearly 1.5% of adults in the United States have BPD, and about three-quarters of them are women. BPD can be severe, even life-threatening. However, people who have this condition can live fulfilled, happy lives with the right treatment and coping methods. Learn about the symptoms, causes, treatments, and more. Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms People with borderline personality disorder have symptoms that can change quickly in response to things they experience....

Bowel obstruction surgery is performed when there is a partial or complete blockage of the bowels, which include the small intestine and the large intestine. Procedures to treat bowel obstruction range from minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to more complicated open surgical procedures. This may include the removal of damaged intestines, surgical resection, stenting, colostomy, removal of adhesions, or revascularization. What Is Bowel Obstruction Surgery? Bowel obstruction surgery is an interventional procedure that involves both:...

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the only thing that’s certain is that life is probably going to change. The features of the disease affect every aspect of a patient’s life, including the ability to work and socialize. If you’re a friend, family member, or caretaker of someone with COPD, recognizing the extent of the limitations imposed by the disease and knowing what you can do to help are invaluable....

Most of the time pharyngitis (sore throat) is caused by viruses. Strep throat is the most common bacterial cause of a sore throat. It is responsible for 15 to 30% of cases in children and 5 to 10% in adults. While streptococcus infection is the definitive cause of strep throat, there are several factors that can make someone more susceptible to this infection. Knowing about them can help you to decrease your risk of this infection....

Asthma can cause excess mucus buildup in the lungs that leads to chest congestion. It usually worsens when you have a respiratory infection or when your allergies are acting up, but you can also feel more congested when your asthma is worsening or when you need adjustments in your asthma treatment. Chest congestion from asthma can cause symptoms like coughing, the need to clear your throat, and nasal stuffiness. Thankfully, there are many effective treatments that can help....

What Is Egrifta SV? Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) is a prescription medication used to treat lipodystrophy (abnormal fat changes) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Egrifta SV is not a weight-loss medication and should not be used to treat obesity. Egrifta SV is a growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF). It attaches to certain receptors (binding sites) of the pituitary gland in the brain. This attachment encourages the gland to make and release naturally-occurring growth hormone....