Infection Intersection

December 1st marks the 37th annual World AIDS Day , and this year’s theme, “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” reminds us how far we’ve come—and how much more we can do. Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, the global fight against HIV has achieved remarkable strides in testing, treatment, and prevention. Thomas Splettstoesser, Diagram of the HIV virion, 26 June 2014. Wikimedia Commons What Is HIV, and Why Does It Matter? Let’s start with the basics. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that spreads through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and, less commonly, from mother to baby during childbirth. In its earliest stage ( acute HIV infection ), symptoms can feel like the flu—fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and rash. Because these symptoms are so vague, many people don’t realize they’re infected. Without treatment, HIV silently damages the immune system over time, leaving the body vulnerable to severe infections. The...

Thanksgiving is about family, food, and all the warm fuzzies—so let’s make sure it’s not also about germs! Whether it’s a sneaky bout of food poisoning or a cold that nobody invited, these tips will help you keep Thanksgiving safe, healthy, and full of gratitude. Turkey Troubles (and Ham Hazards)! Avoid These Foodborne Illnesses No one wants the Thanksgiving turkey—or ham—to be memorable for the wrong reasons. Foodborne illnesses like E. coli, Salmonella, norovirus, and Trichinella spiralis (commonly associated with undercooked pork products like ham) can quickly turn a joyful holiday into a miserable one. Here’s how to keep your feast fabulous and bacteria-free: Defrost Safely: Thaw your turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. A countertop thaw leaves room for bacteria to grow on the surface, even if the inside is still frozen. Separate to Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use different cutting boards for raw meats and veggies. Cross-contamination is one of the easiest ways to transfer...