General Health Information and Resources

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

HPV and Oral Cancer

The same types of HPV that infect the genital areas can infect the mouth and throat. HPV can cause cancers in the back of the throat, most commonly in the base of the tongue and tonsils, in an area known as the “oropharynx.” These cancers are called “oropharyngeal cancers.”

Learn about how oral HPV is spread, how common cancers of the oropharynx are, and the latest on preventing certain types of HPV-associated cancers.

View the HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer Fact Sheet

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - updated website

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Why Whooping Cough is Serious
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a contagious disease that can be passed easily from person to person. It
is very serious for babies and can cause them to cough so much that they cannot breathe. Hundreds of babies are
hospitalized each year for whooping cough, and some die from it. Whooping cough can cause adults or teens to have severe coughing that leads to vomiting or broken ribs. They can be hospitalized for pneumonia and miss weeks of
work or school. Even worse, they can spread whooping cough to the babies at home. (read more ...)

Information on Poison Control

A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. You might swallow it, inhale it, inject it, or absorb it through your skin. Any substance can be poisonous if too much is taken. Poisons can include

Prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken in doses that are too high
Overdoses of illegal drugs
Carbon monoxide from gas appliances
Household products, such as laundry powder or furniture polish
Pesticides
Indoor or outdoor plants
Metals such as lead and mercury

The effects of poisoning range from short-term illness to brain damage, coma, and death. To prevent poisoning it is important to use and store products exactly as their labels say. Keep dangerous products where children can't get to them. Treatment for poisoning depends on the type of poison. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, call your local poison control center right away. (read more ...)

Here are some additional links to valuable information on poison control and how to deal with an emergency related to poisoning.