Flu is a viral upper respiratory tract infection that can usually be diagnosed by its symptoms. Flu symptoms start suddenly and include fever, chills, cough, congestion, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. According to the CDC, most people do not need to see a doctor or take medication. They … Read More
Influenza—better known as the flu, is a nasty viral infection that strikes millions every year, both in the winter and spring. If you have full-blown flu, you will likely feel very unwell and may be confined to bed for a day or three. And you may be looking—like all of … Read More
Welcome to the new season of America’s Got Viruses. From a common cold to Zika, viruses from all over the globe are competing to infect the highest number of host cells. While some viruses are mild, gifting us with symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat (we feel you, … Read More
We all dread the day when we hear that the flu is going around—and then start to feel the first strains cropping up somewhere in our body. Every time you sneeze, cough, or feel a tingle in your throat, you wonder, “Is it my turn?” If and when you do … Read More
You likely read about the historic and unsettling flu season of 2017-18: In America, some 900,000 people were hospitalized and 80,000 died from the flu and its complications. The 2017-18 flu season was the worst we’ve seen since 2011, when there were 56,000 deaths. By comparison, flu-related deaths during a … Read More
You’re going about your day as normal when you suddenly start to feel nauseous, weak, and slightly warm. You decide to drink a glass of water or a cup of tea for relief and when that doesn’t help, you lay down for a quick rest to regain your strength. Before … Read More
You've read about the toll a flu outbreak can take on those who come down with influenza, and you no doubt are aware of how easily flu germs can spread. But what's it like for the medical community to keep pace when the number of influenza cases starts escalating? Consider … Read More
If you're among those who, unfortunately, become infected with the influenza virus, the first questions you'll no doubt ask will be “How long will I suffer with symptoms?” and “How long is flu contagious?” According to a national survey conducted in 2013, confusion abounds when it comes to flu facts. … Read More
Antihistamines are medications that help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms. Most are available over-the-counter (OTC) and come in the form of tablets, liquid, nasal sprays or gels, and eye drops. As the name suggests, antihistamines reduce or block histamine, a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamine … Read More
