Colds and Infections - Prevention

Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous, but if it occurs on a frequent basis, it could indicate a more serious health condition. Here's a look at heartburn by the numbers.

You know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? We might want to apply this truism to the idea that using antibacterial cleaners reduces the spread of illness.

Public places are magnets for germs that cause the flu, viruses, and other illnesses. But that doesn't mean you have to stay home to avoid being exposed. Learn where the germs roam so you can take the right precautions.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.

Desks and cubicles may seem benign, but they're often a breeding ground for bacteria. Follow these six tips to stay healthy at work.

Follow these tips to minimize your chances of catching the flu this year.

Are you thinking about getting a flu vaccination this year? Learn about the risks and rewards.

A healthy love life will bring you closer to your partner and strengthen your relationship. But can it improve your overall health and protect you from illness?

While your intentions may be innocent, the illnesses that can be transmitted through a simple smooch are not. Watch out for these.

Does cold air cause nasal congestion? The answer may surprise you. Find out how to experience the best nasal congestion relief.

Being exposed to germs could actually have a positive effect on your immune system. The latest research shows that coming into contact with some infections may be necessary in order to prevent allergic asthma.

The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma.

If your seasonal allergies have led to never ending nasal symptoms, you could have nasal polyps. These non-cancerous, grape-shaped growths form on the inside of your nasal cavity and often make it difficult for the mucus to drain.

Doctor's offices are full of sick people, and not all of them practice good hygiene or use common sense about keeping their germs to themselves. So, how do you avoid picking up a virus or infection while in the waiting room? Start by following these 10 tips.

It might be difficult to imagine anything good coming out of the dreadful flu. But researchers have discovered that early exposure to the influenza virus may heighten the immune system's ability to prevent asthma later in life.

Eating the right foods can ward off a cold or, at the very least, help you feel better faster.

On average 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. populations gets the flu and more than 200, 000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. How to avoid and treat the flu.

There are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't become a walking biohazard, regardless of the state of the public bathroom you find yourself in.

Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems.

Identifying causes for post nasal drip is the only way to find the best treatment. Though it can be difficult to decipher, consider these possible culprits.

Each year, approximately 80,000 hospital patients develop infections and about 30,000 of them die. And besides the human toll, there's a financial one—these infections collectively cost billions of dollars to treat. Here's how to protect yourself.

Vaccine reactions are a reality, but should the possibility deter you from getting you or your child vaccinated? Before you consider skipping recommended vaccinations, you should weigh the pros and the cons.

Most of us are careful in public restrooms, using seat liners whenever possible and avoiding toilets that don't seem clean. But a new study shows our backsides may be at more risk than ever of developing a painful skin irritation.

Learn how to keep your family safe from swine flu, a potentially deadly virus.

Diabetics get sicker with this serious disease, so play it safe with a shot. A simple vaccine could save your life.

Sneezing is our body’s way of getting rid of an irritable substance in the nose. A sneeze can protect your health, but someone else’s sneeze can jeopardize it. Learn about the anatomy of a sneeze.

Got a sweet tooth? If so, you may be in luck. Doctors and patients alike hail the healing power of honey.

It may seem impossible, but you asthmatics can survive this cold season without getting sick.

It's more than just a matter of avoiding public restrooms and movie theater handrails.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you could be more prone to illness. Find out how to fight back against infection.