Colds and Infections + Original Articles

Did you know some of the best fixes for flu-related symptoms can be found right in your home? If you're down with the flu and want some relief, you might not need to go to the drug store to find it. Some of the best natural remedies for influenza are right in your own home. Influenza is a viral illness that doesn't respond to antibiotics. If you see your doctor very soon after you become ill, she might be able to give you an anti-viral medication to reduce the virus's impact and shorten the amount of time you're sick.

Your head aches, your eyes hurt, and you're sneezing, coughing, and experiencing chills. Is it a bad cold, or could this be the start of the flu? It's often hard to distinguish between a cold or flu virus, but there are some important clues that can help you tell the difference, says Antoinette M. Cheney, DO, of Lone Tree, CO, a spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and faculty member at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Ease the discomfort of these contagious blisters with the healing properties of lemon balm, peppermint oil, and echinacea. Cold sores are blisters that appear on the lips or around the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are different from canker sores, which are non-contagious, bacterial infections inside the mouth. "Cold sores are highly contagious by touch," explains Dr.

Address your worst asthma triggers and enjoy the best that winter has to offer. While some people experience the bulk of their asthma symptoms in the spring and summer, many experience serious discomfort during the winter months. There are several reasons why asthma can get worse in winter, explains Kevin McGrath, MD, Fellow and Spokesperson for the ACAAI.

Your body's own immune system is a germ-fighting machine. Scientists see promise in directing these powers toward eradicating cancer. Here's how. The immune system is a biological marvel. It protects the body from potential harm from foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, however, the immune system has difficulty telling the difference between healthy cells and cancerous cells.

What are the key health risks you need to be aware of after a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy? In the aftermath of a violent storm such as Hurricane Sandy, it's more important than ever to remain on full alert. Potential dangers can lurk everywhere from your roof to your kitchen. Here's how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Food Poisoning Power outages can result in refrigerators and freezers being filled with spoiled food.

Kids bring home more than just homework. Here's how to deal with the germs and the bugs. Most families know that back-to-school time also means back-to-doctor time. That's because, when kids crowd onto school busses and into classrooms, they're exposed to lots of new germs. Here are some of the most common ailments: 1) The common cold. On average, children catch between six and eight colds per year and each time, they spend a week or two with a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, chest congestion sneezing, and mild aches and pains.

You probably visit public restrooms, the bank, or a coffee shop nearly every day. Disinfect and prevent the spread of germs and illnesses with these simple tips. Are you doing all you can to avoid the spread of germs? Follow these common sense rules and tips to protect yourself from making the most bacteria-filled mistakes while out on the town. Mistake # 1: Don't sneeze into your own hands and then touch something others will touch.

With around 18,000 new cases this year, health experts are calling the outbreak the most serious in 50 years. Here's how to protect your family. It can start insidiously, with nothing more than symptoms of a cold. But if the diagnosis turns out to be whooping cough, it's a serious and sometimes life-threatening illness. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is increasingly common in the United States, with frequent and troublesome outbreaks.

An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year and 28 and 50 percent will die from the infection. Who's at risk for sepsis, and what can be done to prevent it? An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year—and 28 and 50 percent of these people will die from the infection. What's more, the number of patients being treated for sepsis has increased at an increasingly staggering cost—$17 billion dollars a year—due to a prolonged hospital stay to treat the condition.

An infectious disease specialist interprets the latest statistics and provides tips for talking to youngsters about the disease. All parents want to keep their children safe. Child advocates and health experts say having frank discussions about sex is a pivotal component.  It's especially relevant for adolescents and young adults who are-or may soon become-sexually active to receive information about the health risks associated with intercourse.

A strong immune system can help keep healthy with asthma. Here’s how to keep your immune system running strong. A properly functioning immune system helps fight off germs and keeps you from getting sick. This particularly essential for those with asthma since being ill can trigger respiratory symptoms and can make those living with asthma even sicker. Here are...

Keeping your hands clean is key, but using hand sanitizer isn't always the best option. Staying health may be as simple as keeping your hands clean. In fact, experts say remembering to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly is the single most important way to stay health. Researchers estimate that routine hand washing is so effective it could prevent a million deaths per year since about 80 percent of infections are spread through hand contact.

It's enough to make your skin crawl. They're teeming with bacteria and viruses, and you probably touched at least one of them today. Pesky germs lurk on common surfaces, just waiting to make you sick. While no area is free of germs, there are heavily trafficked spots that can especially crawl with bacteria and viruses. But even less-traveled areas can also rate high on the germy scale.

The average adult will suffer as many as four colds a year. Here's a look at the condition by the numbers. No one escapes the common cold. It's the leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work in the United States, according to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases. Children's noses are the major source of cold viruses.

Every year, 5 to 20 percent of U.S. residents get sick with the flu. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. Few experiences cause more misery than fighting off the flu. Many people confuse the flu with the common cold since the symptoms are similar and include headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, dry cough, and a general feeling of lethargy. Unlike the cold however, the flu is very often accompanied by a fever, muscle aches, and a more severe cough.

Try these beauty tips when sickness keeps you from looking your natural best. Infuse Moisture. Illness dehydrates your skin leaving it pale, dry, and flaky, especially under the nose you're constantly blowing. Hydrate your skin with an emollient-rich moisturizer, reapplying over any patches that are severely dry. A deep moisturizer designed for hands or feet will be very affective.

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. Hundreds of antibacterial products promise to keep you safe from harmful microbes. However, there's little or no data to demonstrate these products are better at protecting you. In fact, they may actually pose health risks. We have more than 100 species of bacteria living on our skin.

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. Heartburn, that burning feeling in your throat or chest and bitter taste in your mouth, is caused when the acid in your stomach backs up into the esophagus and causes irritation. Certain foods, alcoholic beverages, and some medications can cause heartburn, and it's not uncommon to have it while pregnant.

Rosacea, which often causes constant redness in the face, can be frustrating and difficult to treat, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition. Rosacea is a common, long-term skin disease that affects more than an estimated 16 million Americans. The condition may produce persistent redness, or flushing; acne; and visible blood vessels in the center of the face. What's more, these symptoms can eventually spread to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose.

Stuck at home with a cold? Find comfort with these soothing foods. You can't seem to fight off that nasty cold or flu, and you're stuck at home for several days. The good news? There are certain foods that can help soothe your symptoms. Although you may not feel like cooking or eating anything right now, these simple treats are easy to prepare and may even get you back to health more quickly.

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. Whenever you head out to the mall, the supermarket, or a restaurant, you're putting yourself at risk for getting sick thanks to sick people who go out when they shouldn't. It opens you up to their germs when they cough, sneeze, or touch communal surfaces along their way.

Desks and cubicles may seem benign, but they're often a breeding ground for bacteria. Follow these six tips to stay healthy at work. If you're like most Americans, you put in long hours at work--and you have less time off than anyone in the developed world (U.S. workers average 13 vacation days a year, while the Japanese have 25, the Canadians take 26, and the French enjoy 37). Is all that time at the office making you sick? It could be, according to a study conducted by the University of Arizona.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection. For healthy individuals, influenza, commonly known as flu, lasts only seven to 10 days. But its symptoms can be severe from extreme fatigue and fever to body aches, chills, and more. Fortunately, the virus can be prevented and its symptoms suppressed.

How sick is too sick for work? Follow our cold and flu guidelines. Everybody knows what it's like to wake up with a cold. You feel groggy, congested, and exhausted. In a perfect world, you could sleep the day away. But with bills to pay and bosses to please, how do you know when to stay home? Follow our cold and flu guidelines.

Care for your child with confidence with these 10 tips. Taking your child to the hospital for treatment can be a confusing and emotionally taxing experience. And as a parent, you're required to serve a dual role, as both loving family member and patient advocate. "Parents are an integral part of their child's health-care team, even in the hospital," says Karen Bergan, parent leader and chairwoman of the Family Advisory Council at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian.

Follow these tips to minimize your chances of catching the flu this year. For some of us, getting the flu each year seems almost inevitable. Even if we get a vaccination, it isn't a guarantee that we won't get sick. We may feel run down due to our busy schedules, and that's when the flu swoops in, preying on our weakened state.

Are you thinking about getting a flu vaccination this year? Learn about the risks and rewards. Each fall, medical professionals encourage us to get flu shots in order to lessen our chances of coming down with influenza. For some of us, the flu vaccine can provide protection, or decrease the severity of the illness if we do get sick. But the flu shot isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone.

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? You try to keep yourself from coming down with the flu or a cold by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and trying to exercise as often as possible. Chances are, having sex isn't on your list of ways to stay healthy. But maybe it should be. Experts say that having sex can actually be beneficial to your health.

Do you suffer from sinus troubles? Dandruff? Sore throat? Diarrhea? Apple cider vinegar could alleviate all of these conditions. Often used in salad dressings, apple cider vinegar could also be of use to you as a natural remedy. It is reported to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.

While your intentions may be innocent, the illnesses that can be transmitted through a simple smooch are not. Watch out for these. You may think a kiss is just a kiss, but in reality, it can be much more. Smooching can be romantic, but it can also transmit a variety of infections. "When I think of the infectious risk of kissing, what comes to mind are viral infections," says Bruce Hirsch, MD, attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.

It’s hard to sleep when your head hurts, you’re all stuffed up, and your breathing is compromised. Here’s how to soothe your symptoms and get some much-needed shut-eye. The average cold can last up to two weeks, and that's way too long to go without a full night's rest. You know it's a cold—and not the flu—if you feel congested and your symptoms are confined to your head, nose, and throat. You're not congested because you're full of mucus, however, you're congested because the blood vessels in your upper respiratory tract are inflamed, causing the lining of your nasal passages and throat to swell up.

Does cold air cause nasal congestion? The answer may surprise you. Find out how to experience the best nasal congestion relief. Hate that stuffy-nose feeling you typically get with a cold or allergies? It seems like your nasal passages are clogged, yet no matter how hard you blow your nose, you can't seem to clear them. The next time this symptom hits, try heading outside into the cold, dry air.

When a cancer patient develops an infection, it's a serious health problem. Understand how infections usually start and how to recognize or prevent them. When a cancer patient develops an infection, it's a serious health problem. About 1 in 10 patients requires a hospital visit because of an infection. Cancer-related infections often arise from a condition called neutropenia, which occurs when a patient's white blood cell count declines.

Sometimes there's a thin line between determining what's a bad cold or a sinus infection. Thankfully, no guess work is needed. Here's what you need to know about this bothersome nasal condition. Your nose is congested and your head aches. Is it a bad cold or a sinus infection? It's often hard to tell the difference, but there are some telltale signs that can help you determine what's causing your symptoms. What is a Sinus Infection? When you have a cold that doesn't seem to get better, you could be suffering from sinusitis, which is another name for a sinus infection.

More than any other time, vaccines are extremely crucial to senior health. They can help you ward off sicknesses that are now harder to tackle. It's especially important to keep up with vaccinations when you're older because certain infections and diseases hit seniors more heavily than they do on younger people. The flu is one example. While normally influenza is not fatal, it does take a number of lives every year, and 90 percent of those it kills are 65 years old or older.

If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones can help you feel better. If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you feel better. When you take antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing an infection, the drug has a "take no prisoners" effect on your body: It wipes out all bacteria, good and bad.

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. 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—a word of warning: Don't go out seeking...

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. 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. It's no coincidence that many asthmatics visit the emergency room in the fall and early winter.

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. 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. Allergies and Nasal Polyps Some people believe that having allergies can increase the risk of experiencing nasal polyps.

In recent years the medical community has come clean about a dirty little secret: good hygiene can be a bad thing, and may be linked to asthma. In recent years the medical community has come clean about a dirty little secret: good hygiene can be a bad thing. In fact, some scientists believe that the growing number of people being diagnosed with asthma is caused by the effects of over-cleanliness on the immune system.

Most of us cough when we have a cold, as it's the body's way of clearing the bronchial passages. But when a cough lingers long after your cold has gone, it could be time to see if it's related to asthma. Got a cough that's keeping you up all night? Most of us cough when we have a cold, as it's the body's way of clearing the bronchial passages. But when a cough lingers long after your cold has gone, it could be time to see if it's related to asthma. Why Chronic Cough and Asthma Often Co-Exist There are several possible reasons that a chronic cough and asthma go hand in hand.

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's ironic, isn't it? The one place you go to get healthy is also among the best places to get sick. 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: 1.

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. It might be difficult to imagine anything good coming out of the dreadful flu. But researchers have discovered that when babies are exposed to the influenza virus early on, their immune systems become strong and activate enough immune response to prevent asthma later in life.

Germs thrive in saliva, mucous, stomach acids, and other body fluids. Regardless of how good you are about personal hygiene when you're sick, chances are you're going to spew a few germs. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! You're finally feeling better after that nasty flu or cold, and the last thing you want is to get sick again or infect someone else. Therefore, it's time to do a serious assessment of the five main areas where you and your "bug" hung out together.

Eating the right foods can ward off a cold or, at the very least, help you feel better faster. Eating the right foods can help prevent a cold or, at the very least, help you feel better and get well quickly. More than 500 million cases of the common cold and similar non-flu respiratory infections are reported every year in the United States and, in fact, the rhinovirus that causes colds is the most common infectious disease in humans worldwide.

Think that your chronic nasal congestion is all in your head? Well, it may also be in your chest. According to the latest research findings, there is a strong link between rhinitis and severe asthma, particularly in those who suffer from a range of respiratory symptoms. Think that your chronic nasal congestion is all in your head? Well, it may also be in your chest. According to the latest research findings, there is a strong link between rhinitis and severe asthma, particularly in those who suffer from a range of respiratory symptoms.

When it comes to treating your child's persistent cough, one effective treatment option might already be in your kitchen cabinet. According to research from the Pennsylvania State University, a single dose of buckwheat honey before bed decreases cough severity and improves sleep for children over 12 months of age. Researchers randomly administered honey, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient found in many over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications), and no treatment to 105 children with persistent coughs.

Your OBGYN has been there for you through thick and thin: from your first contraception to your last baby to even menopause. But should she also be your go-to-doctor for everything else? Your obstetrician-gynecologist has been there for you through thick and thin: from your first contraception to your last baby; maybe even through menopause. But is she always the best choice as a primary care physician? Your gynecologist as your go-to-doctor-for-everything might not necessarily be a good idea.

This hygienic practice gently flushes the nasal cavity in order to remove excess mucus and debris from the sinuses. The cold and flu season is upon us, and with it comes the annoying, and sometimes debilitating, symptoms of the common cold. One treatment for congestion is nasal irrigation. This hygienic practice flushes the nasal cavity in order to remove excess mucus and debris from the sinuses.

While these medicines are necessary to kill the "bad" bacteria that make us sick, they often kill the "good" bacteria in the large intestine, resulting in upset stomach and diarrhea. Antibiotics destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause infection. And while these medicines are necessary to kill the "bad" bacteria that cause such illnesses as strep throat, urinary tract infections, sinus infection and wound and skin infections, in the treatment process, they often also kill the "good" bacteria in the large intestine, leading to problems like diarrhea and upset stomach.

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. Protecting your children from the flu will be a little less painful this year. That's because, the 2010-2011 flu vaccine is the only one you need. Unlike last year when the H1N1 (swine flu) shot was given in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, this year's protection is all in one.

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. What You Can Catch, If Anything? There are a few misconceptions surrounding public restrooms and bacteria. Bacteria thrives in wet, moist environments-making sinks, faucet knobs, and flushers prime for the spread of germs. So, yes, it is very possible to get sick from visiting the restroom at your local fast food joint.

Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems. Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. If left untreated, lung problems can also cause stress on your heart and lead to other serious health issues.

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. Post nasal drip is a common condition that happens when mucus from the back of your nose thickens and drips down into your throat. When this occurs, it can make you cough and try to clear your throat. This can sometimes be accompanied by bad breath and sinus pressure.

Are you not sure if you have allergies or a cold? These signs will help you tell the difference. So you have a sore throat, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Is this the beginning of a cold or could it be an allergy? Many people find it difficult to tell the difference. Yet if you know what to look for, there are some simple clues to help you know which ailment is to blame for making you feel so miserable.

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. Although most people think of hospitals as a place to get better when they're sick, the unfortunate truth is that tens of thousands of people pick up nasty infections when they're in the hospital. In fact, according to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), about 80,000 patients get infections in hospitals every year, and about 30,000 of them die.

Is it a cold or allergies? Your mucus can help you differentiate. Got a stuffy nose or headache? Perhaps you're also very congested and have lots of mucus when you sneeze or blow your nose. While such symptoms can make you feel quite miserable, they're also very non-specific. As a result, you could be left wondering if they're caused by a cold or by an allergy.

A cough is a symptom that can have many causes. A persistent cough can disrupt your life, make it difficult to sleep, and put a wrench in your relationships. When you can't stop coughing, it is not only annoying, it also drains your energy and disturbs your quality of life. Possible Causes A cough begins when an irritant such as perfume, dust, or even spicy food, stimulates nerves in your respiratory tract.

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. Vaccines are standard practice today to protect you from contracting diseases like the measles, mumps, chickenpox and polio. But since many of these illnesses don't pose much of a widespread threat anymore, you may wonder if getting immunized is really necessary.

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. Catching a disease from a toilet seat is just an urban myth, right? Most of us are careful in public restrooms anyway, using seat liners whenever possible or avoiding ones that don't seem clean. But a new study shows that our backsides may be at risk for developing a painful skin irritation--and the culprit is much closer to home.

Learn how to keep your family safe from swine flu, a potentially deadly virus. Up until last year, no one had even heard of swine flu. Now, as it's swept through at least 70 countries, including the United States, swine flu has become part of our collective consciousness.

The consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication, according to the FDA. Furthermore, mixing certain foods with medications can cause serious side effects. Some medications should be taken with food, and some should not. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication.

Read on to find out what a diagnosis of shingles means for your heart health. You wouldn't necessarily connect a painful skin rash known as shingles, or herpes zoster, with cardiovascular trouble, but a new study confirms that there is, in fact, such a link. Apparently, contracting shingles raises your risk of having a stroke, often shortly after shingles treatment.

There’s no shortage of talk in the news media about global warming and how it hurts the environment. But did you ever stop to think that the effects of global warming might be having a direct impact on your personal health? Scientists studying global warming say it's absolutely true that global warming will have an effect on your health. So don't shrug it off as a bigger issue that doesn't concern you--global warming touches everyone in some way. Here, five of the major health problems it causes: Allergies and asthma.

Diabetics get sicker with this serious disease, so play it safe with a shot. A simple vaccine could save your life. People with diabetes are about three times more likely than the rest of the population to die from influenza or pneumonia, reports the Federal Centers for Disease Control. People with diabetes, if they develop pneumonia, are more likely to be sicker longer and to go to the hospital, says the CDC.

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. Every time we breathe through our nose, thousands of tiny pieces of dust and other particles attempt to enter it. Our nasal hairs work as an air purifier, cleansing the air that enters of bacteria and other particles. A sneeze is our body's way of getting harmful substances (like bacteria, pollutants and viruses) out of our airway to protect us.

If you can't shake your cough, allergies may be to blame. Find out how these two conditions are related. Allergies and Coughing A new cough that comes on suddenly could be a sign of a cold, infection or other illness that will usually go away in a week or two. But when you seem to be coughing for weeks on end with no relief in sight, it's very possible that you aren't sick but have a bad case of allergies instead.

A look at how to tell when health consciousness turns the corner beyond health obsession into hypochondria. A large part of the American public is obsessed about their health. They want to live long lives and stay as youthful as possible. Our friends might even call us a "health nut" because we are always trying out the latest in preventative medicine and scouring the Internet for latest health research.

Got a sweet tooth? If so, you may be in luck. Doctors and patients alike hail the healing power of honey. For most, when the symptoms of a cold set in the honey is taken out. Historically, honey has been used as a folk remedy in cultures around the world. It has been known as a "cure" for smallpox, baldness, eye diseases, and indigestion. It's even been used as a contraceptive.

Few would suspect one treatment the treatment of one condition to cause symptoms of another. But this very well may be the case. Of all the bad things about heartburn, the good news is that it is treatable. Over-the-counter drugs can be purchased easily and cheaply, and often times all it takes to reduce the burn is an antacid after a heavy meal. Indeed, treatment for reflux nearly negates the symptoms.

It may seem impossible, but asthmatics can survive this cold season without getting sick. As the temperature drops and more people head indoors, cold and flu germs will be circulating in full force. And while no one wants to get sick, if you have asthma, you know that you're at increased risk for experiencing side effects. But you don't have to feel doomed to suffer from the consequences.

These illnesses will make your stomach turn. Lice. Ringworm. Pinworm. Scabies. These are four of the grossest childhood illnesses that you’ll encounter. In fact, the names of them alone could be enough to make your stomach turn. But when you see the very graphic conditions up close, you’ll likely end up feeling even worse.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you could be more prone to illness. Find out how to fight back against infection. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies often wonder whether their risk of getting sick is increased. And as if the discomfort of your allergy symptoms isn't enough, getting a cold or flu on top of them can make you truly miserable. But you don't have to succumb to the influx of germs that exists at this time of year.

It's more than just a matter of avoiding public restrooms and movie theater handrails. We've all have it drummed into our heads that we shouldn't sit on public toilets because of germs, or that we should replace our toothbrushes every few months because bacteria grow on them. But what about surprising places where germs congregate and multiply faster than fruit flies? Here are some of the biggest bacteria hotspots: Refillable liquid soap dispensers.

Before you turn to over-the-counter medication to treat your child, find out which risks exist. When your child is sick with a cold and a cough, you probably want to treat the symptoms and help him or her feel better fast. But before you turn to any over-the-counter medication, it's critical that you check with your pediatrician. According to the latest FDA guidelines, over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are never safe to use in children under two years of age—and may pose a serious risk to children for older children as well.

Learn more about important meningitis prevention and treatment options. Meningitis is a serious disease that often affects young people, although it can strike at any age. An inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, meningitis is usually caused by a virus but can also be the result of bacteria.

Asthmatics can be more prone to catching infections—including swine flu. Follow our tips to protect yourself this winter. Open up the newspaper or turn on the television these days and you will likely find mention of the Swine (H1N1) Flu pandemic. But while everyone is at risk for catching this new illness, if you have asthma or other chronic health conditions, you may be especially concerned about the effect that getting sick can have on your already sensitive airways.

Flu season is here again--do you know the best ways to prevent your children from getting sick? Flu season is here again, and with the dangers of Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) on the rise, preventing your children from getting sick is likely a higher priority than normal. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or formula that can help keep germs away--but there is an easy strategy you can implement immediately to help keep your children healthy.

Asthmatics suffer uncomfortable symptoms year round-- but flu season can be dangerous. If you suffer from asthma, it's more important than ever that you take steps to protect yourself from the threat of the flu as the weather gets colder. That's because the seasonal flu typically circulates and poses health risks to asthmatics every year.

Not sure when your child's sickness warrants a visit to the doctor? Our guidelines help you make the best decision. When it comes to your children's health, you usually know best. Parents seem to have a natural instinct that lets them know when their little ones are just cranky--or when they could be getting sick. But while you can often tell what's wrong with your child, there will undoubtedly be times when the symptoms will leave you feeling uncertain.

No parents ever want to see a child sick with the discomfort of a fever--but knowing how to treat it can be the first line of defense. The Role of a Fever When your child has a fever, your first instinct is probably to try to get it to come down right away, but most pediatricians will tell you that a fever isn't always a bad thing and sometimes, it is okay to leave it and let it go away naturally.

On the fence about whether to keep your little one home or not? We have tips to guide your decision. Your child wakes up in the morning with a runny nose, cough and sore throat, which raises the dreaded question: should you keep him home from school or daycare? Some states have guidelines to advise parents on when it's okay to send a sick child to school and when it's best they remain at home.

A new study suggests that abatacept (Orencia®), a rheumatoid arthritis drug, could fight different strains of the flu. Flu activity is already heating up across the country, according to statistics from FluView, a weekly report published by the Centers for Disease Control. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and take immunosuppressant drugs such as corticosteroids or methotrexate (Trexall®), you're more susceptible to catching the flu.

Try some of the best natural flu remedies to stay healthy this season. Looking for natural flu remedies? Seasonal flu may be taking a backseat to the H1N1 virus with health officials these days, but it's still a concern for you and your family. The flu causes symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, fever, chills, body aches and pains, loss of appetite, and pneumonia.

How can you treat your little one's cold while keeping her safe at the same time? When your baby is coughing, sneezing and suffering with a runny or stuffy nose from a cold, you are probably eager to do anything you can to relieve the symptoms and help him or her feel better fast.  But the experts today stress the importance of avoiding infant cold medications, since the latest research shows that they can be harmful for babies and young children.

Learn how to keep your family safe from swine flu, a potentially deadly virus. Swine Flu: What You Should Know Up until earlier this year, no one had even heard of swine flu. Now, as it's swept through at least 70 countries, including the United States, swine flu has become part of our collective consciousness. As a result of the global spread of the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised the worldwide pandemic alert level of swine flu to Phase 6, signalling that a global pandemic is underway.

Telling the difference between a cold or the flu is difficult—but our guide makes it possible. Every fall or winter, your child probably comes down with the same type of symptoms: sneezing, coughing, aching bones and a fever. And each time you may be left wondering if it is a cold or flu. Telling the difference can be very hard to do. The Similarities A cold and the flu (also known as influenza) can present themselves in almost the same way.

Learn how immunizations work and why it's so important to vaccinate your child. Vaccinations are some of the most important tools available for preventing disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not only do they protect individuals from developing a potentially serious disease, but they also protect the community by reducing the spread of infectious disease.

If you woke up this morning with a runny nose and cough and have been sneezing and feeling an itch in the back of your throat and your nose, you may wonder if this is just your typical seasonal allergy attack or if you could have be coming down with a case of the Swine Flu. What Ails You If you aren't sure how to differentiate between common allergy symptoms and signs that you could have the swine flu, you're in good company.  But while you may not be sure which it is, the experts say that there are some telltale signs that can help you determine if you really do have swine flu.

Eat these foods to keep your immune system going strong. Your body's immune system is your natural defense system, fighting off thousands of attacks daily.  While research reveals the important role that nutrition plays in improving immunity, there's still much to learn.  Phytochemicals, which are beneficial compounds found in plant foods, probiotics and omega-three fatty acids all seem to play leading roles in boosting immunity.

The word is out — sex can be great for your health in more ways than you can imagine. Looking for the secret to a better quality of life, or longer life? Some of us think the answer lies in a bottle of herbal pills, a better diet, or more aerobic exercise. Few of us would think sex could have the same benefits. But according to research, sex does much more than satisfy desire - it can have a significant impact on your health and increase your lifespan.

While scientists and the government race to control the novel H1N1 outbreak, there are still a few things about this virus that doctors don’t know or understand. While significant progress has been made in understanding swine flu, some questions surrounding this outbreak remain unclear. How Much Exposure Do You Need to Be Affected? According to Dr. Daniel Jernigan of the CDC, the reasons why someone becomes infected depend on many different factors.

Learn more about this new, non-surgical option. When it comes to managing heartburn, the basic treatments are available and reliable. Most of the 60 million Americans who suffer from heartburn at least once a month, after consulting their doctor and understanding their symptoms, find relief with one of three over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors.

If you suffer from severe allergy symptoms and taking medication doesn't seem to help you feel better, it may be time to turn to the experts to undergo some allergy testing. This can be a valuable way to find out exactly what your biggest triggers are and to determine how best to avoid them. Who Needs Allergy Tests When medication doesn’t do enough to relieve your runny nose, frequent sneezing and itchy eyes and throat, you may need to seek the advice of an allergist, who can do some strategic testing to find out exactly what is making you sick.

Each year we hear of the latest in medical innovations. Although these improvements amaze us at times, the majority of Americans will never come in contact with the latest breakthroughs…or so you think. In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming demonstrated penicillin’s antibiotic properties. However, it was not until 1942 that the now common antibiotic was available for mass production. Likewise, the first approved flu vaccine was developed by the United States military during World War II; however, it was not available for the public until the late 1950s.

Children learn what they live. Here are tips on how to teach your children well. We all want our kids to grow up eating nutritiously, getting plenty of exercise, and having a good outlook on life. How can you make that happen? Live healthfully yourself! You are a powerful influence on your children. If they see you "walking the talk" instead of just telling them what they should do, there's a great chance they'll grow up copying your good behaviors.

Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience heartburn. Learn how to find relief. Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience heartburn (most common during the second and third trimester.) The reason: As a woman's level of progesterone increases during pregnancy, her lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. This allows food and acid to reflux back into the esophagus, thus creating the feeling of heartburn or indigestion.

Your go-to guide for allergy medications. You're all too familiar with the discomfort that comes with an allergy attack all too well: the runny nose, red eyes, itchy throat and dry cough. These classic symptoms can prompt you to rush to your nearest drug store in search of relief, but the vast array of medications on the market today may be confusing enough to make your head swim.

Not feeling yourself? Your eating habits could be the reason. We all have them at times-days when life really tests us. Your car gets a flat on the way to work, you flub an important report, you can't help your child with his math homework, and to top it all off, you burn dinner. Your mood? Lower than this week's stock market, and understandably so.

When is a cough more than just a cough? When you cough, you probably assume you're sick. But did you know that coughing, instead of hurting your body, actually helps it heal and protect itself? This is because coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and airways clear. In other words, it's working to prevent sickness.

Your home is crawling with bacteria. Where are the biggest hotspots? The front doorknob, the staircase banister, the microwave door. What do these three areas have in common? They're in your home, you touch them every day, and they're likely infested with microorganisms. Or, in layman's terms, germs. By nature, germs spread through the air, but they can linger on surfaces for 2 hours or longer.

These frightening illnesses have experienced a resurgence over the past few years. But why? During the 20th century, the scientific community made great strides toward the eradication of certain dangerous diseases. This was accomplished, in part, through improvements in sanitation and vaccinations, the invention of antibiotics, and advancements in medical technology.

Ear infections are very common in children. Here, a guide to their symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Ear infections are common, especially in children. In fact, about 75 percent of all children will probably have an infection before they turn three, according to National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Older children will probably complain of ear pain and small children who cannot speak well are likely to pull or rub their ear.

You might not have known it when you were young, but according to health experts, Mom was right all along. Remember all those times your mom told you to go to bed early and eat your veggies? You might not have wanted to admit it back then, but as it turns out, she was right--about almost everything. Here, the 10 best pieces of advice that moms give: 1. Wash your hands.

What you don't know could hurt you. The relationship you have with your physician is a very important one. It should be rooted in trust and complete honesty. However, like most relationships, it's not perfect, and as you're likely to keep a few facts to yourself, your doctor is probably harboring some secrets of his own.

With the slowly, but steadily rising temperatures, what does the future hold for our health? Killer heat waves. Fierce storms. Devastating floods. Natural disasters have been all over the news, and according to organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO), the increase is no coincidence: It's actually a direct result of global warming.

Think catching a cold is bad? It could be worse. At least it's not one of these dreaded illnesses. A plague that wipes out 25 million people in three years. A disease that kills its victims within hours of the symptoms appearing. A flu that makes its sufferers turn blue before drowning in their own lungs. It sounds like the stuff of science-fiction movies, but for centuries, these horrid diseases were very real (in fact, some of them could still post a threat today).

These molds and bacteria simply won't back down — and it's their determination to thrive that makes them dangerous. Germs may be too small to see, but don't let their size fool you: Certain bacteria and molds are terrifying, causing more than 100,000 American deaths each year. To make matters worse, these microorganisms tend to mutate, becoming impervious to the drugs we've developed to defeat them.

Meningitis has made big headlines, but do you know the whole story behind this contagious disease? Here, we debunk the condition's 10 most common myths. You've probably read the tragic news stories about the college kid or the young athlete who died from meningitis. Or you've heard the rumors about how you can catch it by kissing someone. But how much do you really know about the disease? Get the truth behind the top 10 meningitis myths.

Germs tend to lurk in the most unexpected places. Learn what you can do to protect yourself. You may want to think twice about how you store your toothbrush, where you set your purse, and how often you replace your mascara. Research shows that billions of germs could be lurking in these hot spots—and making you and your family sick. Here, uncover top five secret hiding spots for germs, and learn what you can do to keep bacteria at bay.

These critters could be doing their owners more harm than good. Pets provide us with abundant amusement and unconditional companionship. What's more, studies show that they can even benefit our overall health. Research from the University of Buffalo suggests that pets can help reduce their owners' blood pressure and regulate their heart rate in times of stress.

A guide to one of the most common and overlooked human viruses. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is so prevalent that as many as 95 percent of Americans between 35 and 40 years old have been infected at some time in their life, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). If it's so common, why have...

A highly contagious childhood illness, chicken pox can make your child uncomfortable for about a week. Here, some ways to ease the itching. It's a moment many parents probably dread: Your child comes home from school complaining about itchy red bumps. It's the first sign of chicken pox. Although chicken pox is a very common (and relatively uncomplicated) illness, it is still important to make your child as comfortable as possible and to watch out for possible signs of complications.

Find out why this emerging disease could become a global pandemic. Avian influenza, commonly known as the bird flu, is a contagious disease caused by a set of viruses that typically infect birds and, in very rare cases, pigs. The viruses tend to be highly species-specific, but have also been known to affect humans. ...

Will getting the flu shot prevent you from getting sick? Find out here. Many people may think the flu is not a serious disease and that it's just an inconvenient illness, like the common cold. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every year as many as 36,000 people die from the flu. Most of them are older than 65, which is why people in this age group are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot.

Get the facts on this chronic liver disease, from causes and symptoms to prevention and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.6 percent of the U.S. population-roughly 4.1 million Americans-are currently infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite its prevalence, however, in many ways, hepatitis C remains a mysterious disease.

Their symptoms may sound scary, but most of these conditions can be successfully treated with simple medications. Fluid-emitting blisters. Itchy, ring-shaped rashes. Crusty, painful sores. These symptoms of the skin may sound scary (and revolting), but, really, they're quite treatable—usually don't last for more than a couple of weeks. What is scary, though, is their highly infectious factor (some can be transferred through simply sharing hairbrushes or sleeping in the same bed.

More than 25 years since scientists discovered AIDS, myths about the virus still abound. Here, we dispel the top eight misconceptions. When cases of HIV/AIDS were first identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1981, the disease didn't even have an official name yet. Often referred to as Kaposi's sarcoma or gay-related immune deficiency (GRID), it would take another year for the virus to earn an official name and for scientists to discover that the disease wasn't limited to the gay population.

Is your city making you sneeze? High pollen and mold counts make some places worse than others. It's so uncomfortable. The watery eyes, the scratchy throat, the runny nose. The annoying (and sometimes, downright miserable) feelings associated with seasonal allergies are familiar to almost half of all Americans, according to a QualityHealth.com HealthOpin poll.

Could you be sick and not know it? Some diseases can sneak up on you without a single warning sign or with symptoms so nonspecific that it may take your physician precious time to figure out what's ailing you. Since early detection often results in more effective treatment, illnesses that slip under your (and your doctor's) radar can be especially dangerous.

Your bellyaching over your bellyache may be caused by some of your favorite foods. Find out which foods are common offenders. Stomachaches, indigestion, gas, bellyache, agita, heartburn, upset stomach: Whatever you call it, digestive problems can be inconvenient and sometimes downright painful. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of reasons, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a physical condition in which stomach acid flows backward up into the esophagus.

Find out how you can protect your teen or pre-teen against infection. As a parent, you probably want to protect your child from illness and injury whenever possible. One way to do that is to make sure they are properly vaccinated. You may have thought the days of vaccines ended when your child started kindergarten, but as medicine evolves, more and more vaccines are available for kids between the ages of 11 and 18.

Knowing the symptoms of bacterial meningitis could mean the difference between life and death. Headache, vomiting, fever, fatigue--to most people, these symptoms might sound a lot like the flu. But in some cases, they could indicate a much more serious condition: bacterial meningitis. According to the American College Health Association, meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year, many of whom are young adults, adolescents, and children.

Find out if your weird rashes, twitches, lumps and bumps are signs of something serious. You're showering after a workout at the gym when you notice something strange. There's a weird rash on your leg, a bump on your navel or maybe just a couple of indentations on your nail. It definitely isn't normal. But is it a sign of something serious?   Knowing what your body is trying to tell you isn't easy, especially when it comes to more unusual symptoms like these.

Could your teenager contract meningitis at camp, in the classroom, or at the college dorm? Here, what you can do to reduce your child's risks. It's every parent's worst nightmare: Their teenager returns home from camp or college with a fever, headache, and stiff neck—symptoms that sound a lot like the flu. But as it turns out, their son or daughter is suffering from a much scarier illness, meningitis.

Getting children clean may seem like an impossible task at times, but teaching good hygiene while they're young will start a lifetime of healthy habits. At times, it seems like toddlers are just trying to get dirty. They're out playing in the mud, sailing toy boats in the toilet bowl, and feeding themselves but getting food everywhere except in their mouths. How can you possibly get them clean and teach them to keep themselves clean? You must act as the example, experts say.

Your child has a runny nose and bad cough. You want her to feel better, but is it OK to give her cold medicine? Cough and cold medicines for kids under the age of 2 have been pulled from drugstore shelves, and experts continue to debate whether the medicines should be given to children younger than 6 or 11 years old. But your son or daughter has a cold now you don't have time to wait for pediatricians and government officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reach a consensus.

Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming a global health crisis. How did this happen? Infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics are emerging as one of the biggest public-health concerns of recent years. So-called superbugs were initially a problem unique to hospitals and clinics, but now cases are being reported among otherwise healthy people throughout the community.

Drug-resistant bacteria, like MRSA, are hard to treat once they develop. Fortunately, you can take these steps to protect yourself. It's frightening to think that a child could contract a deadly drug-resistant staph infection while hospitalized. Or that an otherwise healthy person could pick up Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through skin contact. Until recently, the superbug phenomenon was limited primarily to hospitals, affecting the infirmed and otherwise immuno-compromised almost exclusively.

Want to lower your chances of sniffling your way through the season? Follow these simple tips. Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion are just some of the symptoms that characterize the common cold. Also known as acute viral nasopharyngitis or acute coryza, the condition is so common, in fact, that it results in 75 to 100 million U.S.

Find out how to protect yourself from medical errors, complications, and other hospital hazards. We've all heard the horror stories: A patient recovering from heart surgery catches pneumonia, a nurse gives her patient the wrong medication, a woman goes in for a routine procedure and suffers anesthesia-related complications. Unfortunately, people checking into hospitals may face some serious health hazards.

Want to soothe your pinkeye symptoms, or stop conjunctivitis before it starts? Check out our survival guide. Redness, swelling, itching, irritation. These are just some of the symptoms of conjunctivitis, an eye ailment that affects millions of adults and children at any given time, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Also known as pinkeye, the condition refers to an inflammation of the conjuctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the eye's white portion.

Learn how to keep your child from getting sick without going overboard. As a new parent, you're nervous that your newborn might catch a cold or, worse, chickenpox or influenza. You're constantly trying to sanitize and disinfect everything from the pacifier to stuffed animals. If this sounds familiar, you're fighting the war on germs—something parents everywhere have been doing for years.

According to experts, most Americans aren't washing their hands the right way. Learn how to clean up your act. If you're like most Americans, your parents constantly reminded you to wash your hands as a child. And by the time you got older, the habit was firmly ingrained. But according to the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), most adults aren't washing their hands the right way.