Flu + 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.

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.

Treating a bug the right way depends on knowing what you have. Get the facts. Gastroenteritis—or the stomach flu—is not influenza. It does not affect the stomach, but rather the small intestine. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestinal lining caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. Gastroenteritis spreads via contact with someone who has the illness, but it can also be spread through contaminated food, water, or hard surfaces.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While some flu treatments may help your little one feel better, others could be downright dangerous. Here’s important advice from a pediatrics expert. Scratchy throat. Dry cough. Feverish one minute. Cold and shaking the next. Achy head. Achy body. Achy bones. If your child is complaining of these symptoms, she may have the flu. Influenza, or the flu as it's commonly known, is a virus that infects the respiratory system and makes anyone who catches it feel absolutely miserable.

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.

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.

Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions. Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions. Muscle pain tops the symptom list for many illnesses and health conditions from the flu to fibromyalgia.

What if you could wipe out your risk of getting the flu in one "shot"? What if you could wipe out your risk of getting the flu in one "shot"? Researchers are currently developing a one-dose influenza vaccine that's expected to eliminate the need for annual influenza vaccines. The hope is that this will provide a convenient and effective way to keep asthmatics and others safe from the seasonal virus and the related complications that often arise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's that time again when the flu makes its unwelcome return. Although the flu shot is the answer to prevent this illness, will it only make matters worse if you have an egg allergy? It's that time again when the flu makes its unwelcome return. Although the flu shot is the answer to prevent this illness, will it only make matters worse if you have an egg allergy? In the winter of 2010, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone get vaccinated against several common strains of the influenza virus.

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.

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.

If you have heart disease, the swine flu vaccine can do more than just prevent the aches, pains, and fever associated with the virus. If you have heart disease, the swine flu vaccine can do more than just prevent the aches, pains, and fever associated with the virus. It may also protect you from having a heart attack, according to study published in the British medical journal The Lancet.

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.

Here, answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about swine flu. Here, answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about swine flu. What is swine flu? Swine flu (also known as novel H1N1) is a new flu virus occurring in humans. It was first seen in this country in April 2009 and has been spreading worldwide.

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.

Health experts say that the swine flu virus is poised for an aggressive comeback in the fall, just when children will be settling back into their school routines. Learning about the swine flu virus was scary enough this past spring, when it made headlines for the first time. Summer has given the nation a bit of a reprieve in terms of new cases diagnosed, but health experts say that the virus is poised for an aggressive comeback in the fall, just when children will be settling back into their school routines.

There are important precautions you can take throughout the course of your day to help keep you and your family safe from Swine Flu. Turn on the news these days and you will likely hear about the dangers of swine flu. And if you are like most parents today, it's likely you are quite worried about the threat this illness poses to you and your family. But you don't have to hide away, or miss school or work, in order to stay safe from swine flu.

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 why young healthy adults are adversely affected, the similarity between human flu and swine flu, conspiracy claims, and more. Swine influenza (H1N1), while common in pigs, is rare in humans. Not since 1976 (when there was an outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey that infected about 200 people and caused one death), has this been a huge health issue for humans. Most of us have been logging on to the Internet and staying tuned into TV and radio news to get clued in on what's going on.

It’s a little early to start celebrating the end of the flu season, which usually stretches out until April, and at the latest, May. However, the good news is that this year’s flu vaccine was expected to be a better match to the most prevalent influenza strains circulating across the country. Every year the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) selects three strains of the influenza virus in advance to include in that year’s vaccine. If the strains don’t match the ones that eventually circulate, the vaccine is less effective at protecting people.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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. ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.