Category Archives: Cold and Flu

The flu virus, otherwise called influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that infects hundreds of thousands of people each year and can be more than just a minor nuisance. It can result in mild to severe illness and even lead to death in certain cases. Considering it is caused by a virus, there isn’t much ...click here to read more

In a large study recently published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, the high-dose flu vaccine was found to be more effective in preventing influenza-related deaths among seniors than the standard-dose flu vaccine. These results were found to be especially relevant during severe flu seasons and added to previous research that revealed that a high-dose ...click here to read more

This flu season is shaping up to be moderately severe, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but luckily this year’s vaccine is proving to be a good match for the virus. The flu shot has been found to be 43 percent effective against influenza A type H3N2—the most common form that ...click here to read more

A new study published in PLoS Computational Biology has developed a new method for better identifying and predicting the onset of a flu epidemic. Through the analysis of data collected from the European Centre for Disease Control, combined with a variety of additional sources, researchers have been able to predict and identify the onset of ...click here to read more

Flu season is here, and as you know, your number one defense against the virus is your annual flu shot. Last year’s flu vaccine was highly effective, but mind you, warmer temperatures of the previous winter kept the flu virus at bay as well. This year, the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for lower temperatures and ...click here to read more

Unfortunately, summer can’t last forever, and that means the arrival of the cold and flu season. As early as October, you’ll start noticing more people around you sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. No one enjoys being sick, so it’s important to prevent cold and flu as much as possible. As a senior, your risk of contracting ...click here to read more

Lyme disease and the flu (influenza) may appear similar in the beginning, but they take two different pathways as they progress. The flu is most common during the colder months – October to March – and Lyme disease hits its peak during the hot summer months. A zoonotic disease, meaning it is spread by animals ...click here to read more

Influenza (flu) and strep throat may seem like one and the same, but they are two very different illnesses and the primary distinction is the origin of the disease. The flu is caused by a virus and strep throat is caused by bacteria. Strep throat and influenza may also share some symptoms, but the key ...click here to read more

In order to properly treat any condition, incidental or serious, you must be able to first properly identify it. Differentiating a cold (sometimes called, infectious rhinitis) from pneumonia is no different, and understanding the symptoms of each leads to better fighting the condition. Pneumonia is normally considered the worst of the two, and before antibiotics ...click here to read more

Influenza (flu) and bronchitis share common symptoms, so early diagnosis may be challenging until more symptoms arise, distinguishing either condition. Flu and bronchitis can also occur at the same time, which can make the diagnosis even more challenging. But the good news is, they can easily be treated if discovered early on. Bronchitis primarily affects ...click here to read more

Influenza vaccination is safe and effective for fibromyalgia patients. The flu shot is widely recommended by many health authorities as a means of preventing influenza, as it sometimes can contribute to life-threatening consequences. It has been questioned whether the flu shot could cause or exacerbate fibromyalgia. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the flu shot ...click here to read more

Distinguishing between the common cold and the flu (influenza) may be quite different as they do share many similar traits. Furthermore, a person can experience both a cold and the flu simultaneously, which can make diagnosis even more difficult. The best way to decipher between the common cold and flu is recognizing the differences in ...click here to read more

Influenza (flu) and pneumonia at first glance may appear the same, but there are distinct differences between the two along with different treatment methods that need to be considered in order to get over either illness. The flu is primarily caused by a strain of virus, and the flu vaccine is compiled of the different ...click here to read more

If you ever wondered whether pneumonia is contagious, we are here to address your concerns. First of all, pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue, caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus. In pneumonia, the air sacs become filled with pus. What part of the lung is affected and whether it is a single lung ...click here to read more