1. Health

Cold & Flu: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Do You Have a Cold or Allergies?
Do you have symptoms of seasonal allergies or a cold? Sometimes it can be difficult to know the difference. Take this quick quiz to find out whether you have a cold or allergies.
Cold or Flu Quiz - Do You Have a Cold or the Flu
Are you suffering from symptoms of the cold or flu? Aren't sure which one it is? Take this quick quiz to help sort through your symptoms and determine whether you have a cold or the flu.
Viral Infection
What does it mean when you have a viral infection? See the definition of this common term and what it could mean to you.
Colds and Pregnancy
Getting colds when you are pregnant presents a whole new set of challenges. Treatment options are different because you may not be able to take your regular cold medications. Learn why you might be getting sick more often while you are pregnant and how to take care of yourself so you can feel better quickly.
Allergies or Cold
Trying to figure out if you have a cold or allergies? Find out the difference between the two and see what you can do to feel better.
Incubation Period for Strep
Find out what the incubation period for strep throat is and how long you might be contagious if you have it. From the time you are exposed to the time you show symptoms, learn about the incubation period for strep throat.
Bacterial Infections
What is a bacterial infection and what can be done about it? Find out what a bacterial infection is and what it means to you.
Weather and Illness
Many people believe the cold weather will make you sick. Is there any truth to it? Find out if the cold weather will give you a cold or if this is just an old wives tale.
Find a Doctor
No insurance? Are you sick and need to find a doctor? These tips can help you find a doctor when you are sick even if you don't have health insurance.
Evaluate Sinus Congestion
What type of sinus congestion do you have? In order to treat it, you must determine what kind of congestion you are dealing with.
Evaluate Your Fever Symptoms
You may not always want to use medication to reduce a fever. Or maybe the medication isn't working fast enough. If you or someone you know has a fever, use these tips to help reduce the fever without medication.
How Long Can Flu Last
When the flu hits you, the first thing you want to know is how long it's going to last. Find out how long the flu can last and everything else you need to know about how the flu may affect you.
Nasal Saline Spray
What is saline nasal spray and should you use it? Find out if this product could help your cold or allergy symptoms and get help deciding if it might work for you the next time you are sick.
Cough Medications
There are several options available for over the counter cough medications. Aside from the different brand names, there are two different classifications. Expectorants and cough suppressants are both cough medications but they work differently. Find out what is right for you and your cough.
Common Viral Infections
Many illnesses can be defined as viral infections. Learn about some of the most common minor illnesses that are categorized as viral infections.
Evaluate Cough Symptoms
Coughs are irritating and can be caused by many different illnesses. To determine what is causing your cough and determine how to treat it, first you must figure out what type of cough it is. See what could be making you sick based on what type of cough you have.
Flu Symptoms
Here you will find all the most common flu symptoms. Discover what all those aches and pains could be. This list of common flu symptoms may help you figure out if you have the flu.
Breathing Problems in Children
It is not always easy to tell when a baby or child is having breathing problems. Look for these signs of breathing problems in children and find out what to do for each one.
Using a Thermometer
You need to know how to use a thermometer if you or your child has a fever. It may be harder than you think and there are quite a few options out there. Find out what you need to know about how to use a thermometer to check your fever.
What Causes an Itchy Face
An itchy face can be annoying and difficult to control. Find out what may be causing an itchy face and what you can do about it.
Sore Throat Remedies
Find good sore throat remedies to help you soothe a painful sore throat. Learn when you should seek medical attention for your sore throat and which sore throat remedies may help.
Motrin and Advil
Is there a difference between Motrin and Advil? Which should you use and why? Learn about the differences between Motrin and Advil.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are very common after colds, especially in children. Find out what you need to know about ear infections, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
Flu Incubation Period
How long is the typical flu incubation period? If you are exposed to the flu, how long will it be before you get sick? Find out here.
Acute Bronchitis
What is acute bronchitis and what does it mean to you? Find out the symptoms, common treatments and what to expect if you or a loved one has acute bronchitis.
Pets and Illness
People often wonder if they will pass their cold on to their dog or if they can catch something from their cat. Find out what you can and can't catch from your family pet and when your pet can make you sick.
Breastfeeding While Sick
Many new mothers want to know if they can breastfeed while sick. Will the illness pass on to the baby? Find out if it's safe for nursing mothers to breastfeed while they are sick.
Pain and Fever Medications
Pain relievers and fever reducers are available in many different forms. Different medications work in different ways. Find out which pain relievers and fever reducers are best for you and your cold or flu symptoms.
How Long is a Cold Contagious
When you are coughing and sniffing with a cold, you may be wondering when you are contagious. How long should you stay at home to avoid spreading your germs to others? Find out when you are contagious with a cold.
Before You Buy Robitussin DM
Robitussin DM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant and expectorant. Robitussin DM helps control your cough and thin secretions so the cough is more productive.
All About E. Coli
E. coli is a food-borne illness that often causes vomiting and diarrhea when it infects humans. Find out more about E. coli, what the symptoms are, how to treat it and how to prevent it.
Itchy Throat
Wondering what is causing that itchy throat? Learn about causes of itchy throats.
Pneumonia
Need to know the basics about pneumonia? Find a complete overview of pneumonia, including who is most at risk and your treatment options.
Stomach Flu
The stomach flu is a very common illness, but is not related to the flu at all. Find out what the symptoms of the stomach flu are and what you can do about it.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Wondering whether or not pneumonia is contagious? Learn about how pneumonia occurs and whether or not it is contagious.
Pneumonia Shots
Most people know they need a flu shot, but many people should also get a pneumonia shot. Find out what a pneumonia shot is and who needs one.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a very common childhood illness, but adults can get it too. Find out what you need to know about this painful sore throat.
The Common Cold
Great information on the common cold. You can find different causes of the common cold, what to expect and what to do about a cold when you get one.
Do You Have Allergies or a Cold? Cold
Your answers indicate you have multiple symptoms of the common cold.
Cold Symptoms
Do you know the most common cold symptoms? While every cold is different, certain cold symptoms are very common and occur with most colds. Learn the most common cold symptoms so you can decide if you have a cold or something else.
Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Cold
Your answers indicate you have multiple symptoms of the common cold.
The Flu
A complete overview of the flu. Everything you need to know about typical flu seasons, symptoms, prevention and treatment measures.
Itchy Eyes
Why do our eyes itch? There are many different causes of itchy eyes and treatment usually depends on the cause. Come find out the most likely cause of your itchy eyes.
Bronchitis Treatments
When you are diagnosed with bronchitis, you want to know what your treatment options are. Learn about common acute bronchitis treatments and get help figuring out which one is right for you.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
The symptoms of the common cold and flu may seem similar, but there are some significant differences. If you aren't sure which one you have, get help figuring it out here.
See Your Doctor For a Fever
If you are concerned about a fever, find out at what point you need to see a doctor or health care provider.
Fevers and Brain Damage
Many people are concerned that a fever will cause brain damage, especially if left untreated. Is there any truth to this claim? Find out if fevers can cause brain damage.
Evaluate Your Vomiting
When you are vomiting, you will need to determine what other symptoms you have as well. The severity of your illness can depend on your other symptoms. Find out more about symptoms that can be associated with vomiting and what they mean for you.
Productive Cough
Easy to understand definition of the common medical term, productive cough. Including examples of what a productive cough is.
Call in Sick?
Sometimes it is tough to know whether or not we should go to work when we are sick or not. Check out these guidelines about working when you are sick and decide if you should call in sick.
Over the Counter Medications
Need help choosing over the counter medications to treat your cold and flu symptoms? There are so many choices, it is hard to know which one to choose. Find out which over the counter medication is right for you and your symptoms.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are very unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes, you need to see a doctor for these problems. Find out when to see your doctor for your vomiting and diarrhea.
Tetanus Shots
Most people know they need a tetanus shot every 10 years, but there are new recommendations about who should get which tetanus shot and when. Find out if you need a tetanus shot or something more.
Sinusitis
Pressure behind your eyes, headache and congestion. These are all symptoms of sinusitis. Find some great information about this common illness that often follows a cold.
Itching Nose
Do you have any itchy nose? Find out what is causing that irritating itch in your nose.
Influenza B
Find out how influenza B is different from other types of the flu and how it might affect you. Learn how the strains of the influenza virus are classified.
Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
There is a common saying that you should feed a cold and starve a fever. But is there any truth to this phrase? Find out if you should feed a cold or starve a fever.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers can be a great way to relieve congestion and soothe dry nasal passages when you are sick. Figure out how to choose the right one for you.
24 Hour Flu
Have you ever had a 24 hour flu bug? Most of us have, or at least our friends or family have told us that's what we have. Find out more about the 24 hour flu.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Many people have never heard of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Although it is very rare, it is one of the most dangerous side effects of the flu shot, so anyone who is considering getting a flu shot should know what Guillain-Barre syndrome is.
Tips From a Pediatrician
Dr. Jennifer Shu, a prominent Atlanta pediatrician, answers parents questions about when to take their children to the doctor during cold and flu season. Also get tips on helping kids deal with shots, what symptoms to watch for and when to keep kids out of school when they are sick.
Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Flu
Your answers indicate you have multiple symptoms of the flu.
Exercise When Sick
Regardless of how often you exercise, you might wonder at some point if you should exercise when sick. While this varies depending on the person – you know your body better than anyone else – there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when you are trying to decide if you should exercise when sick.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
There are two different types of bronchitis -- acute and chronic. They are both an inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs, but have different causes and, obviously, durations.
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat runny noses and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Find out the side effects, recommended dosage and the benefits of Benadryl.
Antihistamines
You can't stop sneezing, but don't know what medication to take? You may need an antihistamine. Find out all you need to know about antihistamines before you buy.
Sudafed
Sudafed nasal decongestant may help relieve your sinus congestion and pressure from the common cold, sinus infections or allergies. Find out if a Sudafed decongestant is right for you and your symptoms.
When To See a Doctor For Cough
Do you have a cough and aren't sure if you need to see a doctor? Find out when you should see your doctor for a cough.
Kids and Cough Meds
Kids get coughs quite often, and most parents just want to make the coughing stop. But when should you use cough medications? And which ones are safe? Find out all about cough medications and kids.
Vomiting Treatments
The first step for treating your vomiting. Feel better faster with this step-by-step guide to vomiting treatments.
Walking Pneumonia
A definition of walking pneumonia. What it is, what causes it and what means for you.
Fluid in the Ears
Learn why there could be fluid in the ears and what should be done about it. While different from an ear infection, this is still a relatively common condition, especially in children.
Itchy Eye Treatments
A look at itchy eye treatments based on what is causing your symptoms. Find out whether you should be concerned about your itchy eyes and what you can do to make them feel better.
Sudafed PE
Sudafed PE is a nasal decongestant that may help relieve your sinus congestion and pressure from the common cold, sinus infections or allergies. Find out if Sudafed PE is the right decongestant for you and your symptoms.
Cold or Flu?
The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, find out what their differences are.
When To See Doc for Sore Throat
When is a sore throat just irritating and when does it warrant a trip to the doctor? Find out when to see a doctor for a sore throat.
Multi Symptom Cold Medicine
There are lots of cold and flu medications that treat multiple symptoms. How to find the right one for you and your symptoms.
Viral Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia is one of the most common types of pneumonia. Caused by any number of viruses, learn more about this infection and what you should do if you get it.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause infections in humans. Symptoms of salmonella infections (salmonellosis) include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Learn more about salmonella and how to prevent infection.
Do You Have Allergies or a Cold? Allergies
Your answers indicate you have multiple symptoms of allergies.
What to Do for Itching
When you are itching, you want to make it stop. First, determine where you are itching and then we can figure out what is causing it.
Flu Symptoms in Children
Flu symptoms in children can be different from those in adults. Find out what common flu symptoms are for children and what you can do if your child is experiencing them.
NeilMed's Sinus Rinse
NeilMed's Sinus Rinse is a device to help you irrigate your sinuses, which will relieve congestion and reduce irritation from pollutants. Learn more about this sinus rinse and how it can help you.
Before You Buy Mucinex
Mucinex is an over the counter cough medication that helps to break up chest congestion. Learn more about Mucinex including who should and should not take it and what the potential side effects are.
Summer Colds
Wondering why you have a summer cold? Find out what you need to know about this surprisingly common phenomenon and learn why you might have a cold during the summer.
Cold and Flu Complications
These common complications of the cold and flu can leave you feeling pretty miserable. Here, we look at some of the most common cold and flu complications.
Family Illness
Have you ever gotten sick because someone else in your family was sick? Wondering how you can prevent the spread of illnesses through you family? Find out how to stay healthy when your family is sick.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a very common medication that can be used for both pain relief and to bring down a fever. Find out if ibuprofen is right for you and your pain or fever.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Have you had mycoplasma pneumonia or wondering what it is? Learn more about this type of pneumonia including what the symptoms are your treatment options.
Abdominal Pain
When should you see a doctor for abdominal pain? Abdominal pain is a very common symptom that often needs no treatment. But there are also some very serious conditions that can cause abdominal pain and may even be an emergency. Find out when you should see a doctor for abdominal pain.
Sick After a Flu Shot
Many people wonder why they still get sick after they have had a flu shot. It may even lead people to believe the shots don't work. Find out why you should still get a flu shot and why you may have gotten sick.
Can Decongestants Help You?
Everything you need to know before you buy decongestants for your cold or flu. Are decongestants right for you and your symptoms or just a waste of your money?
Treat Your Cold at Home
Most people don't feel the need to go to the doctor when they have a cold. But you may not be sure how to treat your cold at home. These tips will give you some great ideas about how to treat a cold at home.
Types of Ear Infections
There are several different types of ear infections. Some are common, while others are very rare. Learn about these different types of ear infections and what treatments they may need.
Wheezing
An easy to understand definition and explanation of wheezing. You will hear the term wheezing quite frequently at the doctor's office. If you aren't sure what it means, find out!
When To See a Doc - Congestion
If you have had congestion for over a week, you may need to see a doctor. Find out when to see a doctor for your congestion.
Flu Shot With a Cold
Wondering if you can get a flu shot with a cold? Find out when it is safe to get your flu vaccine and when it's not.
Immunity
You hear the word immunity at your doctor's office a lot, but what does it mean? Find out the definition of immunity.
Cold and Flu Treatments
Whether you have a cold or the flu, you probably want to get rid of it. Plenty of cold and flu treatment options for you to get your back on your feet as soon as possible.
Before You Buy DayQuil
DayQuil Cold and Flu is a multi-purpose medication used to treat several symptoms of the cold and flu. Find out if DayQuil Cold and Flu is right for you and your symptoms.
Children with a Cold
What do you do when your child gets sick with a cold? Treating a child is not the same as treating an adult. Get tips on how to care for your child with a cold.
Go to the Hospital With Flu
Find out when you should go to the hospital with flu symptoms and when you should stay home. Many people go to the ER only to wait for hours and then be sent home. Get some tips on when you should seek medical attention and when you don't need to.
Before You Buy Delsym
Delsym is an over the counter cough medicine. It is a cough suppressant, which means it helps to stop you from coughing. Delsym is the only over the counter cough medicine that lasts for 12 hours.
Prescription Cough Meds
It appears that many cough medications have been prescribed and sold in the United States without FDA approval lately. Find out how the changes with these prescription cough medications may affect you.
Is Flu Contagious?
Do you have the flu and wonder if you are contagious or for how long? Find out whether or not the flu is contagious and how long you should stay away from other people if you get it.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications can be very effective to either shorten the duration of the flu or keep you from getting it. Find out more about antiviral medications, including when and how to use them.
What Is RSV?
A common, but potentially very serious illness, RSV is something that affects many people every year. Find out the symptoms of RSV, how it is spread and how to prevent it.
All About Airborne Supplement
Find the information you want to know about Airborne supplement. What is in it and how could it help you? Will it really help prevent a cold?
Cold Medicine
While it can do great things to help improve your symptoms, cold medicine can also have side effects and be very confusing when trying to decide which one is for you. Learn more about what cold medicine is available and how to choose the best one for your symptoms.
Flu During Pregnancy
When a pregnant woman gets the flu, she is more likely to suffer complications than a healthy woman who is not pregnant. Learn more about how the flu affects women during pregnancy.
Stomach Flu Symptoms
How are stomach flu symptoms different from symptoms of the seasonal flu? Learn everything you need to know about stomach flu symptoms.
Zicam Cold Remedy
Zicam cold remedy is a homeopathic medication that claims to shorten the duration and severity of the common cold. Find out more about zicam cold remedy.
Parainfluenza
Have you or your child been diagnosed with parainfluenza? Find out more about parainfluenza including what it means for you, symptoms and treatment options.
How to Wash Your Hands
Effective hand washing is the most important and easiest way to prevent the spread of illness. Knowing how to properly wash your hands is not as easy as many people think. Learn how to wash your hands and prevent the spread of illnesses.
Possible Cold Treatments
If you have a cold, you are probably feeling pretty miserable. There are some things you can do to treat your cold. I can help you decide which cold treatment may be right for you.
Claritin
Claritin is an over the counter medication available for the treatment of seasonal allergies. Find out what you need to know about Claritin before you buy it. See if Claritin could help you.
Sore Throat
If you or your child has a sore throat, find out what the possible causes could be and what you should do about it. Many things can cause a sore throat, so learn more about them all.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu is an antiviral prescription drug used to treat influenza. Find out what you need to know about Tamiflu before you take it.
Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia is a very serious illnesses that kills thousands of Americans every year. It is important to know the symptoms of pneumonia so you can get early treatment. It is especially important to watch for these symptoms during flu season.
What Is the Cold/Flu?
Knowing the difference between the cold and flu can be tricky. The symptoms are similar, but there are some very important differences. Find what makes a cold different from the flu.
Allegra
Learn about Allegra and how it can help your seasonal allergies. Allegra used to be a prescription allergy medication but it is now available over the counter without a prescription.
Is Tylenol Right for You
Do you know what Tylenol is? Here you will find information about Tylenol, what it can do for you and what you should know before you take it.
Tonsillitis
What is tonsillitis?. Find out the information you need to know about this illness that commonly causes a sore throat.
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is more than just a minor annoyance for many people. It can get so bad that it interferes with daily life and makes it difficult to function. Depending on the cause, the itchy skin may be difficult to treat and control. Find out more about the causes of itchy skin.
Allergy Season Survival Guide
Everything you need to get you through allergy season. Get tips on how to determine if you have allergies, how to deal with the symptoms and treatment options.
Zyrtec
Zyrtec is an over the counter medication available for the treatment of seasonal allergies. Find out what you need to know about Zyrtec before you buy it. See if Zyrtec could help you.
Tylenol Cold Nighttime
Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime is a medication available to treat multiple symptoms of the cold and flu. Unlike it's competitor, NyQuil, it does contain a decongestant to help with nasal congestion. Find out whether it's right for you and your symptoms.
Do I Have the Flu?
Feeling sick but not sure if it is really the flu? Check your symptoms and find out if you have the flu.
Fever
What temperature is considered a fever? The answer may surprise you. Find out everything you need to know about fevers.
Treating a Kid's Cold
Do you know how to treat a kids cold? Now that medications for cold and cough have been taken off the market for kids under 4, treating your kids cold may become a little more difficult. Here you will find tips on treating your kids cold without cold medications.
Diagnosis of Cold/Flu
You know what your symptoms are, and now you just need to know whether you have a cold or the flu. Figure out if you can diagnose yourself or if you need to see a doctor for your cold or flu diagnosis.
Kids and the Flu
No one likes having the flu, it is a miserable illness and makes pretty much everyone feel horrible. Caring for a child with the flu isn't much fun either. There are some special considerations to take into account when caring for a child with the flu.
Flu Activity by State
Because flu activity can change around the country very quickly, the CDC provides state-by-state information that is updated weekly during flu season. Find out what flu activity is like across the country and see if the flu is near you.
Aspiration Pneumonia
Wondering what aspiration pneumonia is? Find out what you need to know, including symptoms, treatment options and how to prevent it.
Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been around for years, but the research was never quite clear whether it was as effective against germs as washing your hands. Now the facts are in.
Before You Buy NyQuil
NyQuil is a very popular medication used for cold symptoms. Find out if NyQuil is right for you and your symptoms.
Types of Flu
Did you know there are several different types of flu? Even when it comes to seasonal flu, there are three different types - two of which cause serious illness in humans. Learn about all the types of flu, how they are classified and what they mean to you.
Common Cold Diagnosis
Millions of people get sick from colds every year. But how do you know if you have a cold or something else? Learn how the common cold is diagnosed.
Stomach Flu Causes
Many different things can cause the stomach flu, although none of them are actually the influenza virus. Learn about the causes of stomach flu and find out more about this common and unpleasant illness.
Top 6 Ways to Get the Flu
The top six surefire ways to get the flu. Or you could look at it as ways to avoid the flu - your choice.
Staying Healthy at Work
Staying healthy at work isn't always easy. With all your coworkers sneezing and sniffing around you, it may seem impossible. Find out how to stay healthy at work with these tips.
Cough and Cold Medications and Children
Many over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications are available for children; these are only appropriate for children who are 4 years old and older. Learn about OTC cough and cold medications for children.
Flu Shot Side Effects
Although flu shots are largely considered safe and effective, they are not without their risks. Learn all about flu shot side effects.
How to Prevent Cold/Flu
All the best ways to prevent the cold and flu. There are many things you can do to prevent multiple colds and the flu every year. Find out what they are.
Droplet Transmission
The term droplet transmission is used to describe how certain illnesses are spread. Find out what droplet transmission means and what you should do to protect yourself from illnesses that are spread through droplet transmission.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common childhood infection. It is similar to bronchitis with some key differences. Learn about bronchiolitis and how it could affect your child.
Croup
Croup is an illness that affects millions of children every year. It causes a cough with a very distinct sound that is unlike other coughs. Learn more about croup and what to do if your child has it.
Vaccines for Adults
Vaccines are an important way that we stay healthy, but many people do not know they are needed beyond childhood. Find out what vaccines adults may need to protect their health throughout their lives.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is an infection similar to strep throat, except it includes a rash. Learn about the symptoms of scarlet fever, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated. Find out what you need to know about scarlet fever.
What Is a Decongestant?
The term decongestant sounds very technical and may be difficult for some people to understand. So what is a decongestant? Find out here.

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