1. Health

Cold & Flu: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evaluate Your Fever Symptoms
When you have a fever, you need to know what your temperature. Find out the accurate way to check your temperature and which thermometer is right for you and your family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pneumonia
Need to know the basics about pneumonia? Find a complete overview of pneumonia, including who is most at risk and what you need to do about it once you have pneumonia.
The Flu
A complete overview of the flu. Everything you need to know about typical flu seasons, symptoms, prevention and treatment measures.
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.
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.
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.
Itching Nose
Do you have any itchy nose? Find out what is causing that irritating itch in your nose.
Productive Cough
Easy to understand definition of the common medical term, productive cough. Including examples of what a productive cough is.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See Your Doctor For a Fever
Do you have a fever? Not sure if you should see a doctor for that fever? Find out if you should see your doctor for your fever.
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.
Cold or Flu?
The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, find out what their differences are.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tonsillitis
Swollen tonsils can be very painful. If you think you may have tonsillitis, find out the information you need to know about this illness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When To See a Doctor - ST
Your sore throat may be more than just a cold. Find out when to see a doctor for a sore throat.
Itchy Throat
Wondering what is causing that itchy throat? Learn about causes of itchy throats.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Immunity
You hear the word immunity at your doctor's office a lot, but what does it mean? Find out the definition of immunity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Cold
Your answers indicate you have multiple symptoms of the common cold.
2011-12 Flu Season
With the arrival of the 2011-12 flu season comes a lot of questions. What are the symptoms this year? Will I be protected if I got my flu shot? How can I prevent the flu? Find out more about the flu viruses circulating in the 2011-12 flu season and how you can protect yourself and your family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Single Symptoms Medications
Find out what the best single symptom medications are to treat your cold and flu symptoms. Based on your symptoms and what will work best for you, our guide will help you sort through it 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.
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.
Evaluate Your Vomiting
To determine the best course of action when you are vomiting, you should begin with how it started. Did it come on suddenly or were you feeling sick for a while first? Determine how the vomiting started and then you can figure out what to do next.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before You Buy Robitussin CF
Robitussin Cough and Cold is an over-the-counter cough suppressant, expectorant and nasal decongestant. Robitussin Cough and Cold helps relieve cough and cold symptoms.
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.
Vitamin C and Colds
A lot of people wonder if vitamin C will cure the common cold. Find out what effect vitamin C could have on the common cold and whether or not you should be taking it.
Natural Cold and Flu Treatment
Looking for natural and herbal cold and flu treatments? Find out all about the top natural and herbal cold and flu treatments, how effective they are and what they can be used for.
Fever
What temperature is considered a fever? The answer may surprise you. Find out everything you need to know about fevers.
Cold, Flu or H1N1 Swine Flu
Comparing the symptoms of the common cold, seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu. Learn the symptoms of all three of these illnesses and figure out if you could have a cold, the seasonal flu or H1N1 swine flu.
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.
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.
Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Flu
Your answers indicate you have multiple symptoms of the flu.
Kids and Cold Medications
So many cough and cold medications available over the counter for children that many parents don't know what to buy or what to give. Find out the truth about these many medications and the best thing you can do for your children.
Nonproductive Cough
Definition of the medical term, nonproductive cough.
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a serious illness that occurs after a strep infection. Learn about rheumatic fever, including symptoms, treatment options and how it can be prevented.
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.
Aleve Cold and Sinus
Aleve Cold and Sinus is a great option when you want a long lasting medication that will help treat your cold symptoms. Find out if Aleve Cold and Sinus is right for you and your symptoms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Antibiotic Resistance
Most people have taken antibiotics at least once in their lives. Antibiotics are extremely overprescribed and this misuse has led to a huge problem with antibiotic resistance. Taking antibiotics for viruses is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. Learn more about the common cold and resistance to antibiotics.
Flu Shots 101
Flu shots are an important part of protecting yourself and your family from influenza. Get answers to your flu shot questions and determine if they are right for you.
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.
Antioxidants
Can eating foods high in antioxidants make you healthier? Find out how antioxidants boost your immune system and which foods you should eat to get them.
What Is Otitis Media
Otitis media is an ear infection involving the middle ear. They are most common in babies and young children, but can occur in adults as well. Otitis media can be caused by viruses or bacteria and treatment is different based on age, symptoms and other factors.
Health in College
Going off to college means more freedom from parents, a first chance to live on your own and learning to be responsible for yourself and your own choices. Part of personal responsibility is making sure you take care of yourself and stay as healthy as you can. These tips should help you, or your college student, maintain your health in college.
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.
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.
What Is Retracting?
Not sure what retracting means? Find out about intercostal retracting, including what to look for and what to do about it.
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.
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.
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 more about Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime.
Antibacterial Soaps
Antibacterial soap and cleaners are everywhere these days. So is the controversy surrounding them. So, do antibacterial soaps actually help us or hurt us?
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.
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.
All About Tetanus
Tetanus is a relatively rare disease in the United States today, but it is important to know the signs and maintain your vaccines to prevent it. Learn about tetanus and how you can protect you and your loved ones against this very serious illness.
What Is the FDA?
Do you know what the FDA is? Even if you know what the letters stand for, do you know what the FDA really does? Find out about the FDA and what they do for you.
Mucus
If you have ever had a cold, you have probably experienced excess mucus. But what is mucus? Learn about this common substance that exists in all of us and what mucus does for you.
CDC
Do you know what the CDC is? Find out what the CDC is, what they do and what it means for you.
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.
How To Prevent Colds
A few simple steps may help you stay healthy. Avoiding colds and the flu is not always possible, but these simple steps may help you stay healthy.
Catch the Flu From a Flu Shot?
Many people do not want to get a flu shot because they are concerned they may get the flu from the flu shot. Is there any truth to this concern? Find out if it is possible to get the flu from the flu shot.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
It affects millions of people every year, but is pneumonia contagious? Learn about how pneumonia occurs and whether or not it is contagious.
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.
Bronchitis
An easy to understand definition of bronchitis. Learn about bronchitis. What is bronchitis and what does it mean to you.
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.
Influenza A
What is influenza A and how is it different from other types of influenza? There are hundreds of strains of influenza that fall into three major categories. Learn more about influenza A and how it can affect you.
What Is Pertussis?
Pertussis is a bacterial infection characterized by intense coughing spells. Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious illness. Find out what you need to know about pertussis or whooping cough and how to avoid it.
Check Cold and Flu Symptoms
Cold and flu symptoms leave most of us feeling miserable. When a runny nose and cough start bothering you, what do you do? Our guide can help you figure out what is causing and what to do about your cold and flu symptoms.
What Is Mastoiditis?
Mastoiditis is a severe type of ear infection that most commonly occurs in children. Learn about mastoiditis, including signs and symptoms, treatment options and potential complications.
Flu Treatments
Looking for flu treatment options? If you have been diagnosed with the flu, or believe you have it, there are many flu treatment options for you to consider. Learn about various flu treatments and discover which one is right for you and your symptoms.

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