Flu/Colds

The flu, or influenza, is a viral disease of the respiratory tract—the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs—and is highly contagious. A cold is a less severe viral infection, and often includes a runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Unlike flu, colds typically don't cause fever. READ MORE

Flu/Colds

Flu season text in frame.

8 Ways to Stay Healthy This Flu Season

Keep yourself and your loved ones as healthy as possible with these easy tips

Small drug vial with influenza vaccine

6 Places to Get the Flu Vaccine

Here’s where to get the flu shot and a few surprising spots you should know

woman, covered with blanket, having a fever and sore throat, holding a cup with hot drink

Why Taking Fever-Reducing Meds and Drinking Fluids May Not Be the Best Way to Treat Flu and Fever

Increased fluid intake and taking fever reducers may not always help in your recovery. In fact, in some cases, it could be harmful.

The hands in blue glove of the scientist hold the processor

Is COVID-19 Here to Stay? A Team of Biologists Explains What It Means for a Virus to Become Endemic

Pandemic viruses may gradually settle into a relatively stable rate of occurrence, maintaining a constant pool of infected hosts capable of spreading the virus to others

Flu Season Paired With Covid-19 Presents the Threat of a ‘Twindemic

Flu Season Paired With Covid-19 Presents the Threat of a ‘Twindemic,’ Making the Need for Vaccination All the More Urgent

Last year's tamped-down influenza season could lead to a surge in flu cases this coming season

Will Going Out in the Cold Give You a Cold?

Will Going Out in the Cold Give You a Cold?

Many viruses spread more easily in the winter, and buttoning up your overcoat won't necessarily protect you

Coronavirus Came to My Hometown, and I Wanted to Know How to Stay Safe

Coronavirus Came to My Hometown, and I Wanted to Know How to Stay Safe

When COVID-19 was diagnosed in writer Jaimie Seaton’s small New England town, she asked experts how she and other mothers can protect themselves.

Why Hand-Washing Really Is as Important as Doctors Say

Why Hand-Washing Really Is as Important as Doctors Say

A microbiologist explains why this simple, low-tech step may be your best protection.

Important Things to Know About Coronavirus

14 Important Things to Know About Coronavirus

The coronavirus has reached the U.S. and is spreading, with no vaccine or cure yet, which makes it worrisome. Knowing the facts can help you be prepared and not panic.

There's a Virus Spreading in U.S. That's Killed 10,000: The Flu

There's a Virus Spreading in U.S. That's Killed 10,000: The Flu

Folks fretting about the coronavirus are forgetting that the flu is already running rampant in the United States, one that's killed nearly 20 times as many people in this country alone.

What to Do at the First Signs of Flu

What to Do at the First Signs of Flu

If you drew the short straw this year and got the flu, here are some steps you can take to lessen your symptoms and speed along the recovery process.

Something Far Deadlier Than The Wuhan Virus Lurks Near You

Something Far Deadlier Than The Wuhan Virus Lurks Near You

How worrisome is the coronavirus from China? This virus is the one Americans should worry about more.

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Everything You Want to Know About the Flu Virus

Q&A With a Flu Virus

If you really want to know what a flu virus is like, check out this Q&A for answers to all your questions.

Sinusitis
Woman blowing nose and checking body temperature

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

Sometimes it's hard to know if you have a cold or the flu. Here's some help checking your symptoms and deciding what to do.

Flu/Colds
Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?

Can the Flu Shot Give You the Flu?

Many people forgo flu shots because they're convinced that getting one will give them the flu. Not true. You may experience some mild symptoms, but the shots cannot give you the flu.

Flu/Colds