Monthly Archives: August 2023

Flu Shots: Are They ‘Live Virus’ Vaccines or Not?

The answer depends on the type of flu shot you receive. In the United States, the annual resurgence of the flu is a familiar occurrence. If you’re hesitating to receive your yearly flu shot due to concerns about contracting the flu from the vaccine, rest assured, such an outcome is implausible. Dr. Michael Knight, a […]

When to Get a Flu Shot This Year, According to Doctors

Mid-September through October is the sweet spot for getting a flu vaccine, but it’s almost never too late to get your jab. The previous flu season witnessed a remarkable reduction in cases in the United States, marking a historic low of slightly over 2000 cases, as per government data cited by JAMA. This decline can […]

CDC Recommends Stronger Flu Shots for People 65 and Older This Season—Here’s Why

Seniors often bear the greatest burden during flu season, accounting for a majority of hospitalizations and deaths. Fast Facts For the inaugural occasion, federal health authorities are advising a preferential approach, urging individuals aged 65 and above to opt for higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccinations specifically for the 2022-2023 flu season. According to a media […]

How the Flu Can Affect Your Health Even After You Feel Better

The influenza virus itself may only be present for a few days, but for some people, the effects can be long-lasting. Numerous compelling reasons support the decision to receive an annual flu shot, aimed at safeguarding oneself against the contagious and occasionally severe respiratory ailment, influenza, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and […]

What Is the Period Flu?

The period flu mimics symptoms of the flu—such as headache, sore throat, and muscle aches—near your period. Symptoms resembling the flu, such as headache, fever, gastrointestinal discomfort, and fatigue, can closely mimic the flu itself or create the sensation of an impending flu episode. However, it’s essential to clarify that the term “period flu” lacks […]

What To Know About the High-Dose Flu Vaccine

Not everyone will be able to get this vaccine. In the United States, the flu season typically spans from October to February, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To proactively safeguard yourself, it is advisable to obtain a flu vaccine prior to the commencement of the season. When contemplating the […]

8 Illnesses That Cause Flu-Like Symptoms That Aren’t the Flu

Other bugs can also cause those flu-like symptoms. At a Glance Given the highly contagious nature of the flu, it’s natural to be concerned about any cough, muscle ache, or even a slight fever, interpreting them as potential signs of flu infection. This reaction is understandable since a multitude of other illnesses can also produce […]

What Is the Incubation Period for the Flu?

You may be able to pass on the virus, even if you don’t feel sick yet. One of the most concerning aspects of the influenza virus, apart from its array of symptoms, is its potential for silent transmission. Individuals can unknowingly carry the virus, presenting a risk of spreading it to others without displaying any […]

COVID-19 is the Worst Pandemic in US History

COVID-19 surpassed the 1918 Spanish flu death toll. Let’s put this alarming milestone in perspective. For over a century, the devastating influenza outbreak of 1918 has stood as a reference point for pandemics in the United States. Regrettably, as of September 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic has now claimed the unfortunate distinction of being the most […]

University of Michigan Flu Outbreak Identified as Influenza A Virus—Here’s What to Know

More than 500 people at the university’s Ann Arbor campus have been diagnosed with the flu—and the majority did not receive the flu vaccine. The recent developments at the University of Michigan have garnered attention due to the disclosure by university authorities that an influenza outbreak is under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control […]