Category Archives: Flu

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 […]

Common Flu Shot Side Effects To Know

Being a little sore after your jab is a small price to pay to prevent influenza. Flu vaccines, much like diverse solutions in life, lack a one-size-fits-all approach. Indeed, an array of influenza vaccines is available each year, tailored to varying needs. Administration can occur through injection or nasal spray, with specific dosages designed for […]

What to Eat (and Drink) When You Have the Flu

Give your immune system a fighting chance. When afflicted with the flu, the genuine remedy lies in rest and the passage of time. Magical elixirs of food and drink won’t instantaneously dispel your symptoms. However, prioritizing proper hydration and consumption of nourishing edibles can contribute to preventing the exacerbation of your current condition. This practice […]

When Should You Get the Flu Shot?

The CDC says August is just a bit too soon. Influenza stands as a respiratory ailment originating from viral infection, renowned for its remarkable transmissibility. Data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals an annual incidence of influenza affecting approximately 8% of the United States populace. Remarkably, modern medicine has blessed […]

This Year’s Flu Shot Is a ‘Good Match,’ CDC Says—But Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise

Low vaccination rates, increased susceptibility to infection, and more holiday gatherings could be behind the spike in hospitalizations. FAST FACTS During a press briefing on December 5, Rochelle Walensky, MD, who serves as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conveyed that this year’s influenza vaccine demonstrates a significant alignment with […]

Why Does Your Arm Hurt After a Flu Shot?

It’s not just because you got the shot. Obtaining your annual influenza vaccination stands as the primary and pivotal measure in safeguarding yourself and your dear ones against an inevitable flu season. In general, the influenza vaccine tends to induce only minor and transient side effects—such as weariness, headaches, muscle soreness, and a slight elevation […]

How Long Is the Flu Vaccine Effective?

The flu shot can last for up to six months, though it is most effective for the first three months. In the event that you experience the customary symptoms resembling those of the flu—such as fever, chills, and nasal congestion—you might begin to feel concerned about the possibility of having contracted the flu, even during […]

How Are the Spanish Flu and COVID-19 Alike? Here’s What Doctors Say

Both caused global pandemics; here’s how they compare in terms of symptoms, treatment, and death toll. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous parallels have been drawn to historical pandemics, notably the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 1918, commonly referred to as the Spanish flu. Similar to COVID-19, the 1918 influenza virus was characterized as […]

What To Know About Flu Tests—When You Need One, and What To Do if You Test Positive

Plus, why it’s important to seek medical care as soon as you start experiencing If you find yourself experiencing fatigue, a sore throat, a runny nose, and a fever in the autumn or winter season, the immediate assumption might lean toward a flu infection. Nonetheless, distinguishing with certainty between influenza and other ailments exhibiting comparable […]