Basic Info

The common cold and flu are contagious respiratory illnesses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses. The common cold is caused by several different viruses. They share some symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Cold symptoms are usually milder than those of flu. There are four types of flu influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. The seasonal flu, which occurs almost every winter, is caused by human influenza A and B viruses. There are many over-the-counter medicines to treat flu symptoms. Antiviral prescription medicines and an annual flu vaccine are also available.

Latest
Scientists Map Smell for the First Time

Scientists Map Smell for the First Time

The detailed maps of odor receptors in the nose and brain reveal an unexpected order behind one of the body’s most mysterious senses.

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How Phlegm May Reflect Underlying Imbalance in the Body

How Phlegm May Reflect Underlying Imbalance in the Body

Different types of phlegm indicate different illnesses. Identifying the type allows practitioners to diagnose and treat specifically.

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Saline Nasal Spray as Effective as Steroids for Kids’ Sleep Breathing Problems: Study
New Research Suggests Cause of Rare Blood-Clotting Side Effect From COVID-19 Vaccine

New Research Suggests Cause of Rare Blood-Clotting Side Effect From COVID-19 Vaccine

The researchers analyzed 100 patients who took adenovirus vaccines and developed VITT.

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What Kind of Cough Do You Have? How to Identify and Treat It Naturally

What Kind of Cough Do You Have? How to Identify and Treat It Naturally

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), treating a cough begins with addressing the root cause rather than just alleviating the symptoms.

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2-Step Homemade Throat-Soothing Thyme-Sage Lozenges

2-Step Homemade Throat-Soothing Thyme-Sage Lozenges

Harnessing the powerful properties of thyme and sage in homemade herbal lozenges brings soothing relief to coughs and sore throats.

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How to Make Elderberry Syrup at Home for Cold and Flu Relief

How to Make Elderberry Syrup at Home for Cold and Flu Relief

A step-by-step guide to making flavorful elderberry syrup with just a few simple ingredients.

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How to Make Fire Cider and Enjoy Its Immune-Boosting Benefits

How to Make Fire Cider and Enjoy Its Immune-Boosting Benefits

Mix a few simple ingredients to create a homemade tonic that keeps you warm and helps fend off colds and flu.

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Garlic: The Easy-to-Grow Vegetable With a Wealth of Health Benefits

Garlic: The Easy-to-Grow Vegetable With a Wealth of Health Benefits

Discover how to plant, harvest, and enjoy garlic while boosting your family’s meals and immune health.

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Most COVID Lung Abnormalities Heal Over Time, New Guidelines Confirm

Most COVID Lung Abnormalities Heal Over Time, New Guidelines Confirm

After infection, changes in the lungs that resemble scarring often heal on their own.

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Elderberry Versus Elderflower Against Colds, Flu, and COVID

Elderberry Versus Elderflower Against Colds, Flu, and COVID

For many, air travel comes with the persistent fear of catching a cold—or worse—on the journey. Considering the close-quarters contact and recycled air involved, this fear is not ungrounded. Watch ...

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Reducing Flu Risks: Essential Health Tips and TCM Insights for High-Risk Groups

Reducing Flu Risks: Essential Health Tips and TCM Insights for High-Risk Groups

Dr. Jingduan Yang, who specializes in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine offers tips to protect ourselves from the flu.

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How Medical and Integrative Experts Recommend Protecting Against Influenza

How Medical and Integrative Experts Recommend Protecting Against Influenza

Hygiene, lifestyle changes, medication, and home remedies offer options for preventing the spread of sickness and minimizing symptoms.

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Sinus Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Sinus Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Around 30 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with a sinus infection annually, with most cold sufferers experiencing some viral form of the condition.

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Debugging Your Days: 6 Exercises for Winter Cold and Flu Recovery

Debugging Your Days: 6 Exercises for Winter Cold and Flu Recovery

Winter colds, fueled by stress and social gatherings, can drag on. Though rest is essential, it's also important to get off the couch and move.

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Elderberry: The Immunity Defender That Helps You Fight Cold and Flu

Elderberry: The Immunity Defender That Helps You Fight Cold and Flu

Used for centuries and referred to as a ‘medicine chest’ by Hippocrates, elderberry can reduce cold and flu duration and may help with chronic disease.

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10 Anti-Inflammatory, Cold-Weather Foods to Boost Immunity

10 Anti-Inflammatory, Cold-Weather Foods to Boost Immunity

These simple traditional Chinese medicine recipes will moisturize the lungs, clear toxins, and support your immunity during the cold months.

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H5N1 Influenza May Be Spreading Through Cows via Milking Rather Than Air, Experts Weigh In

H5N1 Influenza May Be Spreading Through Cows via Milking Rather Than Air, Experts Weigh In

The new findings trigger the ongoing debate about raw milk consumption and its potential risks.

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100 Cases of Legionnaires Disease in Victoria

100 Cases of Legionnaires Disease in Victoria

The likely source has been located, tested, and disinfected, within a matter of days, the chief health officer said.

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Link Between Methylglyoxal and Cancer Poses Questions About Manuka Honey

Link Between Methylglyoxal and Cancer Poses Questions About Manuka Honey

Prized for its unique antibacterial properties, emerging evidence suggests that manuka honey may take on a tumor-promoting role in cancer.

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Report: Eating Barley Can Reduce Sneezing, Upper Respiratory Issues, and Improve Mood

Report: Eating Barley Can Reduce Sneezing, Upper Respiratory Issues, and Improve Mood

A new study from Japan shows that eating barley can improve upper respiratory tract health.

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Nasal Sprays Can Be Effective in Preventing Lengthy Illnesses

Nasal Sprays Can Be Effective in Preventing Lengthy Illnesses

Nonprescription medications prevent full-blown symptoms, study says.

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Bird Flu Attracts $6.9 Million for Surveillance and Potential Vaccines

Bird Flu Attracts $6.9 Million for Surveillance and Potential Vaccines

Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said Australia 'cannot rest on our laurels.'

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Fever Phobia: When to Worry and When to Let the Fever Do Its Job

Fever Phobia: When to Worry and When to Let the Fever Do Its Job

Fever is the body's natural immune response—however 'fever phobia' may have some parents packing their child off to medical care when none is needed.

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240,000 Birds to Be Culled In Emergency Response in NSW

240,000 Birds to Be Culled In Emergency Response in NSW

A biosecurity 'emergency' plan has been activated. NSW Premier Chris Minns said there is 'no reason to panic.'

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‘Immunisation Rates Aren’t Where They Need to Be’: Dr Chant Pushes for Higher Flu Vaccine Uptake
FDA Approves First mRNA Vaccine for RSV in Older Adults

FDA Approves First mRNA Vaccine for RSV in Older Adults

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's mRESVIA, an mRNA vaccine that will protect adults aged 60 and older from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a lower respiratory ...

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