The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles categorized as Influenza Flu
Home Remedies or Brand Names for the Common Cold?
Traditional remedies for the common cold may be more effective than typical drugstore multi-symptom treatments, but with fewer side effects!
Will You Make a Condiment to Fend Off Colds?
A reader shares the details of her condiment recipe. It is full of hot peppers and garlic, which may help people fight off colds.
Will Elderberry Extract Help You Recover from Flu?
Elderberry extract has antiviral activity in laboratory tests, but there are too few good clinical trials to show if it works for the flu.
Can You Protect Yourself from the Flu?
Strengthen your immune system and stay away from sick people as much as you can if you want to protect yourself from the flu this winter.
Show 1369: What to Do If You Catch the Flu
In this interview, an expert in critical care and pulmonology offers evidence-based tips on how to recover more quickly if you catch the flu.
Will You Catch Flu, RSV, COVID or Strep this Winter?
Did you catch flu in the last several weeks? Did you get an influenza vaccine? Did it work? Have you caught any other respiratory infection?
This Week’s Influenza Update: It’s Back with a Vengeance! Tripledemic?
Respiratory tract infections are spreading. Here's a new influenza update. Get the latest data and find out what's happening. Tripledemic?
Overdosing on Acetaminophen in Cold and Flu Remedies
What do you take for sniffles, sneezes, congestion and fever? Many OTC cold and flu remedies contain APAP. Avoid overdosing on acetaminophen!
Should You Have a Home Flu Test on Hand?
Flu season is here! How would you know if you have a cold, COVID or influenza? There is now a home flu test (LUCIRA). It also reveals COVID.
Is There Influenza in Your Town?
People may be wondering, is there influenza near here. In most parts of the country right now, the answer is yes.
Should You Lower a Fever or Leave It Alone?
How do we separate a symptom from an underlying illness? An elevated temperature is often a response to infection. Should we lower a fever?
Show 1357: Revisiting Ventilation to Avoid Airborne Germs
COVID-19 and many other diseases are caused by airborne germs. Revisiting ventilation and improving filtration of indoor air can reduce them.
If the COVID Pandemic Is Over, Can We Relax?
The COVID pandemic is over, right? Dr. Robert Wachter chairs the Department of Medicine at UCSF. He will tell you that COVID is still here!
Improve Indoor Air Quality to Fight COVID and Flu
Have you stopped wearing a face mask? Most people have. But COVID is spreading! Why don't we try to improve indoor air quality to avoid COVID?
The Inside Story of Tamiflu Side Effects & Benefits
What's the story on drugs for influenza: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir)? What about Tamiflu side effects? Beware nausea!
Will We Have a Bad Flu Season This Year?
Influenza was virtually nonexistent for the last three years. But now we could be facing a very bad flu season. Australia is being hit hard!
Will Chinese Herb Andrographis Ease Misery of Flu?
Evidence supports taking the herb Andrographis paniculata to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It helps more than placebo.
Can Elderberry Juice Really Fight Flu Virus?
Elderberry juice can keep influenza virus from infecting cells and also keep the flu virus from replicating.
Will Vitamin D Supplements Really Protect You from Colds?
Adequate sleep and vitamin D supplements could help boost immunity against colds or the flu during the winter season.
Good News About This Year’s Flu Season!
Did you catch influenza during this year's flu season? If so, how bad was it? We have good news for a change. Influenza is fading fast!
Does Injection Technique Lead to Bruising from Immunization?
Over the last few decades, nurses and pharmacists have changed their standard injection technique. Does that affect patient reactions?
Will You Get a Flu Shot? How Well Will It Work?
The CDC wants you to get a flu shot before you come down with the flu. How well will it work? In past years, it wasn't all that great.
Surge in Viral Infections Linked to Shortage of Children’s Fever Medicine
With cases of several viral illnesses rising, pharmacies report shortages of children's fever medicines. Some limit purchase of these drugs.
Is It Too Late for a Flu Vaccination This Year?
Flu season is here and cases are spreading fast. Hospitals are overwhelmed! Is it too late to get a flu vaccination? Can it still protect?
Will We Have a Tripledemic This Year? Health Officials Are Concerned
In a tripledemic with high rates of flu, COVID and RSV cases, hospital emergency departments may have trouble coping.
Will Increasing FLU Create A Twindemic This Winter?
Flu cases are climbing. Australia had a BAD flu season! We may be next. Will COVID cases and deaths go up again? Are we facing a TWINDEMIC?
Show 1314: Better Air Quality Through Ventilation and Filtration
In this interview, Dr. Richard Corsi describes why we need better air quality and how to achieve it through ventilation and filtration.
Have You Had Lasting Pain from a Shot?
Some readers have experienced lasting pain in their shoulders following a vaccination. This may be due to the shot being administered to the wrong site.
What Should You Know About Vaccine Effectiveness?
How does the COVID-19 vaccine compare to the polio, flu, tetanus or whooping cough vaccines? What you should know about vaccine effectiveness!
The Great Influenza Fizzle…Again!
The CDC warned us that this year's flu season would likely be bad. How good was the prediction? Was flu a problem or an influenza fizzle?
Show 1253: The Lessons of COVID-19 on How to Avoid Airborne Viral Transmission
Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, moves like an aerosol. How can we avoid airborne viral transmission?
A Silver Lining to COVID-19 – Fewer Flu Cases
Masks, travel restrictions and working from home haven't stopped the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have led to many fewer flu cases.
What Happened to the Flu This Year?
Public health officials have seen many fewer cases of the flu this year. Perhaps precautions against COVID-19 slow the spread of flu, too.
Should You Get Vaccinated Against Flu This Year?
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, this is a good year to get vaccinated against flu. That reduces your risk of suffering both infections.
Flu Shots Linked to Deaths in South Korea
People in South Korea are concerned about influenza vaccinations this year. That's because flu shots linked to deaths have made headlines.
Can We Fight Flu at the Same Time as COVID-19?
This year it is more important than ever to fight flu. Many of the same tactics that stop COVID-19 transmission also work against influenza.
Experts Warn of Possible Pandemic Yet to Come
A new H1N1 influenza virus from pigs can infect humans. Infectious disease specialists worry that this G4 virus could be a possible pandemic.
Show 1208: Keeping Kids Healthy in the Age of Coronavirus
How are parents and grandparents keeping kids healthy when they can't go to school or the playground? Dr. Alan Greene has suggestions for families, 4/18/20.
Will Tamiflu Side Effects Stop You from Taking It?
If you have influenza, your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu to help you recover faster. What should you know about Tamiflu side effects?
Did This Year’s Flu Shot Work for Adults? NOPE!
How well did this year's flu shot work for you? Have you avoided influenza? If so, it may have been thanks to coincidence. Children did get good protection.
Can Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) Help People Recover From Flu?
Have you had the flu this year? How would you distinguish between a bad cold and influenza? Can Tamiflu (oseltamivir) help if you do have influenza?
Protecting Yourself from the Flu with Tamiflu
If you haven't yet had your flu shot, you might have waited too long. Ask your doctor about protecting yourself from the flu with an antiviral drug.
Can a Mask Help Protect You from Flu?
Wearing a face mask may help protect you from flu. What helps even more is for infected people to wear a mask if they can't stay at home.
Coronavirus Freak Out: Is It Justified or Overblown?
Coronavirus is capturing headlines. The World Health Organization just declared it a global health emergency. Is the coronavirus freak out justified?
FDA Cracks Down on Claims for Hand Sanitizers
The FDA objects to unproven claims that Purell hand sanitizers can disable dangerous viruses.
Should You Take Antiviral Drugs If You Catch the Flu?
Are you worried about the coronavirus? The headlines are scary. But what about influenza? You are far more likely to catch the flu this season. What to do?
Long Lasting Shoulder Pain After Flu Shot
The CDC states side effects from a flu shot are generally mild and go away within a few days. Some of our readers are left with long lasting shoulder pain.
Will the 2019/2020 Flu Season Be Terrible?
Experts are predicting that the 2019/2020 flu season may be worse than usual. Consider getting a flu shot and keeping your immune system strong.
Strange Start To Flu Season: How Good Is the Vaccine?
Flu season is off to a very fast start. Bad news, especially since there are concerns that there may be a mismatch between the H3N2 virus and the vaccine.
Some Steamy Strategies to Prevent Influenza
Flu is here! It will spread. What can you do to prevent influenza besides get a flu shot? You may be intrigued to learn how humidity fights flu.
What Is the Impact of Herbal Treatments for Cough?
Herbal treatments for cough can help avoid overuse of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance. Have you tried sage for sore throat & thyme for cough?
All About KayaBiotics
Have you been wondering about KayaBiotics when you hear us mention this sponsor on the air? Listen to the CEO, Christian Ziegert, discuss the company.
Should You Get Your Flu Shot Now? How Well Will It Work?
Do you get your flu shot every fall? How effective is the influenza vaccine? Do you care? What can Australia tell us about the coming flu season in the US?
Flu Vaccine Failures Are Quickly Forgotten
Public health authorities don't like to talk about flu vaccine failures. But the ability of the flu virus to mutate can lead to disappointing results.
Doctor Disses Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Against Flu
We have been intrigued to read the controversy surrounding oral antiviral medications against influenza. Many doctors find oseltamivir (Tamiflu) unworthy.
Watch Out for a Second Wave of Flu
CDC reports that a second wave of flu is sweeping the southeastern US. Instead of the milder H1N1 most common earlier this season, the new flu is H3N2.
Overdosing on Xofluza for Flu Led to Devastating Diarrhea
What happens when a doctor doesn't read dosing instructions? These patients suffered when they took the new antiviral drug Xofluza for flu. How good is it?
What Happened to Cod Liver Oil as a Home Remedy?
A reader who remembers home remedies of long ago wonders what happened to cod liver oil. Although doctors no longer prescribe it, people still take it.
What Should You Know About Xofluza Side Effects?
Xofluza side effects of diarrhea, nausea and bronchitis were only slightly more common than placebo side effects. Is it worth taking?
Did the Maker Recall Ibuprofen for Your Baby?
Dosage variation prompted a manufacturer to recall ibuprofen for treating infants' fevers.
Will Xofluza Help You Recover from the Flu Quickly?
FDA has just approved a new flu drug, Xofluza, that should shorten symptoms by about a day. For best results, take it as soon as you come down with flu.
How Can You Avoid the Flu This Season?
To avoid the flu this year, consider getting a flu shot, wearing a face mask and gargling with green tea. Careful hand washing can also be helpful.
Should You Be Scared of the Upcoming Flu Season?
Have you had your flu shot yet? Will you get one soon? Will this year's flu season be as bad as last years? Find out what happened in Australia!
Security Line Is the Germiest Spot in the Airport
Trays in the security line at the airport may be handled by hundreds of people an hour. A study shows they are loaded with viruses, so wash your hands before and after screening.
Extra Summer Sunshine Makes for Milder Flu Season
Extra summer sunshine at the end of the season is associated with a less severe flu season afterwards. Perhaps that's because people have higher vitamin D levels.
Will Wearing a Face Mask Protect Against the Flu?
Have you ever worn a surgical mask to avoid the flu? If not, why not? Do you wash your hands? Wearing a face mask AND washing your hands is your best protection.
Flu Myths and Misconceptions about the Vaccine
There are a surprising number of flu myths and misconceptions. Will washing your hands prevent influenza? What about the flu shot?
Why People with Flu Should Stay Home from Work
You should stay home from work when you are sick with the flu so you don't spread it to your co-workers or customers. But can you afford to stay home?
Can Kefir Help You Recover from an Infection?
Studies suggest that drinking the fermented milk product kefir can benefit the immune system and help you recover from an infection more rapidly.
Why Does the Flu Kill So Many Healthy People?
By all accounts this year's influenza epidemic is nasty. Hospital are overwhelmed. How does the flu kill otherwise healthy people? Is there anything to prevent flu complications?
Oseltamivir | Tamiflu Did Not Work. What Went Wrong?
Some people say Tamiflu helps them get over the flu. Others report that Tamiflu did not work. What's the real story here? What Tamiflu side effects should you watch out for?
Will The Influenza Vaccine Protect You from Flu’s Complications?
You are told to get a flu shot. Even if the influenza vaccine won't prevent the flu it is supposed reduce the severity of symptoms. Is that really true?
Is the Flu Worse Than Usual This Year?
A virulent strain of influenza, a weak vaccination and shortages of medication and equipment could contribute to making the flu worse this year.
Should You Worry About Germs on Your Coffee Cup Lid?
Are you someone who cares about germs or are you a bring-them-on kind of person? What about germs on your coffee cup lid? People get worked up about this!
What Can You Do When the Flu Shot Doesn’t Work?
Influenza is spreading across the country. Did you get the vaccine? What if the flu shot doesn't work? What else can you do to protect yourself from flu?
Is Man Flu Really a Thing?
Don't accuse that guy of man flu as if he were malingering; men really don't fight off infection as well as women do.
Does Tamiflu Speed Recovery from Influenza? What about Side Effects?
Does Tamiflu (oseltamivir) work against the flu? How serious are the side effects? Why is one doctor so angry with us about our thoughts on antiviral drugs?
Will the Flu Shot Protect You from Influenza This Year?
It is not clear if the flu shot will protect you from infection this year. Its performance in Australia was unimpressive, to say the least.
Flu Shots Fail to Protect Kids with Leukemia
Although influenza vaccination is supposed to prevent flu in the most vulnerable groups, kids with leukemia got flu whether or not they were vaccinated.
Will the Coming Flu Season Be Vicious?
If the coming flu season follows Australia's recent pattern, it could be quite severe. Take steps to protect yourself from the flu.
Should You Be Rushing To Get Your Flu Shot?
You will be urged to get your flu shot over the next several weeks. How well will it work? Are there any side effects? What about severe shoulder pain?
Not All Flu Shots Are Created Equal
How effective were flu shots last year? What about in past years? You might be surprised to discover that vaccine effectiveness is often disappointing.
Is Vitamin D Good for Colds? Will it Battle the Flu?
The vitamin wars continue. Many health professionals say vitamins are a waste of money. Is vitamin D good for colds? What does the latest research conclude?
Tamiflu to Help You Recover from the Flu
If influenza strikes, you could ask the doctor about a prescription for Tamiflu to help you recover from the flu a bit more quickly.
Are You Vulnerable to This Year’s Flu?
Researchers have found that the first flu attack a child suffers helps them build lifelong resistance to that strain of flu. What about this year's flu?
Did a Flu Shot Cause Severe Shoulder Pain?
Some people report severe shoulder pain that lasts for weeks or even months after getting their flu vaccination.
What Happened to the FluMist Nasal Spray Vaccine?
Parents and children were happy when a nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) offered an alternative to shots. This year the CDC did an about face on FluMist.
Study Says Acetaminophen Is No Good Against Flu
Although most OTC cold and flu medicines contain acetaminophen, a study from New Zealand suggests that the drug is no good against flu.
Will the Flu Shot Work Better This Year or Will It Disappoint?
How good is this year's influenza vaccine? We won't have an answer to that question for months. Did you know that statins may reduce its effectiveness?
Do Statins Screw Up Flu Vaccine Effectiveness?
Totally unexpected reports in the Journal of Infectious Diseases suggest that people taking statins are less likely to respond strongly to the flu vaccine.
Is My Lasting Shoulder Pain Due to the Flu Shot?
We have never received so many reports of persistent shoulder and arm pain from flu shots until the last year. Has something changed with the flu shot?
Flu Medicines Make Sense for People at High Risk of Complications
Despite weak evidence, experts encourage doctors to use flu medicines for hospitalized and other vulnerable patients who develop flu-like illness.
Why Does My Shoulder Still Hurt So Much After a Flu Shot?
People have experienced long lasting severe shoulder pain and reduced range of motion after a flu shot. Did you know there is compensation for the injury?
Can Flu Shots Cause Long-Lasting Arm Pain?
This year's flu shot was disappointing because it was not very effective. More worrisome are reports that some people have been left with severe arm pain.
Why Don’t More Doctors Prescribe Pills for Influenza?
Antiviral drugs for influenza can speed recovery and reduce the severity of complications.
Flu at Epidemic Levels! What Should You Do?
This year's H3N2 flu is hitting hard. What can you do to prevent infection or speed recovery? Read the scandalous history of antiviral medicines in the U.S.
The Furor Over the Flu Shot Won’t Die Down
This year's flu vaccine doesn't match up well with the flu viruses making people sick.
Influenza Spreading Around the Country
More cases of influenza are being reported in most parts of the country; CDC urges use of antiviral medications.
New Flu Drug Approved
The FDA has approved an IV drug called Rapivab to treat adults with the flu.
This Year’s Flu May Be a Little Different
The illness that the flu is producing this year may not be recognized, as it has little fever and not many respiratory symptoms.
Flu Season Roars in Early
Flu viruses put in an early appearance this season. Infections could be severe.
This Year, Flu Shot Is Less Than Perfect
The dominant flu virus this year has mutated since last year, so the flu shot is not a great match.
New Influenza Medicine Shortens Illness
A new injectable antiviral medicine shortens the duration of influenza infections.
Complete Data on Antiviral Flu Medicines Indicate They May Not Be Doing the Job
How well do antiviral flu medicines work to prevent or treat influenza? The analysis published by BMJ was controversial.
Could Vitamin D Keep You Healthy This Winter?
The research connecting vitamin D supplementation with fewer infections is confusing, but you may want to consider a daily dose until spring.
Should You Fight Fever When You Have Flu?
It may come as a surprise to learn that there aren't good clinical trials measuring the benefits of lowering a fever when patients have influenza.
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