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

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.

Flu/Colds

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

Your Health

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

Your Health

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

Flu/Colds

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.

Flu/Colds

Why Hand-Washing Really Is as Important as Doctors Say

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

Your Health

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.

Your Health

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.

Sinusitis
Related Articles

9 Reasons to Get the Flu Vaccine

Myths and inaccurate information about the flu vaccine may prevent you from protecting yourself against the potentially deadly flu virus.

Sinusitis

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

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.

Sinusitis