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

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

What to Do at the First Signs of Flu

If you drew the short straw this year and got the flu, here are some steps you can take to lessen your symptoms and speed along the recovery process.

Sinusitis

A Workout Could Be Good Medicine for the Common Cold

It might be the last thing you want to do when you are battling a cold, but exercise might actually make you feel better.

Sinusitis

Flu Cases Are Spiking Early: Is This a Sign Of a Tough Season Ahead?

The flu season is off to a fast and furious start, with a strain of the virus that normally arrives later in the season making a strong early appearance.

Sinusitis

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
Related Articles

Why Hand-Washing Beats Hand Sanitizers

Proper hand-washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to protect yourself during the cold and flu season.

Sinusitis

Only a Third of Pregnant Women Getting Vaccinations They Need

About two-thirds of pregnant women in the United States don't get vaccinated against both flu and whooping cough, putting them and their newborns at risk.

Pregnancy & Postpartum

Only Thing Certain About Flu Season: You Need to Get Your Shot

Although no one knows yet how severe this flu season will be, now is the time to get vaccinated.

Sinusitis