Evidence-Based Medical Knowledge You Can Trust
Influenza is a contagious viral respiratory illness causing fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and potential complications in high-risk groups.
It’s a familiar scene.You’re on the couch. Feverish. Tissues everywhere. Your dog is right there with you—head on your lap, eyes locked in, refusing to leave your side. And somewhere between coughing and guilt, the question hits: Can dogs get the flu from humans? Short answer?Usually no—but it’s more complicated than a simple yes or … Read more
Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that mainly affects birds but can infect humans in rare cases. When it does, symptoms can range from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening disease. Knowing bird flu symptoms helps with early care, limits spread, and improves outcomes. What Is Bird Flu? Bird flu is … Read more
An at home flu test is a rapid diagnostic tool designed to detect influenza A and B viruses without visiting a clinic. These tests became widely known during the COVID-19 era, but influenza testing at home now serves a different clinical purpose: early recognition, timely isolation, and informed decisions about antiviral treatment. This article explains … Read more
A COVID and flu test at home allows individuals to check for two common respiratory infections without visiting a clinic or hospital. These tests became widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic and are now part of routine home health monitoring in many households. COVID-19 and influenza share many symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, … Read more
The 2025-2026 flu season presents a new challenge. A about variant has emerged. As flu cases rise across the US, understanding the characteristics of this new strain and taking preventive measures is crucial for protecting yourself and your community. This article will explore the current flu activity. It will focus on the main virus, subclade … Read more
COVID-19 is generally more contagious than influenza A, especially with recent variants. However, real-world spread depends on immunity levels, vaccination status, and exposure settings. Introduction Respiratory viruses spread every year, but two infections cause the most concern: influenza A and COVID-19. Both can cause outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths. Patients often ask the same question: what … Read more
Yes. Influenza can cause croup, especially in children. While parainfluenza viruses are the most common cause, influenza A and B are well-documented causes of croup and may lead to more severe symptoms than classic viral croup. What Is Croup? Croup is a viral respiratory illness marked by inflammation of the upper airway, mainly the larynx … Read more
No. Influenza and parainfluenza are not the same, even though both cause respiratory illness and share some similar symptoms. They are caused by different viruses, affect different age groups and airways, and have different clinical risks, complications, and treatments. Why This Question Matters Medically The question “are influenza and parainfluenza the same” is common in … Read more
What Is Influenza? Influenza (flu) is an acute viral infection caused by influenza A or B viruses. It primarily infects the respiratory tract. Core Features of Influenza Less Common but Recognized Symptoms Can Influenza Cause Diarrhea? Yes. Influenza can cause diarrhea, particularly in pediatric patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms are a recognized but secondary feature of influenza … Read more
Faster recovery from Influenza A depends on early antiviral treatment when indicated, strict rest, adequate hydration, targeted symptom control, proper nutrition, and prevention of complications through monitoring and isolation. Understanding Influenza A What Is Influenza A? Influenza A is a contagious viral respiratory illness caused by influenza A viruses. It spreads via respiratory droplets and … Read more
Influenza deaths 2026 refers to mortality associated with seasonal influenza viruses during the 2025–2026 influenza season and calendar year 2026. As of now, final, verified mortality totals for 2026 are not available. Influenza death counts are typically released as provisional estimates first, followed by finalized data after death certificate review and surveillance reconciliation. This article … Read more
The symptoms of COVID vs flu overlap enough that many patients cannot reliably tell them apart without testing. Both are contagious viral respiratory illnesses that spread mainly through droplets and close contact. Both can cause mild illness or severe complications, especially in older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. However, they are caused by … Read more
If you’ve ever had influenza A, you probably remember that stretch of days when everything felt heavy—your body, your head, even time itself.Those are the days people mean when they ask: what are the worst days of influenza A? Short answer?For most people, days 2 through 4 after symptoms begin hit the hardest. But… it’s … Read more
Flu vaccine in pregnancy is a critical preventive health measure. Pregnant individuals face higher risks from influenza due to physiological and immune system changes. Influenza infection during pregnancy is associated with increased rates of hospitalization, pneumonia, preterm birth, and severe maternal illness. Vaccination is the most effective method to reduce these risks for both the … Read more
The flu vaccine for children is a preventive medical intervention designed to reduce influenza-related illness, complications, hospitalizations, and mortality in pediatric populations. Influenza is not a mild illness in children. It can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, encephalopathy, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Children younger than 5 years, especially those … Read more