Evidence-Based Medical Knowledge You Can Trust
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, spreading through contact, food, water, or vectors.
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a health topic that has recently returned to the headlines in Malaysia. While many people think of TB as a disease from the past, the start of 2026 has shown us that it is still a very real challenge for … Read more
Quick Answer: TrumpRx is a new government-backed website (TrumpRx.gov) launched in February 2026. It helps people find discounts on expensive brand-name drugs by connecting them directly to drug makers. It covers over 40 major medications for weight loss (like Ozempic), diabetes, fertility, and asthma. While it offers big savings for those paying with cash, it … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer No, hand sanitizer does not effectively kill norovirus. While alcohol-based sanitizers work great for the flu or COVID-19, norovirus has a “hard shell” that alcohol cannot break. To remove norovirus from your hands, you must wash them thoroughly with soap and water for … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer For most home and food service uses, you should calibrate your thermometer at least once a week or anytime it is dropped. In medical or industrial settings, calibration is typically required annually by a certified lab, though daily “check-ins” using an ice bath … Read more
Quick Answer: Does It Work? Yes, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is highly effective at killing the influenza virus. For it to work, the sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol. When used correctly, it can neutralize the flu virus on your skin in about 20 to 30 seconds. However, it is not a “magic bullet”—it works … Read more
Quick Answer A chest infection usually feels like a heavy cold that has moved down into your lungs. The most common signs are a persistent cough, thick mucus (which may be yellow or green), shortness of breath, and a dull aching in your chest. Unlike a simple sore throat, a chest infection often comes with … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Influenza viruses change all the time. Some cause routine seasonal illness. Others raise red flags for doctors and public health teams. H3N1 flu falls into the second group. So what is H3N1 flu, and why does it matter? H3N1 is a subtype of influenza A. … Read more
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute viral respiratory infection that affects children at higher rates than adults. Children not only contract influenza more frequently but also play a major role in community transmission due to prolonged viral shedding. Understanding influenza symptoms in children is essential for early diagnosis, appropriate care, and prevention … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Many people are asking: is there a super flu going around? The term “super flu” is widely used online and in news headlines, but it is not a medical diagnosis. It usually describes seasons when many people get very sick at the same time with … Read more
Yes. Flu vaccines are considered safe for the general population. They undergo extensive clinical testing, continuous safety monitoring, and decades of real-world use. Serious adverse events are rare, while benefits—reduced hospitalization, complications, and flu-related deaths—are well documented. What Is the Flu Vaccine? The flu vaccine protects against influenza viruses expected to circulate during a given … 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
Yes. Influenza can cause diarrhea, particularly in pediatric patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms are a recognized but secondary feature of influenza infection. 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 How Common Is … Read more
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
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
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