How the Flu flies? Influenza is an air-borne disease which is transmitted by coughing or sneezing, creating aerosols containing the virus and through hand-to-eye, hand-to-nose, or hand-to-mouth transmission, either from contaminated surfaces or from direct personal contact such as a hand-shake. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with bird droppings or nasal secretions or contaminated surfaces.Influenza is known as a...more
Why Get a Flu Vaccination Although we trust our bodies to protect us from bugs and viruses through the immune system, it's certainly not the case that it'll always be able to prevent us from getting sick – and it's certainly true that some people are more prone to sickness than others. The common cold can be a big inconvenience, but anybody who's ever experienced the flu knows that influenza can be a horrible experience that...more
Cold and Flu Remedies or The Flu Shot? Many people are interested in natural and herbal cold and flu remedies. The reasons vary. Some people are aware that an individual may experience an adverse reaction to flu shots. Other people just prefer to use herbs and botanicals as opposed to chemicals and drugs.True stories abound about individuals who have had an adverse reaction to flu shots. But, many health care professionals maintain that flu shots are completely safe and that stories about adverse reaction to flu shots are myths. It is hard to know who to listen to. One thing is certain, there are cold and flu remedies that are completely safe and natural. No one has ever reported an adverse reaction to echinacea.Possibly the most severe adverse reaction to flu shots ever reported came during and immediately after swine flu vaccinations in 1976. People who were hoping to prevent the need for cold and flu remedies took the shots and developed a condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease in which the body damages it's own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis and sometimes permanent nerve damage. It may be a combination of factors that causes...more
What Causes Stomach Flu Vermont and How Can I Fight It? Stomach flu Vermont has most recently been caused by the norovirus. Stomach flu is also known as gastroenteritis, and can be caused by several other viruses. In some cases, the root cause of the flu is a bacterial infection. However, the cause is viral more often than not. These...more
Can Marijuana Prevent H1n1 virus? The potency of pot like a health related drug is a much-debated subject, as well as the prescriptive by using marijuana plant seeds is becoming ever more popular. Weed as being a medication forms a deep debate to be replaced by making marijuana legal, particularly since current research its likely...more
Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Ear Infection How are ear infections different than the flu and how can you tell the two apart? Let's use some of the content from iTriage (found on iPhone, Android, or at www.itriagehealth.com) to learn about ear infections and review some of the key differences. Please see our previous posts or iTriage to learn more specific details about the flu.DescriptionA middle ear infection or inflammation is the most common cause of earaches. It is frequently caused by viral infections, but bacteria can also be involved. Most infections resolve without antibiotics. A blocked eustacian tube (the tube that drains the middle ear into the throat) can increase the risk of acquiring the infection.SymptomsEar pain, fullness in the ear, feeling of general illness, vomiting, diarrhea, hearing loss in the affected ear, room spinning, dizziness. Infants may display increased fussiness, poor feeding, fever, crying.TestsA history and physical exam will be performed. Direct examination of the ear will demonstrate redness of the ear drum and fluid behind the ear.TreatmentMost ear infections will clear up on their own without antibiotics. Antibiotics are...more
Cold and Flu Natural Prevention The natural health research team at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) has prepared this report on natural cold and flu prevention techniques: Constant coughing, hacking, sneezing and sniffles are...more
Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Cellulitis How can you tell the difference between the flu and cellulitis? Let's review the information about cellulitis taken from iTriage (available on iPhone, Android, or at www.iTriageHealth.com....more
Importance of Flu Vaccinations Now that the flu vaccination is readily available for anybody who wants to get it, it's a good idea to make the most of the opportunity to protect yourself from sickness before it's too late. The flu is a...more
Cold and Flu Season and Massage by Andrew Wolfe,LMP Bump up your immune system with a massage.Harvest time is upon us again. It is a time to gather and take in the bounty of our labors. It is also a time of reflection, a time to look...more
Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu vs. Scarlet Fever To conclude our 10 part series on flu symptoms that are common to other conditions we would like to highlight the characteristic symptoms of Scarlet Fever. Let's begin by taking a look at...more
Flu Influenza H1N1 - How Does It Make A Person Sick? Flu influenza H1N1 reacts to everyone differently. Sometimes the symptoms are mild and linger for only a few days before disappearing. Then there are those who symptoms are so bad, they are...more