Archive: Influenza
Cat catches swine flu
Does the swine flu pandemic pose a threat to your pet? Yes, according to a report out today from the American Veterinary Medical Association. A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, state officials confirmed this morning, "marking the first time a cat has been diagnosed with...
By Rob Stein | November 4, 2009; 12:25 PM ET | Comments (21)
Sneezes spread paranoia
During these days of swine flu fears, common sneezes and coughs are spreading more than just colds and the flu. They're spreading paranoia, according to new research. University of Michigan psychologist Spike Lee and colleagues decided to test whether people's fears of sneezes and coughs spilled over into other areas....
By Rob Stein | November 4, 2009; 07:15 AM ET | Comments (0)
Spreading swine flu
People may be able to spread swine flu even after their symptoms have subsided, according to new research. A study of Air Force cadets who came down with the flu this summer found that a significant proportion of them were still "shedding" virus more than 24 hours after their fever...
By Rob Stein | October 21, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (6)
Getting Guys to Wash Their Hands
We all know that one of the simplest, best ways to stay healthy is to wash our hands a lot, especially these days during the swine flu pandemic. Some new research out Thursday offers clues to what gets people to actually do it. And guess what? Shame appears to be...
By Rob Stein | October 15, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (20)
Added Bonus from Seasonal Flu Shots?
If you've gotten or plan to get the regular seasonal flu shot this year, there may be an added bonus: It may also provide some protection against the new H1N1 virus that is causing the swine flu pandemic. Jose Luis Valdespino-Gomez of the Biological Laboratories Reagents of Mexico and other...
By Rob Stein | October 8, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (5)
Using the Web to Diagnose Swine Flu
Are you wondering whether you or your kid is sick enough to see a doctor to get treated for swine flu? There are two web sites available to help you out -- one from the federal government and one developed by Microsoft Corp. and doctors at Emory University. If you...
By Rob Stein | October 7, 2009; 11:15 AM ET | Comments (4)
Pregnant Women and the Flu
There's some intriguing new evidence out today offering pregnant women yet another reason to try to avoid getting the H1N1 "swine flu." A new study suggests that babies born to mothers exposed to the subtype of flu virus causing the swine flu pandemic may be at risk for health problems...
By Rob Stein | October 1, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (6)
What Do You Eat When You've Got the Flu?
Are you a "feed a fever, starve a cold" person? Or do you "feed a cold, starve a fever"? In reality, you shouldn't starve either a cold or a fever. To the extent that you can, you should try to keep eating (and drinking) nutritious foods and beverages while you're...
By Jennifer LaRue Huget | September 22, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (5)
Hand-Washing How-To
The Scrub Club site puts a creative spin on teaching children how to wash their hands. (Courtesy of Scrubclub.org) My husband and I have always been real sticklers for hand-washing: Nobody eats in our household till they've scrubbed up. With the threat of swine flu, I've ramped up the...
By Jennifer LaRue Huget | May 1, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (4)
How Are You Preparing for Swine Flu?
By Justin Jouvenal Swine flu has yet to show up in the D.C. area, but hospitals and government officials are gearing up for the possibility. Maryland has opened a swine flu command center in Baltimore, Children's National Medical Center is closely monitoring reports of outbreaks, and Howard University Hospital officials...
By Amy Adkins | April 27, 2009; 01:42 PM ET | Comments (19)
Young People Felled by Flu
Those of us trying to make sense of the recent flu-related deaths of two Maryland teens have to face the reality that life can be terribly unfair. While we know that the very young and the very old, those with chronic illnesses or underlying health conditions and those with compromised...
By Jennifer LaRue Huget | March 2, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (14)
