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"CHRONIC ILLNESS" results
  • A young woman with blond hair holding a red heart

    Caregiver Health and Wellness

    Caregivers are at increased risk for a number of health problems. Learn about these conditions and what you can do… A caregiver is someone who gives basic care to a person who has a chronic medical condition. A chronic condition is an illness that lasts…

  • Chronic Cough

    A chronic cough is one that lasts for 8 weeks or more… of suffering unnecessarily. Questions to ask your doctor Do cough drops, hot drinks, or water help ease a chronic cough? What serious illness could cause chronic cough? Does excessive coughing affect your heart…

  • Senior man with lower back pain

    Chronic Pain Medicines

    Chronic pain can last from 3 months to many years. Medicines to treat it include pain relievers, antidepressants, and… If you take other pain medicines, do not take NSAIDs without talking to your doctor first. Antidepressants Many drugs that treat other illnesses can also treat…

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    COPD is a disease that makes it hard for you to breathe. The two main types of COPD are chronic… What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? COPD is a disease that makes it hard for you to breathe. The two main types of COPD…

  • A woman frowning and grabbing her lower abdomen while sitting on the couch

    Chronic Pelvic Pain

    Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by multiple medical conditions, many of which can be treated or managed with proper… sexual abuse: If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, you are more likely to experience chronic pelvic pain. How is chronic pelvic pain…

  • A woman sitting in front of her computer, talking on her cell phone, and yawning

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease that causes extreme fatigue that lasts for more than 6 months and interrupts daily… What is chronic fatigue syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease that causes you to become so fatigued (tired) you can’t perform normal…

  • Chronic health conditions can increase your risk of being hospitalized with influenza. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best protection.

    Flu Risks and Chronic Conditions

    Chronic health conditions can increase your risk of being hospitalized with influenza (the flu). Getting an annual flu vaccine is… Chronic health conditions can increase your risk of being hospitalized with influenza (the flu). A study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention…

  • A fourteen year old Caucasian girl reads her blood sugar level by placing her cellphone next to her pump in her arm as she sits at a dining table.

    Diabetes in Kids - Signs and Causes

    Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your child’s body doesn’t’ make or use insulin properly. There are two… What is diabetes in kids? Diabetes—in kids and adults—is a long-lasting (chronic) condition that affects how your body turns sugars known as glucose into energy…

  • A man with food poisoning sits on the couch and vomits into a green bucket.

    Food Poisoning

    Food poisoning is a primarily intestinal illness that occurs when you eat or drink something that contains harmful bacteria, viruses,… What is food poisoning? Food poisoning (also known as food-borne illness) occurs when you eat or drink something that contains harmful germs (bacteria, viruses, or…

  • a female caregiver puts her arm around an elderly woman as they walk outside

    Caregiving: Care for Yourself While Caring for Others

    Caregivers provide care for people with chronic medical conditions. It can be challenging, and they often experience stress and get… A caregiver is someone who gives basic care to a person who has a chronic medical or intellectual condition. A chronic condition is one…

  • A mother and two young children lie in bed blowing their noses. Flu symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for symptoms of the common cold and vice versa. Both are contagious respiratory illnesses.

    Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms

    The common cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. They share many symptoms, but they… As fall approaches each year, it signals the time for changes in the weather, holidays with family—and coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and headaches. When…

  • Male clinician testing vaccine in lab

    Smallpox Vaccine

    A case of smallpox hasn’t been seen since 1977, but it was once a serious virus. Symptoms included a rash,… Smallpox is an illness caused by the variola virus. A vaccine targeting smallpox led to its eradication (elimination). The CDC reports that the last natural…

  • Sad-looking young woman with dysthymic disorder, or PDD, looks down while holding a mug.

    Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

    Persistent depressive disorder is a mild or moderate depression that can last at least 2 years. It can be treated… What is dysthymic disorder or persistent depressive disorder (PDD)? Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is chronic depression that lasts a long time. A person’s moods are generally…

  • A woman with dark colored hair, wearing a white shirt receiving vaccination

    Adult vaccinations

    Adult vaccinations are important for adults for staying healthy as they age… Vaccinations are as important for adults as they are for children. Just because you're grown doesn't mean you're immune from certain illnesses. Vaccinations are important in staying healthy. Unfortunately, many adults don't know…

  • Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes muscle pain and general fatigue. It is a condition that is often misunderstood.

    Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes muscle pain and general fatigue… What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes muscle pain and general fatigue. People who have fibromyalgia often have a heightened sensitivity to pain or experience chronic pain. This means it lasts…

  • Depression

    Our depression health hub offers important information and resources to help you understand and manage your condition… Depression Essential Information  |  Depression in Children and Teens  |  Postpartum Depression  |  Depression in Older Adults  |  Diagnosis  |  Treatment  |  Prevention  |  Doctors' Notes  | …

  • A young caring mother kisses her sick daughter's head. Cold and flu season often begins in October as the weather outside starts to turn cold. It can last until May. Each year, it’s important to prepare and protect your family from these illnesses.

    Combat Cold and Flu Season

    Cold and flu season usually begins when the weather starts to cool. You can take steps to help protect your… Cold and flu season often begins in October as the weather outside starts to turn cold. It can last until May. Each year, it's…

  • A little girl lies in bed with a thermometer in her mouth. Fifth disease is a mild viral infection that causes a bright red rash on the face. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat and headache.

    Fifth Disease

    Fifth disease is a mild viral infection that causes a bright red rash on the face. It also has cold-like… What is fifth disease? Fifth disease is a mild viral infection caused by human parvovirus B19. It’s more common in children than adults. The…