American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Search
-
OTC Medicines: Know Your Risks and Reduce Them
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be purchased at the store without a doctor’s prescription, but care should still be taken to… Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those you can buy at the store. You don’t need a prescription from your doctor. They help you feel better by treating or…
-
Pityriasis Rosea
Learn about the symptoms and causes of pityriasis rosea, and how it is diagnosed and treated… What is pityriasis rosea? Pityriasis rosea is a scaly, reddish-pink skin rash. It is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 35 years old. Symptoms of…
-
Herpes
Herpes is a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. There is no cure, but medicines can treat… What is herpes? Herpes is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. The most common viruses are: Herpes zoster:…
-
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, thin sores in your mouth. You might get them on the inside of your lips or… at the base of your gums, or under your tongue. Canker sores also are called aphthous ulcers. Canker sores are different from cold sores (also called fever blisters). Cold…
-
Viral Infections During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, it’s important to take precautions against viral infections to protect you and your baby… miscarriage or birth defects. A virus can affect your respiratory tract (breathing) and can cause other symptoms. The flu and the common cold are examples of viral…
-
Antihistamines: Understanding Your OTC Options
Over the counter antihistamines can be used to treat allergy symptoms. It’s important to know what they do and the… who have trouble sleeping (insomnia). Some common kinds you can buy over the counter include: Brompheniramine (one brand name: Children’s Dimetapp Cold) Dimenhydrinate (one brand…
-
Getting the Most from Your OTC Medicine
Over the counter medicines are available without a prescription, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be safe when… OTC medicines to relieve headaches, other pain, constipation, nausea, or allergies. You may also have used them to treat symptoms of a cold or the…
-
Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options
Over-the-counter cough suppressants can be used to treat some coughs that are interfering with your sleep or activities, but not… suppressants that can help. Path to improved health Most of the time, a cough doesn’t require treatment. A cough from a cold or the flu…
-
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a rare condition that narrows your blood vessels. It causes your fingers or toes to turn color… What is Raynaud’s disease? Raynaud’s disease is a rare condition. It is a temporary narrowing of your blood vessels caused by spasm. The condition…
-
Reye’s Syndrome
Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness common in children recovering from a virus and taking aspirin. It can… What is Reye’s syndrome? Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness that can be harmful to the brain and the liver. It is most…
-
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus can be found in saliva, mucus, and other… What is mononucleosis? Mononucleosis (often called “mono”) is a contagious illness. It’s usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, but can be caused by other…
-
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions. Learn the warning signs of these heat-related illnesses, as well as how to… What are heat exhaustion and heatstroke? Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. If you don’t treat heat exhaustion, it can lead…
-
COVID-19
Our COVID-19 health hub offers important information and resources to help you understand and manage your condition… COVID-19 Essential Information | Diagnosis | Prevention | At-A-Glance Guides | Related Conditions | More Resources COVID-19: A Brief Overview COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) is an infectious disease caused…
-
Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are medicines you can buy at a store, without a prescription from your doctor. They can… Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are medicines you can buy at a store, without a prescription from your doctor. They can decrease or stop pain…
-
Do I Have COVID-19 or the Flu?
COVID-19 and the flu have many symptoms in common. It can be tricky to know which you have. But there… If you find yourself feeling under the weather with a fever, body aches, and other symptoms, you may wonder what’s making you feel so bad…
-
RSV in Adults Over 60
Older adults (above the age of 60) are at higher risk for severe RSV infection. This is especially true if… What is RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. The virus is common in…
-
Echinacea: What Should I Know About It?
Echinacea has been a popular herbal remedy for centuries. Today, it is often used to prevent or treat viruses that… Echinacea is a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada. It is also called coneflower. It is a member of the daisy family…
-
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid controls your metabolism, heart rate, muscles, bones, and other organs… What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is known as underactive thyroid. It occurs when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. It means you have low thyroid…
