American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Cold and Flu
Follow this chart for information about how to treat the symptoms of a cold or the flu and how to… Follow this chart for information about how to treat the symptoms of a cold or the flu and how to know when to see a…
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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…
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When a “Chest Cold” Is Something More
You probably know the feeling of having cold symptoms that move from your head into your chest. Many people call this a chest cold. The medical term for it is “acute bronchitis.” Bronchitis is an inflammation (or irritation) of the airways. Airways are the…
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Children's OTC Cough & Cold Medicine: Dos and Don'ts
Learn the dos and don’ts for safely giving your child over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines… be harmful. Read through this list of dos and don’ts to make sure you are giving your child OTC cough and cold medicine safely. Dos Do learn how to…
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OTC Cough and Cold Medicines and My Child
Doctors do not recommend giving children younger than 6 years old OTC medicines for cough and cold… When your young child has a cough or cold, you want to make them feel better. But over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines are not the answer. Doctors do…
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How to Treat Cold Sores
Cold sores are small, blister-like, fluid-filled lesions that usually appear around the border of the lips. They are caused by… are very common and also very contagious. Even though they are called cold sores, they have nothing to do with having a cold. You catch…
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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…
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Throat Problems
Throat pain and mouth sores, along with other cold and flu symptoms, are common problems. This chart will direct you… Throat pain and mouth sores, along with other cold and flu symptoms, are common problems. This chart will direct you to the appropriate care…
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Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a medical condition. It occurs when you are exposed to bitter cold for a long time and your… drops suddenly. This can happen if you fall into cold water. It also can happen if you are wet and in the cold. Hikers, hunters,…
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Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a mild viral infection that causes a bright red rash on the face. It also has cold-like… you are unlikely to be at risk of getting it again. Symptoms The first signs of fifth disease are mild flu- or cold-like symptoms, including:…
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Over-the-counter Products
There is an over-the-counter medicine for almost anything that ails you – from pain relievers to cough and cold treatments… …
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Colds and the Flu
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for colds and the flu… What is a cold and what is the flu? A cold and the flu are viral infections. They both affect your respiratory system. This includes your throat, nose, airway and lungs. It…
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Pregnancy and RSV
In August 2023, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) to help prevent severe RSV… Respiratory synctial virus (RSV) is a common condition that affects a person’s respiratory system. In most cases, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, infants and…
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Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion
Over-the-counter medicine is available to treat congestion (stuffy nose)… What are OTC decongestants? Decongestants are medicines that help relieve a congested (stuffy) nose. The congestion can be caused by a cold virus or by the flu, sinusitis, or allergies. Most decongestants come in pill…
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Deciding When to See a Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor is an important decision. While there are no set rules, some general guidelines can… Should I go to the doctor? Most of us have asked that question at one time or another. Whether it’s a bad cold, a funny-looking…
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How to Read an OTC Drug Facts Label
Over-the-counter medicines contain important information about their benefits and side effects on the drug facts label… Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a doctor's prescription. Examples include pain relievers, allergy medicines, and cough and cold medicines. Vitamins and supplements also are sold…
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Nasal Sprays: How to Use Them Correctly
Nasal sprays are liquid medicines you spray into your nose to help relieve congestion. Using nasal sprays the correct way… Nasal sprays are liquid medicines you spray into your nose. They are used to help relieve congestion (stuffiness) in your nose. Congestion is often a…
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Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a respiratory infection. It is also known as pertussis. Whooping cough is highly contagious and is most… What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is a respiratory infection. It is also known as pertussis. Whooping cough is highly contagious and is most…
