American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Teenagers: How to Stay Healthy
Developing healthy habits when you’re a teenager will help you as you grow into an adult. Learn tips for staying… weight, and blood pressure. Give advice about healthy lifestyle choices, like diet and activity. Offer immunizations, if needed. Provide immunizations (shots or vaccines) to reduce your risk…
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COVID-19 | Symptoms and Prevention
COVID-19 is highly contagious and does not yet have an approved vaccine. Symptoms may include a cough, a fever, and… The AAFP and CDC recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for people 5 and older, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for people 18…
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. How serious it is depends on what caused the pneumonia, your age, and… catching what they have. Is there a vaccine for pneumonia? There isn’t a vaccine for all types of pneumonia, but 2 vaccines are available. These…
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Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that weaken and shrink your muscles. It is rare, but it gets… independence. In the later stages of the disease, you may get more respiratory infections. It's important to get pneumonia and flu vaccines. Choking may also…
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Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is the use of bacteria, viruses, or germs to purposely harm large quantities of people or communities… common bioterrorist agent. It can spread from person to person. Plague symptoms include: Fever. Headache. Weakness. Chest pain. Cough. Bloody mucous discharge. Vaccines for anthrax and smallpox…
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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Learn how to better protect yourself from COVID-19… COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which was identified in 2019. Coronaviruses mutate (change) into new and different variants. However, they remain infectious to people and some animals. The infection spreads through respiratory…
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Flu Myths
The flu is something to take seriously. But it’s important to sort out fact from fiction to stay healthy… The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection. It occurs in your respiratory (breathing) area and affects your throat, lungs, and nose. There are a…
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Fear of Needles
Many children are scared of shots because they have a fear of needles. Help your child understand that shots are… No matter how old you are, getting a shot at the doctor’s office is no fun. As adults, we recognize that the benefit is worth…
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Air Travel Health Tips
One key to air travel is to prepare ahead of time. Follow these tips to make your air travel healthier… Traveling can be a big process, especially when you’re flying. It can be hard to relax, stay healthy, and feel safe. This applies whether you’re…
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Viral Infections During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, it’s important to take precautions against viral infections to protect you and your baby… If you are pregnant, it's important to take precautions against viral infections. A viral infection is a contagious illness. Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However,…
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Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation in the airways of the lungs that lasts longer than 3 months. It is most… What is chronic bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation (or irritation) of the airways in the lungs. Chronic means it lasts longer than 3 months…
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Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects physical and intellectual development… What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes physical problems and intellectual disabilities. It is most often caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21…
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Chickenpox Vaccine
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that is easily preventable with the use of a vaccine… What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is most common in children. Most cases occur in people who are younger than 15…
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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…
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Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It once was a common childhood disease until a vaccine… What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is most common in children. The classic symptom is an…
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Mumps
Learn about mumps and how it can be prevented… What are mumps? Mumps is a virus. It causes the glands around your neck (between your ear and jaw) to swell. These glands make the saliva (spit) that helps you chew and swallow food. Mumps…
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Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in infants and young children. It is usually caused by a virus. RSV is… What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in infants and young children. It happens when the smallest air passages in the lungs…
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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…
