Influenza, or the flu, is a common respiratory infection caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Most people can clear the flu on their own. Sometimes there are complications of the flu, such as pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in the air sacs of one or both lungs and can be…
Influenza, or flu, is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. It affects the nose, lungs and throat. This influenza is not the same as a stomach flu, which may cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Most people recover on their own from influenza. Sometimes, the flu and its complications can be deadly. There is…
Both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine are safe if you are a cancer patient, a cancer survivor or in the midst of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or other course of treatment. The injectable vaccines do not contain live virus. The vaccines trigger an immune response using dead viruses. The American Cancer Society emphasizes…
There are two types of flu viruses that make people sick each year, influenza A and influenza B. Influenza A viruses are also present in animals. Influenza B viruses are only present in humans. Influenza A viruses are more common than influenza B among adults, and it is influenza A that causes seasonal flu epidemics…
Early flu symptoms can come on suddenly, usually within a few days of exposure to the influenza virus, and can include a fever. While fever is often thought of as a common flu symptom, not everyone who gets the flu runs a temperature. In addition to fever, common early flu symptoms include: Chills Body aches…
After getting the flu vaccine, some people may feel lousy for a bit, causing them to wonder “can you get the flu from the flu shot?” If you have a mild headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches or fatigue after getting the flu shot, it’s because your body is doing what it should. The vaccine triggers…
Norton Immediate Care Centers and health care provider offices are seeing increased demand for services, and not just from people who need COVID-19 or flu tests. Emergency departments also are seeing high numbers of patients. “It’s important to know when you need care and the best place to get it,” said Steven T. Hester, M.D.,…
COVID-19 and the seasonal flu have some of the same signs and can range from no symptoms to severe illness. Both infections can cause: Fever or chills Cough Difficulty breathing Fatigue Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Headache Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) One frequent symptom of COVID-19 that…
With its winter during our summer months, Australia often can be a good indicator of what kind of a flu season is on its way north of the equator. Based on the experience in Australia, the 2022-2023 flu season predictions are for a tough winter. From mid-April through the end of June in Australia, weekly…
Between kids taking classes from home, and work and other routines upended, it’s easy — but unwise — to put off getting a flu shot this year. The holidays are approaching and will create more opportunity to spread germs, no matter how careful you are. The flu shot isn’t 100% effective, but it’s your best…
During pregnancy, there are two vaccines that women should get to help protect them and their unborn children. Unfortunately, many women in the United States are not getting vaccinated, especially if they are Black or Hispanic. Just 61% of pregnant women got a flu shot during the 2019-2020 flu season, and only 40% also got…
Parts of southern and western Louisville were hit particularly hard by the flu last season, according to diagnoses and testing by Norton Healthcare providers — suggesting people in these areas should be especially mindful of getting a flu shot soon. Areas from Portland, south to Shively and Okolona, recorded the highest concentrations of flu cases…