
Flu or influenza is a common viral disease affecting the respiratory system. This infectious disease is caused by the influenza virus. Most cases of flu are self-limiting and can be easily managed at home. Read more: How Do You Cure the Flu Quickly? Article
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Cold, Fever and Flu Symptoms in Children: Medications and Home Remedies
How long does a cold last? How long is a cold contagious? Colds and fevers are some of the most common ailments in children....
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Cold & Flu Quiz: Influenza vs. Common Cold
Aches? Pain? Fever? This Cold & Flu Quiz tests your knowledge on the difference between coming down with the common cold and...
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Cold, Flu, and Cough: Why Do I Have the Chills Other Than Fever?
Chills and fever often come as a combo, but sometimes chills happen with a normal temperature. Find out what could be behind...
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Picture of Influenza Virus
The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract which are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. See a...
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Cold, Flu, and Cough: Things That Suppress Your Immune System
A strong immune system is your best protection against infections and illnesses. Find out what can weaken that defense.
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A Cold or The Flu? How to Tell the Difference
Discover the difference between cold vs. flu symptoms. Learn the difference between cold and flu symptoms. Read about cold and...
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Flu Shots: 10 Facts About Flu Shots
What are the side effects of a flu shot? Who should get vaccinated? Learn the benefits and risks of vaccination for seasonal...
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Cold and Flu: The Truth About Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are a convenient way to kill germs. But do they really work? Here's what we found.

QUESTION
Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
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Which Flu Is Worse A or B?
Flu or influenza is a contagious (spreads from person to person) viral illness that affects the respiratory tract (the nose, throat and lungs). Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza.
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Flu (Influenza)
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
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Cold vs. Flu
Though the common cold and flu share many signs and symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Signs and symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and cough. Treatment options for the cold and flu are similar and focus on reducing symptoms. Doctors may prescribe antivirals/neuraminidase inhibitors for the flu.
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COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
When you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common cold or the flu (influenza). While fever is common with the flu and COVID-19, sneezing is typically only associated with colds. Though sore throats are typical with colds, they are uncommon with COVID-19 infections and the flu.
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How Long Does the Flu Last in Seniors?
What is the flu? Learn the signs of the flu in seniors and when you need to call a doctor.
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What Are The Side Effects of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine?
H1N1, also known as the swine flu, most recently caused an outbreak in 2009. The vaccine for it used to be a separate shot, but is now included in your yearly flu shot. The side effects are similar to the flu shot, and are usually minor.
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Treating the Flu in People with Health Risks
Certain portions of the population are at an increased risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. Some of these indviduals at risk include: those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, HIV, AIDs, elderly, women who are pregnant, and children under the age of two. Contact your physician if you have the flu immediately so that you receive the proper care to prevent serious complications.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Side Effects of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide)
- Side Effects of Flonase (fluticasone)
- remdesivir
- Side Effects of Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
- Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide)
- quinine
- pau d’arco
- dextromethorphan
- rimantadine
- FluMist, FluMist Quadrivalent influenza vaccine live intranasal
- Types of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Medications
- Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine)
- Afluria Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine)
Prevention & Wellness
- Today's Seasonal Flu May Descend From 1918 Pandemic Strain
- Flu Vaccine No Match for Circulating Variants This Season
- Seasonal Flu Shots Give Kids Broader Protection Against New Strains
- Is a Really Bad Flu Season on the Way?
- Flu Shot Even More Important During Pandemic: Expert
- COVID Has Killed More Americans Than the 1918 Flu
- Is Flu Ready for a Comeback? Get Your Shot
- Your Job Could Put You at Much Higher Risk for Flu
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