During two years in the 20th century, a deadly strain of influenza , known as the "Spanish flu," spread across the globe, killing anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of people. It's been many decades since that outbreak. According to some experts, the world is overdue for another. Though it seems to have stabilized at the moment, some experts believe that bird flu, or avian flu, might...

• Chris Woolston, M.S.
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• March 11, 2013
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• • Flu Infections: Misc. Travel Safety: Misc.

How serious is the flu? Many people think the flu is nothing more than a bad cold -- until they come down with it. When your entire body aches, your energy vanishes, and a fever, dry cough, sore throat, and headaches set in, it's impossible to mistake the flu for a mild illness. The flu can hit anybody hard, but it's especially dangerous for people over 65 and others with weak immune system...

• Chris Woolston, M.S.
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• March 11, 2013
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• • Aging: Misc. Common Cold Flu

What is the flu? The flu (influenza) is an all-too-familiar illness for most parents, especially during flu season (November to April). This highly contagious respiratory tract infection can send a child to bed for three to five days with a high fever, headache, congestion, chills, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as muscle aches and fatigue. It's caused primarily by two flu viruses, in...

• Chris Woolston, M.S.
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• March 11, 2013
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• • Flu Kids' Ailments Kids: Misc. Parenting

How do I know if my baby has a cold? A cold is just the common name for an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus. In other words, if your baby is sniffling, stuffed up, or sneezing a lot, it's probably a cold. Doctors often suggest that moms check the color of their baby's mucus. If it changes from watery to yellow or greenish, it's almost certainly a cold. What's the differenc...

• Melanie Haiken, M.A.
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• March 11, 2013
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• • Flu Infections: Misc. Kids' Ailments Kids: Misc.

Should I get a flu shot? In general, there's no good reason not to. The flu hits millions of Americans catch the flu, and more than 200,000 wind up in the hospital. Not only can a flu shot protect you from the illness, it will also keep you from spreading the virus to people around you. Still, a flu shot doesn't guarantee that you won't get sick. If you're young and healthy, the vaccine reduces...

• Deepi Brar, M.S.
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• March 11, 2013
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• • Flu Infections: Misc.