Viruses

Doctor Q&A: When is the Right Time to Get Your 2023 Flu Vaccine?

August 18, 2023

We’re fast approaching the 2023 flu season. No one likes being laid-up and feeling the discomfort the flu brings, not to mention missing out on celebrating Thanksgiving and other seasonal events at the end of the year because you are contagious and too sick to travel. We recently sat down with Brandon J. Essink, MD, … Read more

Flu Season 2023: Important Updates for Your Protection

August 1, 2023

Influenza, or the flu, remains a persistent concern as we approach the 2023-2024 flu season. Let’s refresh our knowledge on this viral illness and understand how it might impact us this year.  Understanding Influenza (Flu)  Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, with subtypes A, B, C, and D under its umbrella. In humans, Influenza A … Read more

Viral Latency Long-Term Effects of Common Viruses

Viral Latency: Long-Term Effects of Common Viruses

December 30, 2022

You may have seen the term “Long COVID” in headlines over the past year or two. While lingering or delayed effects from a viral infection may seem like a new discovery, evidence suggests that some viruses can lay dormant in a body for years before triggering other symptoms later. What is Viral Latency? When the … Read more

Flu Season 2022 What You Need to Know

Flu Season 2022: What You Need to Know

September 23, 2022

What is Influenza (Flu)? Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses. “The flu” and “influenza” are generally used as umbrella terms for four subtypes of the influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are the most common in humans, with Influenza A generally being the most … Read more

Does the Smallpox Vaccine Protect Against Monkeypox

Does the Smallpox Vaccine Protect Against Monkeypox?

August 16, 2022

Featuring Commentary by Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Chief Physician Officer at Velocity Monkeypox has made headlines lately as a new outbreak is steadily growing in the United States. In this article we’ll answer common questions about the virus and the vaccine intended to prevent infection with the help of Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Velocity’s Physician … Read more

The Basics of Respiratory Infections: Differences Among the Cold, Flu, COVID-19, and More

March 21, 2022

What is a Respiratory Infection? Respiratory infections affect the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat, airways, and lungs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, but tend to present similar symptoms, such as a cough, congestion or runny nose, and fatigue. Because the symptoms are so similar among different types of infection, … Read more

Cytomegalovirus - An Overview and Recent CMV Vaccine Progress

Cytomegalovirus: An Overview and Recent CMV Vaccine Progress

January 7, 2022

About Cytomegalovirus (CMV) You might not have heard of cytomegalovirus (pronounced site-oh-mega-low-virus), or CMV, but you’ve probably been infected with it. Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. While most CMV infections cause no symptoms, when a baby is born with a cytomegalovirus infection, known as congenital CMV, it can … Read more

Epstein-Barr Virus An Overview and Recent EBV Vaccine Progress

Epstein-Barr Virus: An Overview and Recent EBV Vaccine Progress

November 10, 2021

About the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family, is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis (IM), generally known as mono. Sometimes referred to as the kissing disease, mononucleosis spreads easily through saliva and occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults. Most people will be infected with EBV … Read more

Flu Season 2021 - What You Need to Know

Flu Season 2021: What You Need to Know

November 5, 2021

What is Influenza (Flu)? Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses. “The flu” and “influenza” are generally used as umbrella terms for four subtypes of the influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are the most common in humans, with Influenza A generally being the most … Read more

Can You Catch COVID-19 Twice

Can You Catch COVID-19 Twice?

August 30, 2021

I Already Had the Coronavirus; Can I Get COVID-19 Again? Due to the high prevalence of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 and the many unanswered questions surrounding the novel coronavirus, many are worried about becoming infected. For those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, been sick with the virus already, or both, the worry might … Read more