Viruses
Influenza, or the flu, remains a persistent concern as we approach the 2024-2025 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
Influenza, also known as the flu, has been a significant public health concern for centuries. This contagious respiratory illness can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Fortunately, vaccines have become a vital tool in preventing the flu and mitigating its impact. Let’s explore the fascinating history of the flu vaccine and its evolution … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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