Viruses

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

The COVID-19 Delta Variant - What It Means for Vaccinated People

The COVID-19 Delta Variant: What It Means for Vaccinated People

July 29, 2021

I Got the COVID Vaccine: Should I Worry About the Delta Variant of Coronavirus? COVID-19 is still dominating headlines, but instead of focusing on the vaccination efforts around the globe, a relatively new variant of COVID-19, B.1.617.2, known as the Delta variant, is commanding media attention. Because of its highly contagious nature, some states, like … Read more

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Development What’s Next

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Development: What’s Next?

July 27, 2021

Respiratory syncytial (sin-sish-ul) virus, or RSV (also known as human orthopneumovirus), is a virus that affects the lungs and airways. Even if you haven’t heard of RSV, you’ve likely been infected with it. Almost 90% of children are infected with RSV before they are two years old. RSV is the leading cause of pneumonia and … Read more

What are Viruses vs Bacteria vs Infections, etc

What are Viruses vs. Bacteria vs. Infections, etc.?

April 19, 2021

In any medical setting, knowing the definition of a word or the difference between terms can help you be more engaged in a discussion about your health. When it comes to your understanding of your health, no questions should be off limits. One question care providers often hear is, “So, I’m sick with this virus. … Read more

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Mutations, Variants, and Vaccines

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Mutations, Variants, and Vaccines

January 11, 2021

COVID-19 is still dominating media headlines, and for good reason. Several vaccines have been granted Emergency Use Authorization, but new case and death rates have reached record highs in the U.S. recently. One update is drawing immense attention, concern, and confusion — new variants of COVID-19 have recently emerged. Strain, variant, or mutation? SARS-CoV-2 (the … Read more

Why Do We Need Several COVID-19 Vaccines

Why Do We Need Several COVID-19 Vaccines?

December 10, 2020

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve likely heard news outlets and government officials refer to ‘the vaccine,’ or imply that scientists are all working on the same vaccine. In truth, many companies are developing many different COVID-19 vaccines. The goal is to identify the safest, most effective way to stop COVID-19. This may actually require several … Read more

5 Facts to Help You Outsmart the Flu This Season

5 Facts to Help You Outsmart the Flu This Season

November 12, 2020

Falling leaves, happy holidays, and cooler weather are on the way, along with less pleasant things, like cold and flu season. We’ve compiled five facts to help you get to know our unwelcome yearly visitor: influenza. 1: The Six Foot Sneeze While you can get the flu by touching a contaminated surface, the flu usually … Read more