flu

Anibiotics only work to kill bacteria, not viruses. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Miracle Drug?

Antibiotics Are Not Always the Answer The discovery of penicillin in 1928 was heralded as a medical miracle. As one of the first antibiotics, it could cure patients of potentially deadly bacterial illnesses, such as scarlet fever, typhoid and pneumonia. Unfortunately, overuse of
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot as soon as it becomes available. (Photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters/Landov)

Flu Season

What You Need to Know This Flu Season As flu season approaches, medical experts have some new recommendations – along with some old standards – on how to reduce your chances of getting sick. FluMist is ‘out’ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer
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Doctors say it is safe to cuddle with your pet when you're sick if it makes you feel better. Pet's can't catch human diseases or transmit anything to you. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Puppy Love

It’s Safe to Cuddle with Pets When Sick This winter, when you are home sick with the cold or flu, cuddling with your dog or cat may feel like just what the doctor ordered. A Vanderbilt infectious disease expert, while stopping short of actually prescribing in-home “pet
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