Cold, Flu, and Sinus:Risks and Symptoms

While some people use the word "flu" to refer to every generic stomach bug and run-of-the-mill germ, true flu is anything but. Influenza is a specific illness, caused by two different types of viruses (although there are multiple strains of flu viruses A and B.) Learn more about flu symptoms, how the flu is diagnosed, and what you can do to prevent it.  Read More

Everyone has heard of sinuses, but what are they exactly? Hollow spaces in the bones around your eyes, cheeks, and nose, sinuses are connected to the nasal passages through narrow openings. Supposedly they protect your airways by trapping inhaled irritants, although experts say you'd be fine without them. Sinuses can become infected if the narrow openings are blocked.   Read More

If you already sneeze into your sleeve, wash your hands diligently, and avoid crowds where these viruses can easily spread, you're on the right track to outsmarting the swine flu. But you may still be putting yourself at risk in these unexpected ways.   View slideshow

It's important to keep swine-flu fears in perspective. Although swine flu—or the H1N1 influenza, as it is officially known—has killed more than 3,200 people worldwide and 300 in the United States, this outbreak has been relatively minor compared to past pandemics. In this slideshow, we revisit the century's worst flu pandemics—and false alarms.   View slideshow

The onslaught of information rolling in about H1N1—be it playground rumors, employer signs telling you to cover your cough, memos from your kids’ school, or scary-sounding news reports—is making it pretty hard to figure out what you should be doing right now. Here’s your guide.  Read More

With flu season in full swing, it’s important to know what ails you (so you can help stop the spread by staying home). But how do you really know if you have the flu—swine or seasonal—or if it’s just another cold or an allergy? Use our handy sympt-o-meter.   View slideshow

At least once a year, Anna Lord, a 32-year-old from Seattle, has "almost unbearable pain" behind her eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Sometimes she has sinus drainage, and occasionally the discomfort arrives with a low-grade fever.  Read More

If you have an early sinus infection, you can often treat it at home, particularly if you are in good health. Drinking lots of fluids and breathing steam from a warm shower can help. But if you still have symptoms, such as nosebleeds, long after you've launched your best at-home efforts, it's time to call in the experts. Check this list of other symptoms that should trigger a call to the doctor.  Read More