This year’s flu is spreading misery to both children and adults, sending them under covers — hacking, achy and feverish. But the illness can be more than just debilitating, especially for those with other medical issues.  It has claimed the lives of four New Jersey children, three of whom had underlying medical conditions. The report [...]

As we’ve reported extensively this week, the latest government and epidemiological data shows that this year’s flu is the worst in years. When measured in hospitalizations, doctors’ visits, missed school and work and even, sadly, deaths, the 2013 influenza virus has been virulent indeed. But now, thanks to the popular food delivery site, Seamless, we [...]

When a young child comes down with a cold – congestion, a scratchy sore throat and runny nose, maybe with greenish goo – many parents head straight for the drugstore for a bottle of children’s cold medicine. Don’t bother. It’s worth it to give children fluids, acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are uncomfortable and liberal [...]

We know that the right amount of shut-eye is key to avoiding illness this cold and flu season, as well as getting better fast. But anyone who has ever had a hacking cough or runny nose knows that’s often easier said than done.  Between the congestion and the coughing and the chills, trying to sleep [...]

Standing in the glow of the refrigerator light, staring at the sell-by date on the yogurt container will not turn back time; instead it sparks a string of questions: How long ago was that date? How bad is this yogurt craving? Is it worth possibly getting sick to avoid wasting that dollar or two spent [...]

You’re right to want to do whatever’s in your power to stay flu-free this season, especially given the severity of this year’s outbreak.  But before you put your personal flu-prevention plan in action, make sure those methods are actually going to do the trick.  Click here to find out the biggest mistakes people are making [...]

For many children, flu season means an increased risk of ear infections as well.  Although ear infections can strike at any time, they do show some seasonal variation. In a large study published in December, researchers looked at more than 270,000 cases of acute ear infections. They found that ear infections increased along with the [...]

As we face one of the earliest — and most deadly — flu outbreak in years, many are flooding emergency rooms and scrambling to get vaccinated. (Speaking of which, it’s not too late! Vaccinating in the fall, before flu season really kicks off, is most effective, but experts still recommend getting the vaccine now.)  A [...]

How do you know you had the flu?