Cold And Flu - Health Digest

Anne Taylor

How To Tell The Difference Between A Cold And The Flu

Colds and the flu are two common illnesses. It can be tricky to tell which one you're suffering from because they share many of the same symptoms.

Catherine Caruso

Side Effects Of The Flu Shot Explained

Body aches, fever, and nausea are common side effects of the flu shot that also resemble symptoms of the flu virus — but you can't get the flu from the shot.

Jenna Demmer

Where Did The Common Cold Come From?

While most cold symptoms are pretty mild, nobody enjoys having them. But new scientific research suggests that colds may actually predate humanity itself.

Woman looking in a mirror at cold sore on her lip

Jenna Demmer

What's The Difference Between A Canker Sore And A Cold Sore?

Cold sores and canker sores are both painful lesions that can occur in or around the mouth, but what's the real difference between them? Read on to learn more.

Ashley Welch

Do This If You Have A Cold Sore

Although uncomfortable, most people will likely get a cold sore at some point in their lives. The good news is that there are ways to relieve cold sore pain.

Karen Veazey

Food Poisoning Vs Stomach Flu: What's The Difference?

When your stomach is upset, your focus may simply be on what to do to feel better. But it's helpful to pinpoint what's causing the symptoms first.

Erin Marie

What Is Cold Process Soap And Is It Safer Than Commercial Soaps?

Cold process soap has become a popular and creative replacement to commercial cleansers: It keeps the natural and beneficial ingredients.

Zrinka Peters

The Real Reason Your Teeth Are Sensitive To Cold Food

Tooth sensitivity is fairly common, being experienced by approximately one in eight adults. But what makes cold food on our teeth so particularly painful?

Jay Wilson

Everything You Should Know About Emergen-C

Is Emergen-C really as supportive for health as it's perceived to be? And where did the fizzy drink come from in the first place? In this article, we explain.

Denise Porretto

Why Some People Just Don't Get Cold

A new study out of Sweden, where everyone should be cold, says the difference in whether or not we feel cold is due to a gene mutation.

Close up of man looking in mirror with cold sore on his lip

Ashley Welch

Why You Should Think Twice Before Putting Toothpaste On A Cold Sore

A number of remedies exist to treat cold sores with varying levels of success, including the recommendation to put toothpaste on a fever blister to treat it.

Karen Veazey

You Might Be Allergic To Cold Weather If This Happens

Though it is rare, it is possible to be allergic to the cold. In fact, you might be allergic to cold weather if this happens.

Maria Faller

How Vitamin D Can Help During Cold And Flu Season

For years, studies have suggested that vitamin D, while important for healthy bones, is also relevant for fighting viruses.

Woman sitting on couch clutching stomach in pain

Ashley Welch

How Long Your Stomach Flu Is Really Contagious

The stomach flu is an infection of the intestines that can be caused by a variety of germs. How long are you contagious if you have it?

Lana Barhum

Myths About The Flu You Need To Stop Believing

Although the flu affects up to 8 percent of the United States population each year, there's still plenty of myths circulating about this illness.

Allaya Cooks-Campbell

The Reason Why Your Fingers Are So Cold When Typing

Even at normal temperatures, your hands may get uncomfortably frigid when you've been typing for a long time — but what causes this?

Katherine Alexis Athanasiou

What Really Causes Cold Sores?

Approximately 50 to 80 percent of American adults are affected by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV), the virus responsible for cold sores. This is what really causes cold sores and how to prevent and treat any outbreaks.

Person places a band-aid on a woman's upper arm

Agnes Erickson

Is It Safe To Work Out After Getting A Flu Shot?

On the day you get a flu shot, you could rightfully pick up a pizza, drive home, and set up camp on your couch for the evening. If you'd rather head to the gym for your favorite spin class, but you're concerned since you have just received a vaccination, then you can breathe a sigh of relief.

a man jogging outside with yellow training shoes

Agnes Erickson

If Your Feet Get Cold When You Exercise, This Is Why

Congratulations! You've just finished your cardio and strength routines, and you're feeling good. Your body feels tired but strong all at once. You're humming the last song on your playlist. The sweat is still pouring — but for some reason, your feet are cold. Here could be the reasons why.

Catherine Caruso

The Real Reason Your Arm Hurts After Getting A Flu Shot

If you've ever wondered why your arm hurts after getting a flu shot, look no further. Soreness or pain in the arm and shoulder area is caused by inflammation. Why does this happen?

Young woman sitting on couch in blanket blowing nose

Karen Veazey

Cold Vs. Sinus Infection: What's The Difference?

It's hard enough dealing with the discomfort and pain caused by illness. And it's even worse when you're not sure what kind of sickness you have. Is it the common cold — or is it a sinus infection, which might require a trip to the doctor for treatment?

woman on the couch in a blanket blowing her nose

Agnes Erickson

Here's How Long Your Cold Is Really Contagious

Your cold symptoms are finally gone, and it appears the time has come to re-enter society as the healthy human you are. But before you dive in, press pause on those plans to resume daily life and consider others around you.

make-up products laid out on a bright pink and yellow background

Agnes Erickson

Should You Get Rid Of Your Makeup After You Have A Cold?

You may have swiped on a little lipstick and mascara to achieve the 'fake it until you make it' vibe during the time you were unwell, and we don't blame you. But now that your cold has passed, does that mean the germs you spread to your makeup have guaranteed them a visit to your garbage can?

Couple bundled in winter coats on sofa and coughing

Karen Veazey

The Real Reason Cold Weather Makes It Easier To Catch A Cold

When we're just children, we're taught to layer up against the cold when going outside in the fall and winter months. In addition to comfort, the idea is that we're better protected against colds and viruses by keeping warm. Why does it work that way?

happy woman towel drying her wet hair in a yellow bathrobe

Agnes Erickson

Never Go Out In The Cold With Wet Hair. Here's Why

Even for those lucky early birds who have their morning routines down to a synchronized dance, the tempo can get away from them sometimes, leaving no time to dry their hair — but you'll want to think twice before you leave the house with wet strands on the chillier days.

Jorie Mark

The Real Reason Women Are Always Colder Than Men

Women are generally colder than men, and the hub's insistence on keeping the temperature at an arctic below 70 degrees is grounds for... well, a second glass of wine!

Valerie Kalfrin

Does The Flu Shot Give You The Flu?

An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of contracting influenza and spreading it to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet some people remain nervous about getting the flu shot. Can the flu shot actually give you the flu?