
Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body?
Feb 24, 2024 · Getting COVID-19 and flu vaccines helps lower the chance that you will catch or spread these viruses or get seriously ill from or die of the illnesses they cause. You can lower your risk of catching viruses that cause colds, flu and COVID-19 in other ways too: Wash your hands. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 ...
Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Jan 28, 2025 · Flu, also called influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. The flu is caused by a virus. Influenza viruses are different from the "stomach flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Most people with the flu …
Germs: Protect against bacteria, viruses and infections
Mar 5, 2024 · Germs live everywhere. There are germs, also called microbes, in the air; on food, plants and animals; and in the soil and water.
Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) - Mayo Clinic
Jan 18, 2022 · The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection
Flu mask: Should I wear one? - Mayo Clinic
Jun 21, 2024 · Other ways you can protect yourself from getting the flu are: Get vaccinated. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older. It lowers your chance of getting the flu, having complications from the flu and dying from the flu. Wash your hands. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Influenza virus vaccine, live (nasal route) - Mayo Clinic
Mar 1, 2025 · Children younger than 2 years of age are usually not given the flu vaccine nasal spray. Young children who need the flu vaccine are usually given the flu vaccine injection (a shot). This vaccine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Infectious diseases - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Feb 18, 2022 · These germs can also spread through the exchange of body fluids from sexual contact. The person who passes the germ may have no symptoms of the disease, but may simply be a carrier. Animal to person. Being bitten or scratched by an infected animal — even a pet — can make you sick and, in extreme circumstances, can be fatal.
Hand-washing: Do's and don'ts - Mayo Clinic
Dec 11, 2024 · They can be a vehicle to spread cold and flu viruses, and make you sick. Dr. Poland offers these suggestions. Gregory Poland, M.D.: First, keep your hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth. Second is either wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer. Jason Howland: And make sure you get your annual flu vaccine.
Typhoid fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Jan 28, 2023 · Typhoid fever, also called enteric fever, is caused by salmonella bacteria. Typhoid fever is rare in places where few people carry the bacteria.
Common cold - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
May 24, 2023 · Natural medicines for cold and flu. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Jan. 15, 2021. Green JL, et al. Safety profile of cough and cold medication use in pediatrics.