Cold & Flu

Summer catch: Is a common cold worse during the warmest days?

Is a cold's misery really magnified during the summer? The answer may blow your mind as you blow your nose.

Ear infections are way down and this vaccine may be the reason

Rates of ear infections have fallen sharply since two new vaccines hit the market, researchers reported Monday.

'Completing the course' of antibiotics not always necessary, new report says

Patients with a bacterial infection may not need to complete a full course of antibiotics, a new report says.

What's the right water temperature to wash your hands?

A new study reinforces what experts have known for a long time about hand washing.

Tiny dancer, 6, recovers after losing part of leg to rare infection

The Puma family thought daughter Tessa had a nasty flu, but it turned out to be a rare infection that caused her to lose part of her leg.

Battling a cold? It may feel worse if you're lonely

The findings likely apply to other stressful scenarios, like losing a job or getting a divorce.

Is it safe to use a neti pot every day?

Many people with colds, the flu or allergies swear by neti pots to flush away nasal congestion and banish post-nasal drip. But are

Teen athlete's death a reminder that flu kills, as cases spread nationwide

Kayla Linton was a healthy, all-around athlete, but being fit did not protect her from the flu.

Is double dipping bad for your health?

Whether you're at the office, on a plane or at a party, it may feel like you have to choose between being polite and staying healthy.

Can you really strengthen your immune system?

Can you really boost your immune system? Here are five things that the science shows do work.

That nasty cold is finally over. What do I need to toss to stay healthy?

After weeks of feeling miserable, you've finally kicked that cold. You don't want to feel icky again so you toss out your toothbrush. Is it necessary?

Traveling over the holidays? Watch out for these cold and flu hot spots

Several regions of the U.S. are expected to be experiencing high levels of cold and flu symptoms over the next couple of weeks.

Why do some people never get sick?

The entire office seems to be sniffling, coughing, and sneezing through the winter, but there's that one person who never so much as experiences a clogged nose....

The truth about 6 common cold remedies

Find out which products actually can help you combat or shorten the length of the common cold.

Home flu remedies that really work (and some that don't)

It's that time of the year again! Temperatures are dropping, and you guessed it — flu season is in full swing.

One boy’s death is a reminder of how dangerous flu can be

Joseph Marotta died of flu when he was only 5. His parents say his case is a reminder of just how dangerous and unpredictable flu can be.

Mom's funny viral video mocks the 'man cold'

This video, which now has over 17 million views, shows the difference between a "man cold" and a "mom cold."

Is pneumonia contagious?

A phlegmy cough with chest pain when your breathe. Fever and chills.

Skip the FluMist nose spray vaccine this coming flu season, experts say

The needle-free FluMist vaccine shouldn't be used this coming flu season, the CDC said.

Spring is here (along with etiquette dilemmas)

Ah, spring: a time we can open our windows, enjoy the outdoors and spend more time with family and friends. But with warmer weather can come some sticky situations,...

Tryday Friday: A trick up your ‘Sneeve’

Is it ever OK to cough and sneeze in public? Kathie Lee and Hoda think not ? and as a possible solution to the problem, the ladies check out the "Sneeve," a...

What's the germiest place on a plane? Travel tips you need to know

In a study of 1,100 passengers, researchers found that one in every five travelers developed a cold. Here's how to avoid germs on your next flight.

Feel a cold coming on? Here's which remedies work and which don't

It's cold and flu germ season. Before you try your favorite home remedy, here's what works and what may be a waste of time and money.

Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov

4-star filth: Study finds expensive hotels have more germs

A new study finds that luxury hotels have more germs than budget accommodations.

You don't have to catch a cold. 3 basic precautions to keep you healthy

With all the holiday travel, there will be lots of cold viruses spreading around. You don't have to get sick, if you take these precautions.

Flu season off to slow start but it's coming, scientists say

There's less than 1 percent chance the virus will peak before January, but holiday travel and how many people get the shot could change that.

Mariah Carey hospitalized for flu. Does that mean a bad season ahead?

Mariah Carey's trip to the hospital reminds us all that the flu can be dangerous. Dr. Natalie Azar weighs in on how to treat the flu.

5 items to clean when someone gets sick at home — and how to clean them

Flu season is well underway, and if it strikes your home, there are a few cleaning routines that can help it from spreading.

You should get a flu shot every year, despite the current flu ado

Though people who haven't had a flu shot in five years seem to get the biggest boost from them, you should still get vaccinated every year.

How to beat the flu this season? 'Shake it off' with fun new video

The staff of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston has made the catchiest anti-flu video ever.

What beats vitamin C to fight a cold? Hint: You do it in bed

You can load up on vitamin C and zinc, but you need plenty of something else to stay healthy.

Booger! Watch the Maroon 5 song parody that'll have you reaching for a tissue

Come and give Mama some sugar... but please, not your boogers. That's the message behind one mom's funny Maroon 5 song parody.

Flu rate falling, but epidemic still claiming kids' lives

The rate of flu cases has decreased nationally for the third straight week, but the annual outbreak has killed at least six more children.

5 things you still may not know about colds and the flu

There still are a few things people don't know about these viruses— and what you don't know might make you sick.

Beyond the vaccine debate: What one heartbroken mom wants you to know

When my son Gabriel was very little, he would beg, cry and even hyperventilate when faced with getting a shot. Like many kids, he has an aversion to needles...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Flu vaccine doesn’t work in Europe, either

The flu vaccine, which hasn't worked well to protect Americans against influenza, isn't helping in Europe, either.

Parental Guidance: Conquer colds with a marshmallow, and other hacks

'Tis the season! People coughing, sniffling and sneezing all around you. There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Getting sick is somewhat inevitable.