Viral infections are any illness transmitted from a virus. These are microscopic germs that use the cells in the body to reproduce and spread. Several individuals often mistake viral infections for bacterial infections because the symptoms overlap. However, doing so may affect the treatment plan and worsen one’s condition. Therefore, it is imperative for one to know about these six viral infections and the associated symptoms and get them treated at the earliest. Influenza A person who develops influenza (flu) may experience mild to severe illness. The symptoms of flu usually appear suddenly and can include fever, chills, sore throat, cough, muscle or body aches, and runny or stuffy nose. Other symptoms of influenza include headaches, fatigue, and vomiting. People affected by the viral infection usually recover in a few days to less than two weeks. However, if left undiagnosed and untreated, one might develop complications such as pneumonia. If this happens, one might require immediate healthcare attention. Common cold One might develop a common cold when a virus enters the respiratory system. For instance, an individual might touch an infected surface or shake hands with a person who is sick and follow this by touching their mouth, eyes, or nose, leading to the transfer of the germs into the body.

A runny nose is a discomforting symptom that can have various causes, such as allergies, a cold, or other respiratory issues. In most cases, one can make use of home remedies to fight off a simple cold. For example, the right food choices play a crucial role in helping the body fight off infections. However, certain foods may also worsen a runny nose, leading to increased mucus production and other issues. 7 foods that can worsen a runny nose Tomatoes This is a common ingredient in food for several cultures. While they taste great and add great flavor, tomatoes also have inflammatory properties, which can worsen a running nose. Also, some people may also be allergic to tomatoes, and the allergy, while rare, affects the sinuses and airways and can even lead to a runny nose, congestion, or sneezing. So, keeping this ingredient away during a cold or allergy flare-up is best to avoid any more complications. Yogurt This contains a compound called casein in high amounts. While yogurt makes for a great source of protein and probiotics, it should be avoided when it comes to a cold and runny nose. In fact, if one typically opts for yogurt as a snack, one can try eating some chia pudding to feel full and get the required nutrients.

Medicare is a federal insurance program that helps those aged 65 and above meet their healthcare expenses. Divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, it covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, preventive services, medical equipment, and several other costs. However, the plan is not all-encompassing, so individuals are usually advised to purchase supplemental insurance to be on the safer side. Here are six things Medicare does not cover. Routine dental care Both Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for routine dental care, including the costs for dental checkups, routine cleaning, or other dental maintenance services. The program also does not cover X-rays, fillings, root canals, and dentures. However, in some instances, Medicare may include dental surgery or X-rays. This is especially true during accidents, dental exams needed before kidney or heart surgery, or treatment for mouth cancer. Several Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) may provide routine dental coverage as an extra benefit over Part A and Part B. However, people must purchase these plans from a Medicare-approved private company and pay an additional monthly premium. Routine vision care Medicare does not cover routine vision care. So, despite enrolling in the program, members must pay for eye exams (performed to determine if new prescription eyewear is needed) out of their pocket.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing and utilizing white blood cells to protect the body against infections. There are two main types of lymphomas—Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The symptoms of both these conditions can be vague and vary greatly from person to person. Nevertheless, here are a few silent signs of lymphoma one should recognize: 1. Swollen lymph nodes Lymphoma mainly affects the lymphocytes, i.e., the white blood cells in the bone marrow and lymph nodes—parts of the immune system located in the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen areas. The growth of cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell or become enlarged. So, one can feel lumps under the skin that may not cause pain or discomfort in most cases. 2. Pain The initial stages of lymphoma are often painless. However, as the condition progresses, some may experience severe pain in certain parts of the body. This symptom generally develops when lymphoma has affected one or more organs. To rule out any serious disease or illness, any unexplained pain lasting longer than 4 days must prompt one to consult a medical professional for a thorough examination.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can spread easily from person to person, especially in crowded places. While patients usually recover without treatment, learning about the traditional hot spots for the flu can minimize the risk of infection in the first place. By focusing on regular cleaning and personal hygiene, individuals can contribute to breaking the chain of flu transmission through these common areas. Shopping malls Shopping malls are significant hot spots for flu transmission. Individuals may come into contact with contaminated surfaces or breathe air shared with infected individuals. Wearing masks and sanitizing hands are two ways to curb the potential spread of the flu in such places. Door knobs Door knobs are among the most common hot spots for the flu virus. An infected person may inadvertently transfer the virus to a door handle while coughing or sneezing. When another individual comes into contact with the contaminated surface and touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus enters their body. Regular cleaning of door knobs with disinfecting wipes or sprays is imperative to disrupt the chain of transmission. Dish sponges and rags Often considered the heart of the home, the kitchen harbors unsuspecting hot spots for flu germs.

Hearing aids help people with hearing difficulties listen to the sounds around them more clearly. Consequently, they improve a person’s productivity in daily tasks and make life much easier. However, using hearing aids for the first time can be challenging. People often make mistakes when buying and using these devices, reducing their efficiency and leading to several challenges. Below are eight common mistakes new hearing aid owners make and how to avoid them. Avoiding a proper fitting session People can buy hearing aids without a prescription, making them more accessible. However, one should still consult an audiologist before purchasing the device. The expert can measure a patient’s ears, assess the nature of their hearing loss, and then suggest the right hearing aid. This approach ensures the device fits one’s ears and is comfortable to wear all day. Skipping the doctor’s visit causes people to be unaware of the nature and extent of their hearing loss. As a result, they are likelier to be unhappy or unsatisfied with their chosen product. Overlooking new technology People must research the technology used in hearing aids before buying them. Many new models feature adaptive hearing programs that help users adjust to loud environments better.

The main symptoms of migraine are known. Symptoms like the occurrence of headaches without warning, pain on one side of the skull, confusion, blurred vision, fatigue, mood changes, and increased sensitivity to light, noise, or sounds, in general, are fairly known signs of the condition. However, certain hidden and lesser-known symptoms can be indicative of migraine development or the impending coming of a migraine attack in individuals. Here are some such signs: 1. Gastrointestinal disturbances Migraines can trigger one’s digestive system more than many may know. This is why specific gastrointestinal issues and disturbances often precede migraine attacks. Some of the common gastrointestinal issues stemming from migraines are diarrhea or constipation. This happens because migraine attacks tend to disrupt a person’s bowel functions, leading to loose motions or constipation. Abdominal pain is also a fairly underrated symptom of migraine. Some medical professionals refer to this condition as abdominal migraines. Apart from these two symptoms, migraine attacks can also be preceded by red flags like nausea and vomiting. Therefore, people facing any instances of headaches accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, constipation, or loose motions need to get themselves checked for migraines as soon as possible. 2. Irregular sleep cycles Sleep disturbances become increasingly commonplace as a person’s insomnia keeps getting worse before reaching a crescendo in a migraine attack.

Many people use fish oil supplements to improve their health. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients our bodies benefit from. If someone receives low levels of EPA and DHA (types of omega-3) from their food, they can bridge the gap with these supplements. Fish oil supplements are readily available in many stores, but before using them, one should learn about their eight most popular health benefits. Visual improvements People develop eye diseases for several reasons, an important cause being a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. A person’s vision may also become poor as they start to age, and they may suffer from health complications like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here’s where consuming fish oil products could prove useful. Fish oil supplements could introduce omega-3s to the body, which could curb the risk of AMD. Fish oils may also help reduce the occurrence of dry eyes. However, one should speak to an expert before taking the supplement. Support during pregnancy Experts say that women need omega-3 fatty acids to stay healthy through pregnancy, especially during the first trimester and later. Taking fish oil supplements through the phases of pregnancy or nursing may positively impact the infant’s cognitive development.