Public Health

How Long is Cold and Flu Season in The United States?

The cold and flu season in the United States lasts about 4 months, with the major months being November through January.

Michelle Fleming16 Dec 2022

Public Health

Should I Get a COVID Booster Shot This Fall?

Yes, you should. Studies have shown that the initial vaccine doses lose efficacy over time, and a booster dose will bolster immune responses from the original series of vaccines.

Shandra Ahsan31 Oct 2022

Public Health

Can I Get a Covid-19 Booster and Flu Shot at The Same Time?

You can receive both the flu shot and covid-19 booster at the same time.

Alexandra Thompson27 Dec 2022

Public Health

Where can I get a Polio Vaccine and Booster Shot Without Insurance?

You can get the polio vaccine at most urgent care facilities, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices. If you are eligible for a polio booster shot and need one for travel reasons, you can also get IPV at a travel medicine office.

Erica Kahn10 Sep 2022

Public Health

Where can I get Vaccinated for Monkeypox Without Insurance in New York or California?

Counties in New York offering the monkeypox vaccine are Erie, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. Clinics and hospitals in the 5 boroughs are also scheduling appointments for the monkeypox vaccine. For those who are uninsured in San Diego, CA, you can go to one of the 6 Public Health Centers in the area.

Erica Kahn23 Aug 2022

Public Health

What Are the Early Symptoms of Shingles?

Early symptoms of shingles have been reported in some cases, where a person experiences them prior to having a visible rash or blisters. Other early symptoms include headache, burning, tingling, numbness, or itchiness of skin, fever, and feeling of being generally unwell.

Kendra Bean12 Dec 2022

Public Health

Am I More At-Risk for Heat Exhaustion Due to Climate Change?

Climate change is causing more heat waves in the United States. In the 1960s, the U.S. experienced about 2 heatwaves per year and by the 2010s, experienced about 6 per year. Climate change is predicted to cause more heat-related illnesses in the future and heat can exacerbate underlying diseases. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, try to cool down but if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.

Erica Kahn23 Aug 2022

Public Health

What to Know About Novavax and Covid-19

Novavax is a Maryland-based biotechnology company that investigates and counters serious infectious diseases through vaccine creation and development. Novavax developed one authorized COVID-19 vaccine with a 90% effectiveness for those who are 18 years and older.

Alexandra Thompson23 Aug 2022

Public Health

What is the Difference Between Bird Flu and Covid-19?

Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza A, has been found to cause viral outbreaks across the globe. Abbreviated as H5N1, this type of virus is the most common cause of flu in birds. It is a very deadly virus in birds but is rarely seen in humans, especially in North America. Risks of transmission are incredibly low, especially in humans, but it is important to understand the best ways to be safe.

Sophie Wei27 Jun 2022

Public Health

Do I Need a Monkeypox Vaccine?

The short answer is no; you most likely do not need it. Currently, the only people being offered the monkeypox vaccine are those deemed to be at high risk. This includes those that have come into contact with suspected and confirmed monkeypox cases, such as family and friends, healthcare workers, and scientists confirming cases in laboratories.

Talor Bianchini23 Aug 2022

Public Health

Mask and Vaccine Mandates in the 50 U.S. States.

As of February 17, 2022, only four U.S. states (Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington) continue to have indoor mask mandates. Other states have switched to requiring masks only for unvaccinated individuals and in public spaces. The remaining eleven states have not imposed any mask mandates to date. As for a vaccine mandate, 46% of the states require their residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19, while 30% have no active mandate in place.

Girisha Bharadwaj23 Aug 2022

Public Health

Where To Get a Free Flu Shot in 2021?

You can get your flu vaccine at many places including your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, or an urgent care center. Many locations offer free flu shots; however, you may be charged a fee at some facilities if you do not have insurance.

Alexis Bryan23 Aug 2022