Cold and Flu Medical Reference

How bad will this year's flu season be? Here's what you need to know about this year's flu shot, flu symptoms, and flu treatment.

Is a fluoroquinolone the right antibiotic for you? Consider the risks and benefits for your condition before you choose.

Anthrax is a very rare disease, but it can be serious. Learn about the different kinds of anthrax infections and how to get diagnosed if you think you’ve been exposed to the bacteria.

If you have a cold or the flu, should you stay home from work or school? WebMD gives you the facts about how long colds and flu last, how long you're contagious, and whether you need to stay home.

The treatment you need will depend on how you were exposed but include antibiotics, which you may get through an IV, an antitoxin ( obiltoxaximab (Anthim), which is a type of medicine that counters the poisons that anthrax bacteria make.

A sore throat usually clears up on its own, but you may have trouble talking or swallowing while you have it. Find out what may be causing it and how to relieve the soreness.

Lost your voice? Here are some reasons why -- and treatments to help you get better.

WebMD explains what antibiotic resistance is and tells you how you can protect yourself.

WebMD explains how and when your sinus infection might be contagious.

Flu vaccines really do prevent the flu in infants, children, and adults. WebMD explains the reasons to get a flu shot each year, what kind to get, and who shouldn’t get one.

Have a cold or flu? WebMD’s simple, cheap, and easy tricks will help you feel less stuffy, fast.

The flu is contagious. WebMD tells you what you need to know so you don’t spread it.

Got germs? WebMD explains how your immune system protects and defends your good health.

Babies and toddlers can't take cough or cold medicine. WebMD shows how you can ease their symptoms without drugs. Simple home remedies give babies fast relief from cough and cold symptoms. WebMD shows you 7 ways to bring relief without drugs.

Do you know what your immune system does for you? And what you can do to help it? WebMD shares the facts so you can be as healthy as possible.

Sometimes your immune system can make you sick. WebMD gives you 16 common symptoms to look for.

Can't shake that cold? WebMD explains what things you might be doing that could make it stick around.

How can you avoid getting sick during cold and flu season? WebMD tells you how to stay healthy.

Looking for cold medicine that doesn’t need a prescription? WebMD discusses what types of medicines to take.

You’ve probably heard more than once to drink plenty of fluids when you’re sick. Now find out what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting well.

Over-the-counter cold medicines won’t cure your cold, but they might make you more comfortable, so you can rest as it runs its course. WebMD describes some common products and explains what they can do for you.

If you have a chronic health condition like asthma or diabetes, you need to take extra care to protect yourself from swine flu. WebMD tells you how.

If you're pregnant, be proactive about swine flu. Take action to help prevent it and guard against serious problems for you and your baby. Learn more from WebMD.

Does your child have a cold or the flu? Get answers from WebMD to frequently asked questions.

WebMD offers tips for preventing the spread of cold and flu germs.