A lingering cough can be frustrating and sometimes concerning. When symptoms don’t improve after a few days, many people begin to wonder whether they’re dealing with bronchitis vs. pneumonia. While both conditions affect the respiratory system and share similar symptoms, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help you determine when it’s time to seek medical evaluation. What
Category: Flu
Flu vs. COVID vs. RSV in 2025: Which Test Do You Need Today?
The respiratory illness season 2025 is underway, and many people are facing the same dilemma: are these symptoms from the flu, COVID-19, or RSV? Each virus can cause coughing, fever, fatigue, and congestion, making it nearly impossible to guess the culprit without testing. With the right information and access to same-day respiratory virus testing, you can find answers fast and
How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu During Holiday Gatherings
‘Tis the season to spread joy, not the flu virus! Odds are, you’re preparing to host or attend at least one Friendsgiving, office Christmas party, Hannukah dinner, gift exchange, or another holiday gathering in the next few months. Unfortunately, the holidays coincide with flu season, which leaves up to 20% of Americans sick every year according to the Centers for
How Common is the Flu?
The flu—or influenza—is a highly contagious viral infection that impacts millions of Americans every year during flu season, which typically runs from October to March. According the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), between 9.3 million and 45 million people in the United States have become sick with the flu each year since 2010. Additionally, between 140,000 and 810,000
Where Can I Get a Flu Shot in Maryland?
Many physician’s offices, pharmacies, and urgent care clinics offer flu shots just before and during flu season, which typically runs from October through March and peaks between December and February. If you live in Montgomery County, Maryland, and would like to be vaccinated against the flu, an excellent place to turn is Fast Track Urgent Care. Our fully equipped urgent
Is the Flu Curable?
While flu season continues to be overshadowed by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the flu is still a real threat that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affects up to 20% of the American population every year. With such a widespread impact, you may be wondering if the flu is curable. Technically, the flu can’t be “cured”
Do Flu Shots Weaken Your Immune System?
No, flu shots do not weaken your immune system. This common flu myth has been debunked by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Harvard Health, and countless other reputable sources who conduct extensive research on the matter. While a 2012 study suggested that a flu shot may leave people more vulnerable to certain respiratory infections, follow-up research from
What is the Difference Between a Cold and COVID-19?
Uh oh—you’ve woken up with sore throat and runny nose. This ordinarily would not be a cause for panic, but 2020 has changed the way we think about sniffles and scratchy throats. So, can you spot the differences between a common cold and COVID-19? It’s important to note that it’s impossible to rule out COVID-19—the respiratory illness caused by the
When Should I Get a Flu Shot?
2020 has been an eventful year—so much so that you may have forgotten that flu season is rapidly approaching. While the threat of another highly contagious illness may leave you feeling overwhelmed, receiving a flu shot can significantly reduce your chances of becoming sick and spreading the flu to others. So, do you know when the best time is to
2019 Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms are known to miserable. For many, catching the seasonal influenza virus results in several days or even weeks of illness that keep them sidelined from work, school, and responsibilities at home. Severe and even life-threatening complications may also develop in individuals with compromised immune systems, including young children and adults over the age of 65. For the 2019-2020
