The cold wintery weather can be the cause or trigger for a variety of health issues and problems. Everyday complaints such as the common cold and flu are more frequent, as are hospital acquired infections and viral infections such as norovirus. The cold months of the year also bring a higher risk...

New restrictions on use of certain cough and pain medicine to treat children have been announced by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The government body warned parents and health care professionals that medicines containing codeine and tramadol carry "serious risks" to children under...

Many physicians prescribe steroids to treat a sore throat, but the findings of a new study by researchers at the University of Oxford question the effectiveness of corticosteroids such as Maxidex (dexamethasone) in treating a sore throat. The study published in the Journal of the American Medical...

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication offers quick and convenient relief for a whole range of symptoms, conditions and ailments, but with a bewildering variety of products available in pharmacies and drugstores, making an informed decision about OTC medicine can be a challenge for consumers. Should you...

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a meeting with the Pediatric Advisory Committee to evaluate the use of prescription medication containing opioids when treating coughs in children. A statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, highlighted the potential risks of these...

It’s that time of the year when the temperature starts to drop, winter weather is setting in, and more and more people will be coming down with a cold or flu . It is always important to stay healthy during the colder months, and despite the availability of vaccines, coronavirus is still...

In the latest step taken by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the nation's opioid abuse epidemic, the agency has changed the indication of cough medicines containing opioids to exclude all pediatric patients.  Following the latest safety labeling changes, opioid cough and...

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is examining ways to empower consumers by improving access to a range of non-prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication and drug products. OTC drugs, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Claritin (loratadine), are considered the first line treatment...

Every home needs a well-stocked medicine cabinet and this is especially true during the winter months when the common cold, flu and other winter ailments are particularly prevalent. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are many over-the-counter drugs to reduce those unpleasant cold...

Do you struggle with asthma in the winter months? If so, you are not alone. Asthma affects more than 26 million Americans and is the most common chronic disease among children, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cold weather and cold air that comes...

What is the flu? The flu, or influenza, occurs every year and is most common during the colder winter months, which is why it is sometime called “seasonal flu”. It is highly contagious viral infection that shares many of the same symptoms as the common cold. However, the flu can be far...

Many myths about the COVID-19 vaccine are currently circulating, but misinformation can be dangerous. Here are some of the most common, plus facts to debunk each of them. Accurate information is crucial to public health and effective decision-making. There are a lot of common myths about the...

This is your guide to how a child’s age and other factors impact vaccine eligibility and how schools can take antiviral precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are still regularly updating the public on the fight against COVID-19. More than 200 million people in...

The fight against the coronavirus continues. Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 variants in 2022 so you can stay informed and safe. The coronavirus is proving as robust as the ongoing attempts to contain and eradicate it, and the list of COVID-19 variants in 2022 continues to...

The guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters in 2022 is always evolving. Here are the most current recommendations from the global health authorities. Key takeaways: Three manufacturers are approved to distribute vaccines. Age and current health details affect who is eligible. Some...