As if 2020 has not brought enough headaches, tiny black biting bugs have invaded our fun outdoor activities. Whether you are raking leaves, picking out your pumpkin at the local patch or going for a walk, these biting bugs are…
You have allergies. And a sore throat. Maybe you have a bladder infection that is causing a fever. So many questions! Do I need a COVID-19 test? Should I quarantine or isolate? For how long? Do I need an alternative…
It’s a familiar refrain when flu season rolls around: cover your cough; wash your hands and stay home if you feel sick. This year, thanks to COVID-19, every American is already familiar with those infection prevention strategies and more—like wearing…
Older people and people with serious, long-term medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes are at greater risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Check out these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for people who are at…
As cold and flu season continues, and COVID-19 continues to spread to the United States, there are virtual tools available to help you get medical advice and free prescription delivery from select pharmacies. “Consulting with a provider from your home…
A respiratory virus that has sickened hundreds and killed at least 17 people in China saw its first confirmed cases in the United States this week, but a health official in Springfield said Friday that the risk of transmission in…
It’s like a bad sequel: Revenge of the Chickenpox. Each year, more than one million Americans get shingles. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the same virus that causes both shingles and chickenpox. Shingles appears as a painful rash that can…
It’s the unofficial end of summer – the Labor Day cookout. The weather is pleasantly warm, fruits and veggies are still in season, and family and friends are off for the holiday. But before you warm up the grill, marinate…
You may have noticed a small swarm of flying insects buzzing around and mistaken them for sweat bees. But the hoverfly is an annoyance, not a threat. Although they resemble small bees, they only have two wings and are shiny.…
Last Labor Day weekend, Mark Kother punctured a vein on his shin while cutting up old metal lawn furniture. His wife, Beth Hoffmann, was in the house and heard him cry out for help. When she couldn’t find the location…