Infectious Diseases
Hometown Health Blog
Foreign travel plans? What to know about influenza before you go
Did you know influenza is the most common, vaccine-preventable disease for travelers? Be a smart traveler, and talk to your healthcare team about flu vaccination before your trip.
Stay healthy abroad: Why you should see a travel medicine specialist before your trip
If you're planning international travel, checking in with a travel medicine specialist can help ensure you're informed, prepared and protected against possible health risks.
Steps to prevent norovirus
Anyone can be infected with the highly contagious illness norovirus. Follow these tips to decrease your risk of getting the viruses that cause gastroenteritis, often referred to as the stomach flu.
Bronchiolitis in children: Understanding cause, symptoms, concerns
For parents, the symptoms of a viral illness are worrisome in infants and young children. Learn about a lower respiratory viral infection called bronchiolitis and symptoms to watch for in children.
6 common flu misconceptions
Common myths about the flu may keep you from taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from the illness. Learn the truth about lowering your risk — starting with the annual flu vaccine.
Winter wellness: 7 tips for staying healthy during the holidays
Discover strategies for staying healthy during winter festivities. From staying hydrated to conquering stress, you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your well-being.
The 5 Ws of healthy hands can help you avoid germs, illnesses
Preventing illness during the cold and flu season starts with the who, what, where, when and why of handwashing. Teach your children about hand hygiene with these tips.
Upper respiratory infection season has arrived
Signs of fall and winter are appearing, temperatures are cooling and cases of flu, strep throat and RSV are increasing. Read four things to know during this year's upper respiratory infection season.
At-home COVID-19 tests: What to know about expiration dates, new variants
A Mayo Clinic expert shares what you need to know about expiration dates for at-home COVID-19 tests. Find out if these tests can detect new COVID-19 variants and what to do if the test is positive.
Expert answers about new COVID-19 vaccine
The FDA approved a COVID-19 vaccine that targets current variants. A Mayo Clinic expert explains who should get this vaccine and if it can be given at the same time as the annual influenza vaccine.
RSV vaccine for moms-to-be and infants
The FDA has approved a vaccine for pregnant women and infants to provide protection against respiratory syncytial virus. Here's what you need to know to protect your family from RSV.
Malaria in the U.S.: Mayo Clinic expert offers insight, tips for prevention
The CDC recommends taking steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in areas where malaria outbreaks are reported. Learn how to protect against malaria and vector-borne diseases.