Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They're normally harmless or even helpful, but some organisms under certain conditions may cause disease.

Hometown Health Blog

5 things to know during upper respiratory illness season

Signs of fall and winter are appearing, temperatures are cooling and cases of flu, strep throat and RSV are increasing. Read five things to know during this year's upper respiratory illness season.

Jill Lenhart, M.D. By Jill Lenhart November 5, 2024

What you should know about RSV and the RSV vaccine

Upper respiratory infections are common at this time of year. Be prepared for seasonal cases of RSV by learning about the vaccines, how to manage symptoms at home and when to seek care.

Dennis Costakos MD By Dennis Costakos October 10, 2024

Mayo Clinic expert discusses updated COVID-19 vaccines

New COVID-19 vaccines are designed to better protect against variants and prevent serious illness. Read what a Mayo Clinic expert shares about who should receive the updated vaccine.

September 11, 2024

6 tips for flood water safety

Intense rainfall and flooding lead to many areas playing host to standing water. When water accumulates, it can pose significant health and safety risks. Read six tips to help you stay safe.

Jessica Sheehy PAC By Jessica Sheehy July 1, 2024

Monitoring the H5N1 avian influenza, bird flu, outbreak

A Mayo Clinic expert shares what you need to know about the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak and why the public health risk remains low. Find out the steps to take to ensure food remains safe.

May 31, 2024

Answers to 3 common questions about measles

Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., but cases are returning. Get answers to common questions about measles, and read why vaccination is the best defense against the spread of the virus.

Sarah Scherger MD By Sarah Scherger May 17, 2024

Taming ticks: Tips to avoid or remove a tick

While you're enjoying the outdoors, ticks are looking for a ride — and a meal. Ticks survive on blood from humans and animals, and can transmit disease. Learn how to tame these unwelcome hitchhikers.

Katie Clubb, M.D. By Katie Clubb May 6, 2024

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.

Jessica Sheehy PAC By Jessica Sheehy April 4, 2024

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.

Bharath Raj Varatharaj Palraj MD By Raj Palraj March 20, 2024

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.

Timothy Slama, D.O. By Timothy Slama March 13, 2024

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.

January 11, 2024

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.

Jennifer Johnson DO By Jennifer Johnson December 22, 2023