Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

Popsicles

An icy popsicle can soothe a sore, prickly, swollen, or dry throat. It can also help keep you hydrated, which is key when battling the flu. Getting enough fluids can keep mucus thin and help lessen congestion. Look for popsicles made from 100% fruit juice to make sure you're getting vital nutrients and not sugar water. Some flavors to try: apple, grape, or strawberry.

Turkey Sandwich

Turkey is a good, lean protein, essential to solid nutrition. And although you may not feel like it, eating can help give your body energy to fight illness. Try adding cranberry sauce for a spike of flavor and comfort-food taste.

Vegetable Juice

Making and eating a salad is probably one of the last things you'll feel up to while recovering from the flu. Down a glass of low-sodium vegetable juice instead. You'll load up on immune-boosting antioxidants and keep yourself hydrated. Craving a sweet taste? Go with 100% fruit juice.

Chicken Soup

Nourishing and hydrating, there's also some scientific evidence that chicken soup may help with healing and have mild anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have found that hot chicken soup can improve the ability of cilia, the tiny hair-like parts of the nasal passages, to protect the body from bacteria and viruses.

Garlic

If you feel up to it, garlic can be a good choice to spice up foods like soup. It appears to have antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties and may give you slight relief from congestion.

Ginger

Stomachache? Nausea? Ginger is a home remedy often used to soothe these symptoms. Some studies suggest it may help fight inflammation. Try adding it freshly grated or in powdered form to other foods, or drinking flat ginger ale.

Hot Tea

Green, oolong, and black tea offer disease-fighting antioxidants. And breathing in the steam can help relieve congestion. Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon to help soothe a sore throat. If caffeine bothers you, opt for decaf or herbal versions.

Banana

Sliced, mashed, or whole, bananas are easy on the stomach. They can be a go-to food if you've been hit with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often occur in kids with the flu. Bananas, along with rice, applesauce, and toast, make up the BRAT diet -- often the first foods doctors encourage people to try when they’re recovering from stomach flu and ready for solid foods.

Toast

Although it brings up the rear of the BRAT diet, toast is nothing to ignore. If you can manage food, try toast or crackers. They can be convenient foods when you're fighting illness. Plus, they pair well with chicken noodle soup and their satisfying crunch can take the edge off hunger when your stomach can't handle much.

Meal Replacement Drinks

If your appetite has returned, try one of these to make sure you're getting proper nutrients and calories. Look for lactose-free drinks with at least 6 grams of protein and that are low in sugar. Flavors like strawberry and chocolate may make getting essential vitamins, nutrients, and calories more attractive.

Sinusitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Sinus Attack!

Pain in the forehead or between the eyes? Upper teeth ache? Face feeling full, nose stuffy and congested? One of the most common reasons for visits to a doctor's office: sinus problems and sinus-related symptoms.

Sinuses: Air Spaces in Your Head

Sinuses are air spaces in your skull lined with mucous membranes. You have four sets of nasal sinuses:

• two frontal sinuses in the forehead above the eyes
• two maxillary sinuses, one inside each cheek bone (dark triangles seen in this CAT scan)
• ethmoid sinuses: a beehive of 18 to 22 cavities behind the bridge of the nose (also shown here)
• sphenoid sinuses, behind the nose and underneath the brain

Sinuses are like fingerprints; everybody's are different.

What Is Sinusitis?

Tiny, hair-like structures called cilia (magnified here) help move mucus across sinus membranes and toward an exit. All of your sinus cavities connect to your nose to allow a free exchange of air and mucus. Infections or allergies make sinus tissues inflamed, red, and swollen. That's called sinusitis.

Just a Cold ... at First

Sinusitis usually starts with inflammation triggered by a cold, allergy attack, or irritant. But it may not end there. Colds, allergies, and irritants make sinus tissues swell.

Stuffy, Puffy, and Sore

Sinusitis causes many symptoms. Most people have a stuffy nose and pain or pressure in several locations around the face or teeth. There's usually a nasal discharge that may be yellow, green, or clear. Other symptoms may include fatigue, decreased sense of smell and/or taste, cough, sore throat, bad breath, headache, pain on bending forward, and fever.

Chronic Sinusitis

The blue areas in this color-enhanced MRI show thickened mucosal surfaces on both maxillary sinuses. Inflammation of the sinus cavity that lasts for more than three months is chronic sinusitis. Although bacteria often colonize obstructed sinuses, bacterial infections are not the only cause of chronic sinusitis. Anatomy, allergies, polyps, immune deficiencies, and dental diseases may also cause chronic sinus problems.

Nasal Polyps

When sinuses remain inflamed, sinus membranes may thicken and swell. The swelling can be significant enough to cause grape-like masses called polyps (shown here). Polyps may protrude from the sinus into the nasal passage and partially or completely block the nasal airway.

Nasal Decongestants: Relief, at a Cost

These sprays open swollen nasal passages and allow your sinuses to drain. That can be helpful, especially during the worst days of a cold or during air travel. But you should use these drugs only for a few days. After that, there's a kick-back effect, making your nasal passages swell shut again. Decongestants are not indicated for chronic use. Oral decongestants may help, but also have side effects. Better solutions for acute sinus symptoms: nasal steroid sprays or saline sprays or washes. If symptoms persist, see your doctor. Chronic sinus symptoms may be caused by a deviated septum or another treatable condition.

Antibiotics Usually Not Needed

The common cold is a viral infection. Colds can lead to sinusitis symptoms, but these usually clear by themselves. Antibiotics do not treat viruses, so they won't help the sinus symptoms of a cold. Cold symptoms end in seven to 14 days. Usually, cold-related sinusitis goes away then, too.
Shown here is a magnified, color-enhanced image of a rhinovirus pathogen responsible for the common cold.

Treating Allergy-Related Sinusitis

What can help allergy-related sinus symptoms is irrigation with saline solution, either with a neti pot or squeeze bottle. Although there's no evidence they help with sinus infections, nasal steroid sprays may help some people suffering sinus symptoms from allergies. Antihistamines may help, too, especially for symptoms of sneezing and runny nose.

When to See the Doctor

Yellow or green mucus can mean a bacterial infection. Even then, acute bacterial sinusitis usually clears up in seven to 14 days -- without antibiotic treatment. But if you keep feeling worse and symptoms are persistent and severe, or if you get a fever, it's time to see a doctor.

Chronic Sinusitis Treatment Still a Puzzle

Chronic sinusitis is very difficult to treat. A first step is controlling predisposing factors such as eliminating environmental irritants. For symptom relief, doctors often prescribe nasal steroid sprays or antibiotics, but neither is proven to work in comprehensive studies. Surgery -- functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS -- offers at least moderate relief -- but this is not intended as first-line treatment for chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis Complications: Worst-Case Scenarios

Only a layer of bone separates your sinuses from your brain. If a sinus infection passes through the bone, it can infect the lining of the brain -- meningitis -- or even the brain itself. Both problems are life threatening. A sinus infection can also spread into the orbit of the eye, causing an infection around the eye and possibly blindness. Less severe complications include asthma attacks and loss of smell or taste.

Preventing Sinusitis

There's no sure way to avoid either acute or chronic sinusitis. But here are some things that can help:

• Keep sinuses moist -- use saline sprays or nasal irrigation often.
• Avoid very dry indoor environments.
• Avoid exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or strong chemical odors.

HIV AIDS Myths and Facts on Symptoms and Treatments

Having HIV Means You Have AIDS

Myth. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys the body's CD4 immune cells, which help fight disease. With the right medications, you can have HIV for years or decades without HIV progressing to AIDS. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is diagnosed when you have HIV as well as certain opportunistic infections or your CD4 cell count drops below 200.

It's Difficult to Get HIV From Casual Contact

Fact. You can't catch or spread HIV from hugging someone, using the same towel, or sharing the same glass. It's very rare to get HIV from a blood transfusion -- the U.S. blood supply is carefully tested. However, you can spread the disease from having unprotected sex, sharing needles, or getting a tattoo from unsterilized equipment.

You Have Just a Few Years to Live

Myth. Everyone with HIV experiences it differently. Some people may develop AIDS within a few months as the virus quickly weakens their immune system. Many others can live for decades with HIV and have a normal life expectancy. You can help prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS by seeing your doctor regularly and following your doctor's recommendations.

You'll Know You Have HIV Because of Your Symptoms

Myth. Some people don't show any signs of HIV for years after being infected. Many can have some symptoms within 10 days to a few weeks after infection. These first symptoms are similar to the flu or mononucleosis and may include fever, fatigue, rash, and sore throat. They usually disappear after a few weeks and you may not have symptoms again for several years. The only way to tell you have HIV is to get tested.

HIV Can Be Cured

Myth. There is no cure for HIV, but treatment can keep virus levels low and help maintain your immune system. Some drugs interfere with proteins HIV needs to copy itself; others block the virus from entering or inserting its genetic material into your immune cells. Your doctor will consider your general health, the health of your immune system, and the amount of virus in your body to decide when to start treatment.

Anyone Can Get HIV

Fact. About 56,000 people in the U.S. get HIV each year, and 18,000 people with AIDS die each year. Anyone can get HIV -- men, women, and children, people who are gay or straight. Men who have sex with men make up more than half (53%) of new HIV infections each year. Women account for 27% of new infections, and children 13%. African-Americans make up almost half of all new HIV infections each year.

Sex Is Safe When Both Partners Have HIV

Myth. Just because you and your partner both have HIV, doesn't mean you should forget about protection when you have sex. Using a condom or other latex barrier can help protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases as well as other strains of HIV, which may be resistant to anti-HIV medication. Even if you are being treated and feel well you can still infect others.

You Can Have a Baby if You Are HIV-Positive

Fact. Infected mothers can indeed pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery. However, you can lower the risk by working with your doctor and getting the appropriate care and medication. Pregnant women with HIV can take medications to treat their infection and to protect their babies against the virus. Infected mothers can indeed pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery. However, you can lower the risk by working with your doctor and getting the appropriate care and medication. Pregnant women with HIV can take medications to treat their infection and to protect their babies against the virus.

You Can't Avoid Other HIV-Related Infections

Myth. Due to weakened immune systems, people with HIV can be vulnerable to infections like pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis. The best way to reduce your risk is to take your HIV medications. Some infections can be prevented with drugs. You can lessen your exposure to some germs by avoiding undercooked meat, litter boxes, and water that may be contaminated.

Without Insurance You Can't Get Lifesaving Drugs

Myth. There are government programs, nonprofit groups, and some pharmaceutical companies that may help cover of the cost of HIV/AIDS drugs. But be aware: These drug "cocktails" can cost $15,000 a year. Talk to your local HIV/AIDS service organization to learn about financial help.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Introduction

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. People with CFS most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In some cases, CFS can persist for years. The cause or causes of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic tests are available. Moreover, since many illnesses have incapacitating fatigue as a symptom, care must be taken to exclude other known and often treatable conditions before a diagnosis of CFS is made.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

A great deal of debate has surrounded the issue of how best to define CFS. In an effort to resolve these issues, an international panel of CFS research experts convened in 1994 to draft a definition of CFS that would be useful both to researchers studying the illness and to clinicians diagnosing it. In essence, in order to receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria as described on the next slides.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome –- Criteria #1

You must have severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer duration with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -- Criteria #2

You must concurrently have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; multi-joint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

Similar Medical Conditions

A number of illnesses have been described that have similar symptoms to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis. Being chronically fatigued is a symptom that is generally associated with all of them.

Other Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms

In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined, frequently treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue. Diagnosis of any of these conditions would exclude a definition of CFS unless the condition has been treated sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms. These include hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, major depressive disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders, subacute infections, obesity, alcohol or substance abuse, vitamin D deficiency, and reactions to medications.

Other Commonly Observed Symptoms in CFS

In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequencies of occurrence of these symptoms vary from 20% to 50% among CFS patients. They include abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.

Prevalence of CFS

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects more than 1 million people in the United States. There are tens of millions of people with similar fatiguing illnesses who do not fully meet the strict research definition of CFS.

Risk Factors for CFS

• People of every age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group can have CFS.
• CFS affects women at four times the rate of men.
• Research indicates that CFS is most common in people in their 40s and 50s.
• Although CFS is much less common in children than in adults, children can develop the illness, particularly during the teen years.

  Diagnosis of CFS

  There are no physical signs that identify CFS, and there are no diagnostic laboratory tests for CFS. People who suffer the symptoms of CFS must be carefully evaluated by a physician because many treatable medical and psychiatric conditions are hard to distinguish from CFS. Common conditions that should be ruled out through a careful medical history and appropriate testing include mononucleosis, Lyme disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, various cancers, depression, vitamin D deficiency, and bipolar disorder. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that less than 20% of CFS patients in this country have been diagnosed.
  

  Treatment of CFS

  Since there is no known cure for CFS, treatment is aimed at symptom relief and improved function. A combination of drug and nondrug therapies is usually recommended. No single therapy exists that helps all CFS patients. Lifestyle changes, including prevention of overexertion, reduced stress, dietary restrictions, gentle stretching and nutritional supplementation, are frequently recommended in addition to drug therapies used to treat sleep, pain, and other specific symptoms. Carefully supervised physical therapy may also be part of treatment for CFS. However, symptoms can be exacerbated by overly ambitious physical activity. A very moderate approach to exercise and activity management is recommended to avoid overactivity and to prevent deconditioning. Delays in diagnosis and treatment are thought to be associated with poorer long-term outcomes. For example, CDC's research has shown that those who have CFS for two years or less were more likely to improve. It's not known if early intervention is responsible for this more favorable outcome; however, the longer a person is ill before diagnosis, the more complicated the course of the illness appears to be.
  

  Recovery From CFS

  CFS affects each individual differently. Some people with CFS remain homebound and others improve to the point that they can resume work and other activities, even though they continue to experience symptoms. Recovery rates for CFS are unclear. Improvement rates varied from 8% to 63% in a 2005 review of published studies, with a median of 40% of patients improving during follow-up. However, full recovery from CFS may be rare, with an average of only 5% to 10% sustaining total remission.
  

  Possible Causes of CFS

  Despite decades of intensive research, the cause of CFS remains unknown. Many different infectious agents and physiologic and psychological causes have been considered, and the search continues. Much of the ongoing research into a cause has centered on the roles the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems may play in CFS. More recently, interactions among these factors are under evaluation. Genetic and environmental factors may play a role in developing and/or prolonging the illness, although more research is needed to confirm this. CFS is not caused by depression, although the two illnesses often coexist, and many patients with CFS have no psychiatric disorder.

A Visual Guide to PMS Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

A week or two before your period starts, you may notice bloating, headaches, mood swings, or other physical and emotional changes. These recurring monthly symptoms are known as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. About 85% of women experience some degree of PMS. A few have more severe symptoms that disrupt work or personal relationships, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Symptoms of PMS: Cravings

Many women develop specific cravings when PMS strikes, usually for sweet, starchy foods like chocolate cake. The reasons for this are not well understood. Other women may lose their appetite or develop an upset stomach. Bloating and constipation are also common.

Symptoms of PMS: Acne

Acne is one of the most common signs of PMS, and it doesn't just affect teenagers. Hormonal changes can cause glands in the skin to produce more sebum. This oily substance may clog the pores, triggering a breakout -- a visible reminder that your period is on its way.

Symptoms of PMS: Pain

PMS can trigger a wide range of aches and pains, including:

• Back pain
• Headaches
• Tender breasts
• Joint pain
• 

  Symptoms of PMS: Mood Swings

  For many women, the most troubling aspect of PMS is its unpredictable impact on mood. Irritability, anger, crying spells, depression, and anxiety may come and go in the days leading up to your period. Some women even have trouble with memory and concentration during this time.
  

  Who Gets PMS?

  Any woman who has a period can get PMS, but the following patterns based on age and ethnicity have been observed:
  
• PMS is more likely in the late 20s to mid-40s.
• Black women report food cravings more than white women.
• White women report mood changes and weight gain more than black women.
• Older teens tend to have more severe PMS than younger teens.
• PMS may be more severe in the 40s.

  How PMS Affects Other Conditions

  PMS can worsen the symptoms of certain chronic conditions, including:
  
• Asthma and allergies
• Depression and anxiety
• Seizure disorders
• Migraines

Be sure to let your specialist know if your condition gets worse right before your period.

What Causes PMS?

The exact cause of PMS is not clear, but we do know that levels of estrogen and progesterone drop during the week before your period. Many doctors believe this decline in hormone levels triggers the symptoms of PMS. Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may also play a role.

PMS or Something Else?

The symptoms of PMS can be similar to or overlap with other conditions, including:

• Perimenopause
• Depression or anxiety
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Thyroid disease
The key difference is that PMS symptoms come and go in a distinct pattern, month after month.

Diagnosing PMS: Symptom Tracker

To figure out whether you have PMS, record your symptoms on a tracking form like this one. You may have PMS if:

• Symptoms occur during the five days before your period.
• Once your period starts, symptoms end within four days.
• Symptoms return for at least three menstrual cycles.

  When to See a Doctor

  If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or seek emergency medical care. You should also see your doctor promptly if your symptoms are causing problems with your job, personal relationships, or other daily activities. This may indicate a more severe form of PMS known as PMDD
  .
  

  Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

  Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) follows the same pattern as PMS, but the symptoms are more disruptive. Women with PMDD may experience panic attacks, crying spells, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, or other problems than interfere with daily life. Fortunately, many of the same strategies that relieve PMS can be effective against PMDD.
  Risk factors for PMDD include a personal or family history of depression, mood disorders, or trauma.
  

  PMS Remedy: Exercise

  Exercise can help boost your mood and fight fatigue. To get the benefits, you need to exercise regularly -- not just when PMS symptoms appear. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Vigorous exercise on fewer days can also be effective.
  

  PMS Remedy: Diet Rich in B Vitamins

  There's evidence that foods rich in B vitamins may help ward off PMS. In one study, researchers followed more than 2,000 women for 10 years. They found that women who ate foods high in thiamine (pork, Brazil nuts) and riboflavin (eggs, dairy products) were far less likely to develop PMS. Taking supplements did not have the same effect.
  

  PMS Remedy: Complex Carbs

  Complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, are packed with fiber. Eating plenty of fiber can keep your blood sugar even, which may reduce mood swings and food cravings. Enriched whole-grain products also contain the PMS-fighting B vitamins thiamine and riboflavin.
  

  PMS Remedy: Foods to Avoid

  You may be able to reduce PMS symptoms by cutting back on these foods:
  
• Salt, which can increase bloating
• Caffeine, which can cause irritability
• Sugar, which can make cravings worse
• Alcohol, which can affect mood

  PMS Remedy: Stress Relief

  Because PMS can cause tension, anxiety, and irritability, it's important to find healthy ways to cope with stress during this time. Different strategies work for different women. You may want to try yoga, meditation, massage, writing in a journal, or simply talking with friends. It also helps to make sure you get enough sleep.
  
  

  PMS Remedy: OTC Drugs

  Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease some of the physical symptoms of PMS, such as breast tenderness, headaches, back pain, or cramps. OTC drugs that work well for these symptoms include:
  
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol Cramp)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• 

  PMS Remedy: Hormone Treatments

  Birth control pills prevent ovulation by regulating hormones. This usually leads to lighter periods and may reduce the symptoms of PMS. Other hormonal treatments may include GnRH agonists lupron or nafarelin, or synthetic steroids such as danazol. You may need to try more than one type before you find one that provides sufficient relief.
  

  PMS Remedy: Other Medications

  Women with severe mood swings or PMDD may benefit from antidepressants. The most commonly used drugs are known as SSRIs; however, other types of antidepressants are often prescribed to treat PMDD. Antidepressants may be taken for 10 to 14 days before each period or throughout the menstrual cycle. Those prescribed to treat PMS include:
  
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
• Paroxetine HCI (Paxil CR)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Nefazodone (Serzone)
• Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Other treatments for PMS include anti-anxiety medications (Xanax, Buspar) and diuretics (HCTZ, Aldactone).

PMS Remedy: Supplements

Studies suggest the following vitamin and mineral supplements may reduce PMS symptoms:

• Folic acid (400 mcg)
• Magnesium (400 mg)
• Vitamin E (400 IU)
• Calcium (1,000 mg to 1,300 mg)

  PMS Remedy: Herbal Extracts

  Herbal remedies for PMS have not been well studied, but there is some evidence supporting the use of chasteberry, black cohosh, and evening primrose oil. Check with your doctor before trying these herbs. They may interact with medications or be harmful for people with certain chronic conditions.

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