Category: cold and flu

Symptoms of upper respiratory infection include cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, scratchy or sore throat, and nasal breathing.Source: iStock Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) definition and facts Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. Upper respiratory infections are the most common illness resulting in...

Sore throats typically last three to seven days; however, these remedies can soothe your pain and possibly help you get better faster. Sore throats are a common problem for many of us. While most instances of sore throats tend to get better on their own, lasting about three to seven days, there are remedies you...

A stubborn cough can be annoying, but it typically isn’t a sign of something more serious and can be treated in the following ways. Getting rid of a stubborn cough may require cough suppressants, steam inhalation, saline gargles and/or anti-inflammatory medications. Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (antitussive), is usually considered the first-line cough treatment. It may...

What is penicillin V? What are the uses for penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin)? Penicillin V is effective for treatment of laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and soft tissue and skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It also is used for preventing recurrence of rheumatic fever and chorea (a disorder of uncontrolled movement of the body). Only mild...

What is norfloxacin? What is norfloxacin used for? Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Other fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and ofloxacin (Floxin). Norfloxacin works by blocking DNA gyrase enzyme, which is responsible for production and repair of bacterial DNA. Blocking of DNA gyrase leads to bacteria death and prevents worsening of infection. Norfloxacin treats...

What is zanamivir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zanamivir is an inhaled drug that is used for treating and preventing influenza (the "flu"). Zanamivir decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the viruses responsible for the flu. It does this by blocking the action of neuraminidase, an enzyme produced by...

What is oseltamivir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oseltamivir is an oral medication used for treating and preventing the “flu.” It is similar to zanamivir (Relenza). Oseltamivir suppresses and decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the viruses responsible for the flu. It does this by blocking the action of...

What is pneumococcal vaccine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pneumococcal vaccine is used for prevention of pneumonia. This pneumococcal vaccine contains chemicals (polysaccharides) extracted from 23 types of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Upon injecting pneumococcal vaccine, our body recognizes these chemical as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy the chemicals. Antibodies are blood...

Generic drug: Influenza Vaccine Brand name: Fluzone Highdose What is Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine), and how does it work? Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is a vaccine that helps protect against influenza illness (flu). Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine is for people 65 years of age and older. Vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine may not protect all...