Flu Shot Ingredients: Learn What They Contain, Their Safety, and Health Benefits

If you worry about flu shot ingredients, you should know that they have a decades-long history of safety. Otherwise, they typically contain several basic ingredients. Flu shots vary in ingredients, manufacturing method, brand, and delivery. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi These are the ingredients typically found in most flu vaccines. The virus replicates in the egg, then its extracted and used in vaccines. This is the most common flu shot manufacturing process, and its been used safely for over 70 years....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 620 words · Rhonda Sanchez

Flu Stages: A Day-by-Day Guide

Flu stages follow a relatively predictable timeline. It can also help you figure out if you are still contagious and able to infect others. Even so, you are technically contagious on Day 0. Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health Flu Day 1 Day 1is when the body mounts an aggressive immune defense. It does so by releasing proteins calledantibodiesthat coordinate the immune attack and triggerinflammation. Inflammation helps neutralize the virus but also causes uncomfortable symptoms like heat, swelling, and pain....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 649 words · Ryan Moore

Flu Symptoms and Treatment

Seeking antiviral flu treatment within a few days of symptoms can shorten your illness. Roos Koole / Getty Images Flu Symptoms Flu symptoms can vary from person to person. For example, some people will develop a fever with the flu, while others will not. Roos Koole / Getty Images The table below outlines the main differences between the flu, cold, and COVID-19 symptoms. What Causes the Flu? The flu is a respiratory infection triggered by two viruses, influenza A and influenza B....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 725 words · Scott Lewis

Flu vs. Stomach Flu: What Is the Difference?

The seasonal flu and stomach flu are completely different illnesses. The flu is triggered by theinfluenza virusand symptoms mostly involve the upper respiratory tract. This article covers the differences between the seasonal flu and the stomach flu. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin It discusses symptoms, treatment, and when to call a healthcare provider. Symptoms Influenza comes on suddenly and will make you feel terrible. Gastroenteritis The stomach flu is a completely different virus from the seasonal flu....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 239 words · Andrew Stanley

Fluid in the Ear and Its Causes

Fluid in the ear often occurs with an ear infection, especially in kids. Some people may need to have tubes placed in the ears or surgery to remove their adenoids. In children, fluid in the ears is common. Illustration by Emily Roberts for Verywell Health Is Otitis Media With Effusion (OME) an Ear Infection? Fluid in the ear is sometimes calledotitis media with effusion(OME). If ear discharge continues or has blood or pus in it, seek emergency care....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 205 words · Glen Kaufman

Flying With a Heart Condition

Risks Air travel does not pose major risks to most people with heart disease. But there are some aspects of flying that can be problematic when you have certain heart conditions. Keep in mind some of these issues compound their effects on your health. Rofique Hussain / EyeEm / Getty Images One of the biggest risks for people with heart disease who are flying is developing venous thrombosis. This exacerbates the effects of pre-existing heart diseases such as CAD andpulmonary hypertension....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 281 words · Peter Wolfe

Fo-Ti for Aging: Does It Work and Is It Safe?

Fo-ti is an herb native to China and other parts of Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fo-ti root has been used for various health ailments. It is also thought to be beneficial for anti-aging. Verywell / Getty Images That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Verywell / Getty Images Uses of Fo-Ti Fo-ti can be taken by itself. There are two versions: Fo-ti has been used for centuries in TCM....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 997 words · Sean Oconnor

Foamy Poop Causes and Treatment

Some infections are common. Stomach Flu Gastroenteritis, also called the stomach flu, can cause foamy diarrhea. This happens when infection in the gastrointestinal tract leads to gas bubbles that are passed along with loose stools. Calvin Chan Wai Meng / Getty Images Viral and bacterial gastroenteritis can be prevented with good hygiene practices like hand washing. Cooking food to a safe internal temperature and taking steps to prevent cross-contamination can preventfoodborne illness....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 301 words · Lynn Wright

Focal Epilepsy: What Happens in One-Sided Brain Seizures?

Seizures in epilepsy can be focal or generalized. Focal epilepsy seizures, sometimes called partial seizures, involve more limited symptoms than generalized epilepsy seizures. A key difference is that a small area of brain damage usually causes focal epilepsy seizures. FG Trade / Getty Images Medical care and lifestyle considerations allow you to enjoy a normal life and manage your condition safely. This article will describe the symptoms and effects of focal epilepsy, causes, treatment, and seizure prevention....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 386 words · Amy Roberts

FODMAP Diet: Everything You Need to Know

FODMAPs are a jot down of carbohydrate that can resist digestion. “FODMAP” stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.” Compassionate Eye Foundation/Steven / Getty Images What Are FODMAPs? Compassionate Eye Foundation/Steven / Getty Images FODMAPsare a group of sugars (types of carbohydrates) that are not completely absorbed in the gut. What Happens When You Eat FODMAPs? As FODMAPs slowly move through the digestive tract, they attract water. When they reach thelarge intestine(colon), bacteria ferment the FODMAPs, producing gas as a byproduct....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 511 words · Bonnie Floyd

Foley Catheters Placement and How They Work

Once the catheter is placed, extreme care is needed to avoid aurinary tract infection (UTI). This article explains what Foley catheters are and what they are used for. It also describes how they are inserted and cared for, including the possible risks and complications. FS Productions / Getty Images What Is a Foley Catheter? After insertion, a Foley catheter is intended to remain in place for several hours or longer....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 334 words · Nicole Johnson

Follow These 6 'Winter Arc' Rules to Jumpstart Your New Year Health Goals

To set yourself up for success, focus on realistic goals. Behavior isnt a light switch, its more like a dimmer switch, Albers said. These can help people relax and reflect during a busy day, Albers said. skynesher / Getty Images Avoid any [practices] that speak to having to always or never do something, Rumsey said. Anything this rigid and inflexible is going to be counterproductive. You always want to avoid any practices that involve eliminating certain foods or food groups....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 180 words · Michael Smith

Follow-Up Appointments After Joint Replacement Surgery

Most of your appointments with your surgeon will occur during this postoperative recovery period. However, appointments may continue for years, or even decades, depending on your surgeon’s recommendations. Beyond the 10-year mark, it is important to follow up annually or every other year. George Rudy / Getty Images More frequent follow-ups may be advised if your replacement is showing signs of wear. Initial follow-up typically takes place two- or three-week post-surgery....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 427 words · Willie Gray