Health Conditions - HealthDigest

woman on the couch in a blanket blowing her nose

Agnes Erickson

Here's How Long Your Cold Is Really Contagious

Your cold symptoms are finally gone, and it appears the time has come to re-enter society as the healthy human you are. But before you dive in, press pause on those plans to resume daily life and consider others around you.

Katherine Alexis Athanasiou

This Is How High Your Temperature Must Be To Have A Fever

The cold sweats, chills, debilitating headache, and muscle aches; there's no denying that having a fever can make you feel quite lousy. However, that pesky high temperature that's making you feel miserable is actually an indicator that your body is working for your own good.

Maria Faller

Here's How Long Your Cold Could Really Last

Colds can be a real burden -- sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. They can range from mild to severe, though, and might last longer than you think.

make-up products laid out on a bright pink and yellow background

Agnes Erickson

Should You Get Rid Of Your Makeup After You Have A Cold?

You may have swiped on a little lipstick and mascara to achieve the 'fake it until you make it' vibe during the time you were unwell, and we don't blame you. But now that your cold has passed, does that mean the germs you spread to your makeup have guaranteed them a visit to your garbage can?

Agnes Erickson

Is The 'Man Flu' A Real Thing?

Is the 'man flu' a real thing? Find out more here.

Valerie Kalfrin

Cold Showers Vs Hot Showers: Which One Is Better For You?

For some of us, there's nothing better than turning up the steam in a hot shower, but some prefer cold showers. Which one is better for you?

Jorie Mark

Signs Your Headache Is More Serious Than You Think

If you generally consider yourself a healthy person, getting the occasional headache is just one of life's annoyances — an ailment as common (and as seemingly harmless) as the common cold, indigestion, or a mosquito bite. Except... when it's not.

Couple bundled in winter coats on sofa and coughing

Karen Veazey

The Real Reason Cold Weather Makes It Easier To Catch A Cold

When we're just children, we're taught to layer up against the cold when going outside in the fall and winter months. In addition to comfort, the idea is that we're better protected against colds and viruses by keeping warm. Why does it work that way?

Zrinka Peters

What's Really Happening When You Get The Chills From A Fever

Most of us have experienced the odd sensation of burning up with a fever and feeling ice-cold at the same time. It's one of the bodies' paradoxical states that leave us baffled — and usually feeling better after a while. But what's actually going on?

happy woman towel drying her wet hair in a yellow bathrobe

Agnes Erickson

Never Go Out In The Cold With Wet Hair. Here's Why

Even for those lucky early birds who have their morning routines down to a synchronized dance, the tempo can get away from them sometimes, leaving no time to dry their hair — but you'll want to think twice before you leave the house with wet strands on the chillier days.

Phoebe McRae

Fact Or Fiction: Cranberry Juice Helps UTIs

Those who have ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI) will know that they're anything but comfortable. Does cranberry juice help treat UTIs?

Jorie Mark

The Real Reason Women Are Always Colder Than Men

Women are generally colder than men, and the hub's insistence on keeping the temperature at an arctic below 70 degrees is grounds for... well, a second glass of wine!

Valerie Kalfrin

Does The Flu Shot Give You The Flu?

An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of contracting influenza and spreading it to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet some people remain nervous about getting the flu shot. Can the flu shot actually give you the flu?

Lauren Barth

Don't Even Try To Eat These Foods When You're Sick

There are some foods you may only eat when you're sick. Unfortunately, many of your staple sick-day foods are ones you should never try to eat.

Valerie Kalfrin

How Long Flu Germs Really Live, According To Science

Hold the door for someone, and you could grasp some flu germs. That's because the influenza virus can live for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel, two materials we touch daily on doorknobs and door handles, faucets, light switches, and cell phones.

Jorie Mark

Why You Might Gain Weight When You Have A Cold

During your last cold, food tasted terrible and you barely ate anything. But when you step on the scale, you've discovered you've gained some weight! How?!?!

Phoebe McRae

The Real Difference Between Migraines And Headaches

If you've ever had a headache that won't go away with the help of over the counter medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, it may not be a headache at all. It could, in fact, be a migraine. What's the real difference between the two?