Cold, Flu & Cough

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold, also known as rhinopharyngitis, is a type of respiratory tract infection caused by a virus.

Does the 'Stomach Flu' Vaccine Prevent Type I Diabetes?

Influenza Infection in Animals

Risk Factors and Walking Pneumonia Prevention

Walking Pneumonia Versus Common Cold

Latest Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Molecular Designs secures first FDA clearance for SimplicityDx Panel FluA/FluB/RSV assay

Molecular Designs, a physician-founded developer and manufacturer of molecular infectious disease assays, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance (K262789) for its SimplicityDx Panel FluA/FluB/RSV, the company's first FDA-cleared assay.

13 Nov 2026

Unusual allergy triggers cause anaphylaxis in children and teenagers

When people think about anaphylaxis, peanuts, shellfish, or even bee sting often come to mind. Three medically challenging cases presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting show that severe allergic reactions can come from far less obvious places: a fish ingredient hidden in an energy drink, a natural hair oil and a popular children's sensory toy.

12 Nov 2026

Inhaled living medicine reduces drug-resistant lung biofilms in the lungs of pigs

A "living medicine" has thinned biofilms of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of pigs, according to the findings of a study published today in the journal eBioMedicine.

12 Nov 2026

Doctors share simple ways to avoid illness during holiday travel

Thanksgiving and the winter holidays bring with them some of the busiest travel days of the year, and while it's a festive time for families and other loved ones, it can also create problems for your health.

12 Nov 2026

Biologic drug offers promising protection against alpha-gal syndrome

The summer of 2026 was a particularly bad season for ticks. And with it came a rising number of cases of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) thanks to bites from the Lone Star Tick.

12 Nov 2026

Biologic drug for eosinophilic esophagitis lowers childhood asthma risk

Young children treated for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) with dupilumab (a biologic medication) were less likely to develop asthma in the future compared with children who received a different treatment.

12 Nov 2026

Extreme heat stops athletes from fully using carbohydrates for fuel

Endurance sport has seen a renaissance in the understanding of carbohydrates for fuel in recent years. Advances in sports science have led to much higher levels of carbohydrates either eaten or drunk during exercise, with some top sports stars consuming 120g or more per hour during a race.

12 Nov 2026

Declining vaccination rates put U.S. measles elimination at risk

More than a quarter century after measles was declared eradicated in the United States, the country is at risk of losing that public health achievement.

11 Nov 2026

Declining thermogenic fat activity may explain age-related cold sensitivity

Researchers from City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the country, have uncovered the biological reason for why we become more sensitive to cold as we get older.

11 Nov 2026

Can psychedelics help treat cancer beyond easing end-of-life fear?

A new peer-reviewed review in Psychedelics opens on a strange fact, gathered from existing laboratory studies rather than new experiments: a brain tumor can learn to eavesdrop.

11 Nov 2026

Study examines long-term pain outcomes after surgical nerve freezing

After thoracic surgery – any medical operation done inside the chest – patients can experience pain, soreness or numbness even years later.

10 Nov 2026

Wastewater bacteria offer clues to community-wide health patterns

Bacteria found in wastewater may provide clues about community health, including rates of chronic disease, health behaviors and social conditions, according to a recent study from The Ohio State University.

10 Nov 2026

Why are some patients lying to their doctors to get antibiotics?

A study finds 28% of adults misrepresent symptoms to secure antibiotics, highlighting risks for antimicrobial resistance and the need for better communication.

10 Nov 2026

Seasonal allergies may be driving recurrent sinus infections

"Every spring, I get sick. Then it happens again in the fall." If you have frequent sinus symptoms that follow a seasonal pattern, allergies may be the root cause. Seasonal allergies can cause congestion, drainage, facial pressure, and fatigue.

6 Nov 2026

Five UK research hubs to develop technologies for healthier lives

Five new research and partnership hubs are being backed by over £52 million from the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to develop tools that help people stay healthier for longer.

6 Nov 2026

How to recognize and manage your baby's cough at home

Coughing is one of our bodies' most important defenses against respiratory illnesses like the flu and pneumonia.

6 Nov 2026

New study examines heatwave impacts on older adults' well-being

A climate chamber, virtual environments and technology that monitors the body and brain. Using these resources, researchers at Umeå University will identify ways to protect older adults' mental well-being during heatwaves at home in northern Sweden.

5 Nov 2026

Medical societies unify to endorse evidence-based respiratory vaccine guidance

Hoping to provide much-needed guidance to clinicians treating patients with lung disease and to promote respiratory health, the Vaccine Guidance Review Panel, a multi-medical society effort, announced its endorsement of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 recommendations for adults and children.

5 Nov 2026

AI-designed vaccine provides complete protection against diverse bird flu variants

A University of Cambridge team has had a third success with their AI-guided technique for designing vaccines against highly infectious viruses that threaten animal and human health.

5 Nov 2026

New method detects lung antibodies through non-invasive exhaled breath

For the first time, researchers have succesfully measured antibodies against specific respiratory viruses in exhaled air. This is shown in a new study involving, amongst others, the Karolinska Institutet, published in eBioMedicine.

4 Nov 2026