There are two types of flu viruses that make people sick each year, influenza A and influenza B. Influenza A viruses are also present in animals. Influenza B viruses are only present in humans. Influenza A viruses are more common than influenza B among adults, and it is influenza A that causes seasonal flu epidemics…
Early flu symptoms can come on suddenly, usually within a few days of exposure to the influenza virus, and can include a fever. While fever is often thought of as a common flu symptom, not everyone who gets the flu runs a temperature. In addition to fever, common early flu symptoms include: Chills Body aches…
Norton Healthcare continues to build on its promise to bring accessible health care to central Kentucky with the opening of a new multi-practice location in Elizabethtown. The offices in the Towne Center shopping center at 157 Towne Drive, feature approximately 25,000 square feet of space and 39 exam rooms, adding diagnostic imaging services to expanded…
You may know blood pressure and cholesterol play a role in conditions like diabetes and heart disease, among others. But do you know how triglycerides fit in and whether you should have high triglycerides or low triglyceride levels? What are triglycerides? When you eat, your body turns excess calories, alcohol or sugar into triglycerides and…
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that an estimated 5.7 % of American adults experience generalized anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. When comparing the numbers of adults who have experienced anxiety in the past year, there is a higher prevalence in women (2.7%) than in men (1.9%) Research has…
You need a primary care physician and a gynecologist, because while each can address a broad range of issues, each has specialized experience to make sure you get the right care when you need it. Both can perform basic health assessments, write prescriptions, and provide flu shots or other immunizations. Most insurance plans cover an…
Long before becoming the practice manager at a bilingual medical office, Carolina Tafur knew the importance of patients being able to communicate with their medical provider. “As a first-generation American, I grew up seeing the language barrier in every aspect of my life. My sister and I were the translators for my parents at their…
Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage nerves — often in the legs and feet — resulting in pain and numbness. Diabetic neuropathy has no known cure, but treatment can bring relief and slow the progression of nerve damage. Monitoring and maintaining your blood sugar within the target range with guidance from your…
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, located in the back of the eye. High blood sugar over time increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy. There are several stages of DR, and higher stages eventually can lead to blindness. The good news is that the progression can…
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by bacteria carried by ticks. The bacteria spreads to humans through a bite from a tick. What kind of tick causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Ticks in Kentucky include wood ticks and dog ticks. Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks, but is fairly uncommon in…
A urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney stones can have similar painful symptoms, and while it’s important to know the difference, any pain in your urinary tract requires treatment from a medical professional to prevent more serious complications. UTIs are less common in men and require in-person medical attention for urinalysis. In women, UTIs are…
An annual checkup is important for adults at any age, and the recommended health screenings will differ as you go through stages of life. The annual checkup is an opportunity to talk to your primary care provider about any concerns you might have and to get a reading on risks for conditions that aren’t showing…
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