FRIDAY, Oct. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Richard Kanowitz's 4-year-old daughter, Amanda, died of the flu on March 1, 2004, barely 72 hours after she first complained of feeling ill.

Amanda came home from preschool on a Friday afternoon with a slight cough and fever, her father recalled. Her symptoms progressed slowly over the weekend and, by Sunday, she was sluggish, still feverish and now vomiting. The pediatrician said there were multiple viruses circulating and advised the parents to just keep her hydrated.

(HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that federal guidelines on the length of needles used to vaccinate children could put some kids in danger of injury.

"Based on our findings, the CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] should alter their guidelines," said study author William C. Lippert, a graduate student at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

I never seem to catch the flu, but I always get at least one really nasty cold when the seasons change. My husband doesn’t really catch colds, but it seems like every winter, he’ll have at least a short bout with the flu. It’s never made much sense to us, and we chalked it up to genetic differences since we share the same environment.

Are you a person who can count on catching at least one horrible cold or flu bug each winter? Do you envy your cubicle mate, who never seems to get sick when all around her are sniffling?

(HealthDay News) -- Drugs used to treat obesity may be effective against a wide range of viral infections such as the flu, hepatitis, and even HIV, say researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center and Princeton University.

In cellular metabolism, glucose can be converted into fatty acids -- a process known as fatty acid biosynthesis. Fatty acid biosynthesis is not essential in humans, but many viruses use these fatty acids to build their viral envelopes, or outer coatings, which help the viruses penetrate and infect human cells.

It has been hard to ignore lately...the advertisements and marketing of FLU shots...at doctor's offices, clinics, pharmacies and even grocery stores. Yes, the time is upon us...FLU SEASON. With the critical time in the flu season being December-February, decision time is now. How do we best prepare our immune systems...do we "flu-shot" or do we have other options?

(HealthDay News) -- Fewer Americans are regularly washing their hands, even though it's one of the best ways to prevent colds and flu, says the fourth annual Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) Clean Hands Report Card.

"Americans should prepare for the onslaught of the cold and flu season. Cleaning your hands regularly throughout the day can help keep you out of the doctor's office or the emergency room," Nancy Bock, SDA's vice president of education, said in an SDA news release. The group has designated Sept. 21-27 as National Clean Hands Week to raise awareness of the need.

Can you help me understand the differences between a cold virus and flu virus? And, when should I go to the doctor or just treat it at home? I was trying to look up my symptoms, and got confused, and also saw there was a third possibility: NSV (non specific virus). What exactly is that?!

Thanks!

FRIDAY, Aug. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Canadian researchers are challenging the widely held belief that flu shots help protect older people from potentially deadly diseases such as pneumonia.

While the researchers say the vaccine does protect against certain strains of influenza, its overall benefit seems to have been exaggerated by so-called observational studies that found a big reduction in "all-cause mortality" among older patients who'd gotten a flu shot.

I've heard more than once that adults who have frequent illnesses (like colds and infections) may want to think about getting their tonsils removed. Is there any validity to this?

Airborne just lost a law suit for $30 Million dollars. The claim being that there is no science behind the product. No testing, clinical trials etc... They say it can't possible ward off colds or the flu.

I've actually take Airborne and have since it hit the drug stores.It seems to work well for me. Is it simply the placebo effect? Or, does it really work?

Would love to know what you think.....

Michelle