What is bird flu? Bird flu is an infection caused by a certain kind of avian influenza virus. Although there are many kinds of bird flu, the most common kinds that concern health workers are H5N1 and H7N9 bird flu viruses. These viruses are found in wild birds. Most of the time, wild birds don't get sick from the virus...

Starting at 2 months after birth, premature infants (preemies) need all the recommended immunizations that full-term infants get. The one vaccine that your preemie may not get on schedule is the hepatitis B vaccine. In full-term infants, it is usually given at birth. But this vaccine doesn't work as well in very small...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) creates Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), which have details about most vaccines given in the United States. The VISs are updated when needed. The information in these statements does not change often. Each VIS explains why to get the vaccine, the risks from the...

Guides through decision to take shots for insect sting allergies. Describes different types of allergic reactions. Includes how allergy shots work. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

COVID-19 vaccine can prevent COVID-19 disease. Vaccination can help reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease if you get sick. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 that spreads easily from person to person.

Learn the difference between symptoms of the flu and COVID-19.

My child's name is __________________________. My child's birthday is _________________. My child's doctor is __________________________. The doctor's phone number is _____________________. Age Immunization Dose Notes Date given Birth Hepatitis B (HepB) 1 of 3 2 months Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) 1 of 5...

Learn about the vaccine for COVID-19.

If you need to give yourself injections, or shots, at home, you may have some questions or concerns. You might need to inject medicine under the skin (subcutaneous). Or you might inject it into a muscle (intramuscular). Either way, these tips may help address your concerns.

Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine for children, including what it is and why they should get it.

Provides decision support for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from an ovary during the menstrual cycle. Ovulation dates vary widely from woman to woman and from month to month. Many women need to use one or more methods to pinpoint their ovulation day. This can be done by checking for several days of stringy cervical mucus, charting basal...

If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number. Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read...

Offers tips to prevent illness and accidental injuries in babies and young children. Covers SIDS. Discusses common safety hazards. Also discusses healthy habits such as safe food preparation, using car seats, and immunizations. Covers safe baby products.

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that causes the liver to release its stored sugar into the bloodstream. Glucagon is also available as a prescription medicine that is given as a shot or a nasal spray. It works in the same way as the natural hormone. People with diabetes or hypoglycemia sometimes develop...

If you have diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, meet with your doctor. Things to discuss include: Your A1c goal, your medicine for diabetes, and your weight. Whether your immunizations are up-to-date and whether you're getting enough folic acid. The safety of any prescription and over-the-counter medicines and...

Discusses smallpox, a contagious infection caused by the variola virus. Covers symptoms and how it's diagnosed. Discusses how it's spread. Discusses smallpox vaccine, including who should have it and who should not. Covers smallpox as a biological weapon.

Covers causes of heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) and unstable angina. Discusses symptoms like chest pain or pressure. Explains MI and angina differences. Offers prevention tips. Covers diagnostic tests and treatment with medicines and surgery.

Discusses nephrotic syndrome, a sign kidneys aren't working right. Includes high levels of protein in urine, low levels of protein in blood, and high cholesterol. Discusses swelling (edema) and kidney failure. Covers causes like diabetes. Covers treatment.