The ABCs of SPF
By Frank J. Contacessa MD
The ABCs of SPF by Frank Contacessa M.D. With summer in full swing and the UV index high, it is extremely important to take the proper steps to protect ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun. It can be very confusing, however, to navigate the sunscreen aisle and pick the right products. Here are some […]
To Flu or not to Flu- The Real Deal about Influenza and the Flu shot
By Frank J. Contacessa MD
As we leave summer behind us and head into the fall and winter, we also head into cold and flu season. So begins my annual effort to dispel the many falsely held beliefs that so many people hold about the influenza vaccine. First, let’s talk about the flu itself. Influenza is caused by a family of viruses, not bacteria. So, it is not treatable with antibiotics. We all know the common symptoms, some of which also occur with less severe “common cold” viral infections. Don’t let those similarities fool you, though, there’s no confusing a common cold with the flu. The symptoms of influenza are much worse, making you feel much sicker than with the common cold. There’s no such thing as “a touch of the flu”. That’s like being a touch pregnant! A bad cold is not influenza. Most people never forget having had the flu, it makes you that sick. The flu is no joke, many people die every year from it. It usually hits hardest among the very old, the very young, or the very sick.