How to Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites

KEY POINTS Bites from mosquitoes and ticks can make you sick! Mosquitoes and ticks can spread germs that cause diseases like West Nile and Lyme disease. You can Fight the Bite and learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito and tick bites. Exposure Know where to expect ticks Ticks live in grassy, […]
Medication Safety and Your Health

For Everyone November 18, 2024 Key points Medicines are safe when used as prescribed or as directed on the label. There are risks in taking any medicine, vitamin or other supplement. An adverse drug event (ADE) is when a medication causes harm to someone. ADEs include allergic reactions, side effects, overmedication and medication errors. They […]
Keeping Children Safe in Disasters

For Everyone OCTOBER 30, 2024 AT A GLANCE Emergencies can happen while you are not with your child. Have a plan to protect your child with the school, daycare, or caregiver. Use CDC’s “Easy as A-B-C” resource to keep your child safe. Review the plan yearly and keep contact information up to date. Background Emergencies […]
Infection Control Basics

KEY POINTS Infection control prevents or stops the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and protect themselves, patients and visitors by following CDC guidelines. Overview Germs are a part of everyday life. Germs live in our air, soil, water and in and on our bodies. Some […]
The Importance of Urgent Care

Urgent care centers are a vital part of the healthcare system. They provide convenient, affordable, and quality care for a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries. Urgent care centers are typically open seven days a week, evenings, and weekends, so you can get the care you need when you need it. They are also […]
Urgent Cares: A Convenient and Affordable Alternative to the Emergency Room

Urgent cares are a convenient and affordable alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening medical conditions. They offer a wide range of services, including: Treatment for minor injuries and illnesses X-rays and lab tests Prescription medications Stitches and casting Vaccinations Minor surgery Urgent cares are typically open seven days a week and offer extended hours, […]
About Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery

KEY POINTS A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of heart attack. What it is A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough […]
About Stroke

KEY POINTS Stroke causes parts of the brain to become damaged or die. Quick treatment is critical for stroke. There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. A transient ischemic attack is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” What it is A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part […]
What Are PFAS?

En español Send us your comments (link sends e-mail) Chemicals called PFAS are sometimes in the news. PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are widely used and long-lasting. They’re found in everyday items like carpets, clothes, and cookware. They have many uses. For example, they can help keep food from sticking to packages and […]
Preventing Seasonal Flu

HIGHLIGHTS The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. This page has resources to help answer your questions about flu vaccines. Prevention steps and strategies Take time to get a flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months and older should get a […]