The “I’m Fine” Infection That Isn’t If you’ve ever had a cold that just won’t quit, two weeks of cough, on-and-off low fevers, chest tightness when you climb stairs, you might have met walking pneumonia. It’s not a formal diagnosis; it’s the everyday way people describe mild pneumonia, often from atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. You can still go to class, practices, or meetings. But you shouldn’t. Because ...
Why newborns need extra protection In older kids and adults, RSV usually looks like a bad cold. In newborns and young infants, it can cause bronchiolitis, swelling of tiny airways, leading to labored breathing, trouble feeding, and dehydration. Babies have small airways and limited reserves; even minor swelling can make breathing and feeding a struggle. The goal isn’t isolation; it’s stacking simple protections and recognizing early signs. For fast pediatric evaluation without the ...
Why winter throats burn more, and what’s actually going on Massachusetts winters close windows, dry the air, and bring classrooms, rinks, offices, and family gatherings into tight indoor spaces. Viruses like rhinovirus, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 love that setup, and the dry air irritates your throat lining, so every tickle feels worse. Most winter sore throats are viral and improve with time. But strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, needs ...