Cold, Flu, or Pneumonia?

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The winter season can be difficult to navigate when there is the risk of developing one of three respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia. All three of these illnesses share similar symptoms but are all different and range from mild to severe.

The common cold is the least serious of the three respiratory illnesses, as it presents milder symptoms. Common cold symptoms include:

Mild cough

Sore throat

Runny nose

Congestion

When a person is suffering from the common cold, they will usually feel run-down for a couple of days and are able to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter remedies such as cough syrup and cold medications.

Unlike a cold, the flu or influenza hits hard and fast, with more intense symptoms usually beginning more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms of the flu include:

A high, sudden fever

A stuffy nose

A dry cough

Headaches

Muscle aches

Extreme fatigue

Chills and sweats

Lack of appetite

A flu vaccine is available to help prevent an infection from the flu virus, as well as medications that can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Pneumonia is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection, with the illness and its symptoms being more severe than the cold or flu. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

Chest pains that increase when you cough

Coughing up blood or mucus

High fever

Difficulty breathing

Inability to breathe deeply

Chills

Extreme and weakening fatigue

Lack of appetite

Clammy skin and frequent sweating

Bacterial and viral pneumonia are treatable with antibiotics and antivirals, respectively. Pneumonia can be very serious and even life-threatening for the elderly, very young children, and those with chronic lung conditions. Vaccines for pneumonia are available for high-risk patients.

Preventing respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or pneumonia requires taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing and/or spreading these infections, including:

Washing your hands regularly

Avoiding contact with individuals who are sick with any of these respiratory illnesses

Getting your annual flu vaccination

Getting vaccinated with the pneumococcal and Hib vaccines if you are in an at-risk group

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a cold, flu, or pneumonia, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Maternal Health Awareness Day

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January 23rd is observed as Maternal Health Awareness Day, a day that recognizes the importance of spreading awareness and reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. It is a major problem in the United States. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries and is the only advanced country to have maternal mortality rates that have increased in recent decades.

Black and indigenous women in the U.S. are particularly at risk, as their maternal mortality rates are two to three times as high as those of other women. What’s more, black women in the U.S. are four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines pregnancy-related deaths as any deaths that occur during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy from pregnancy complications that affect the mental or physical health of a woman, her baby, or both.

Pregnancy-related deaths may occur due to:

The pregnancy causing a new medical or mental health problem

The pregnancy starting a chain of events that result in death

The pregnancy making an unrelated medical condition worse

According to the CDC, an estimated 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

Many social factors contribute to pregnancy-related deaths. Social factors are any nonmedical conditions, such as where women live, work, and spend their free time, that can affect their health. Social factors such as their income and access to high-quality care can affect a woman’s ability to manage conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, that can increase maternal risk.

The CDC recommends these tips for pregnant and expectant women, which can help prevent and treat severe pregnancy-related complications:

Starting prenatal care early

Seeing a healthcare provider throughout the pregnancy

Attending all postpartum visits

If you would like to learn more about maternal health, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

Does Nasal Irrigation Effectively Fight the Common Cold?

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As the winter season progresses, so does cold season.

When we come down with a cold, we try different methods to relieve our cold symptoms.

However, using a simple saline or saltwater solution can help reduce the duration of these symptoms.

A pilot study conducted in 2019 found that flushing the nose with a 3% saline solution, which is higher than the standard 0.9% concentration, can reduce cold symptoms in approximately two days.

Additionally, researchers say that saline nasal drops may help reduce transmission rates of cold viruses.

In the same 2019 study, 93% of participants reported that the 3% saline solution made a difference in their symptoms, and 61% indicated that they would use it again during another cold.

Most people may catch a cold two or three times each year, as the cold virus spreads easily via contaminated droplets. Saline solution is an affordable, easy-to-use treatment that may help slow down the spread of the cold virus between family members.

Saline nasal drops may also help to clear up a runny nose. The solution may help reduce viral load, the amount of the virus in a person’s system, by flushing out the nasal passages.

Saline nasal drops help flush out mucous and inflammatory mediators, which are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in initiating and regulating the body’s inflammatory response. This can improve cold symptoms and give the immune system a better chance to fight the infection.

When you are looking to buy saline nasal drops or sprays, it is important to look for a saline percentage or the words “hypertonic” or “extra-strength” on the label. Many brands of saline solutions sell 3% hypertonic nasal spray, but it is important to read the labels carefully to confirm the product does not contain other added medications.

You can also make a saline solution at home with salt, baking soda, and water. It is important to only use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water when preparing the solution, as the quality of tap water varies, and there may be things such as bugs and germs present.

To make the saline solution, combine three tablespoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda. Avoid any salts that contain iodine, preservatives, or anti-caking agents because these can irritate your nose. Put one teaspoon of the salt-baking soda mixture into eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. Baking soda helps reduce irritation; however, you may still experience some irritation in the nose or throat after using the saline solution.

Although hypertonic nasal drops or sprays could be prepared correctly, they can still irritate the nose and throat. Some people may even experience a temporary burning sensation. Use the hypertonic saline solution as tolerated. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about alternative cold remedies if the saline solution doesn’t work well for you and if your cold symptoms persist or get worse.

If you are suffering from common cold symptoms and would like to learn more about nasal irrigation, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7110.

Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Health Resolutions

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Every New Year’s Eve, we ambitiously make resolutions that we intend to keep. Unfortunately, keeping those resolutions is easier said than done.

For many of us, we set many long-term goals as a New Year’s resolution. Setting long-term goals, such as losing a certain amount of weight without a plan or outline of specific ways to accomplish that goal, often sets us up for failure. This is why experts recommend that we achieve long-term goals by making a plan and taking small incremental steps that help us change our behaviors over time. These behavioral modifications must be repeated for them to become routine.

Here are some additional tips to help you stay on track with keeping your New Year’s resolution:

Instead of stopping an old habit, try starting a new habit. Rather than stop eating candy, try to eat more fruits and vegetables. Starting a new habit can push an old habit aside, which may make it more likely that you will stick with your new routine
Add another habit onto one of your current ones. For example, you can do stretches after brushing your teeth. Pairing a new habit with an old or current one can be an effective way to create a long-term lifestyle change
Focus on the process of achieving your goal rather than focusing on the outcome. Fixating on the outcome can cause you to be discouraged when you have trouble accomplishing that goal
Track your progress by using an app, journal, or calendar to help you monitor the progress you are making. Keeping data on your progress can be a positive reinforcement and help keep you accountable
Plan ahead by considering any challenges you may face while trying to keep your resolution. For example, if you are trying to eat healthy, think about what you are going to buy at the grocery store or what you may order at a restaurant. If you are trying a new exercise routine, schedule when you are going to exercise so it doesn’t conflict with any other activities
Give yourself grace when you make a mistake. Being negative and self-critical when you mess up may make you less likely to stick to your new habits. Be more compassionate with yourself and be as consistent as you can

If you would like help keeping your New Year’s health resolutions, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system. The WHO also states that 1 in 7 adults worldwide has migraines and that it can be three times more common in women than men.

Headache is a general term that describes the pain in the scalp, head, and neck. There are many different types of headaches. They may be primary conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, or they may occur due to underlying health conditions.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are more common in women. People often experience occasional tension headaches and don’t seek medical care. If you are experiencing tension headaches for 15 days or more a month, consult your primary care provider.

Causes of Tension Headaches:

Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Alcohol
Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
Dental problems such as frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
Eyestrain
Keeping your head in one position for a long time.
Not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms of tension headaches typically feel like dull pressure around the head. You may also feel muscle tightness in your head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to a week.

Ways to treat and prevent tension headaches:

Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining good posture while seated and taking breaks from sitting.
Managing daily stress

Migraines are a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. Migraines have four phases which are prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome.

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe genetics are a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine:

Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Epilepsy
Sleep disorders
Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine
Certain medications or taking particular medications too often

Migraines are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with a migraine. Some people have a predictable pattern or migraines, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraines but they can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Cluster headaches are sudden, severe headaches on one side of the head that peak within the first 10 minutes. You may also have a stuffy nose, drooping eyelid, a watery eye, and swelling or redness on the same side as the pain.

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they often run in families and affect more men than women.

Here are some triggers of cluster headaches:

Alcohol
Being exposed to heat
Bright lights
Overexertion
Processed foods
Smoking

Cluster headaches, especially acute ones are often treated with anti-inflammatories, triptan medications, and DHE injections.

If you commonly experience migraines or headaches, you can receive specialized treatment from a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

How to Prevent Dehydration During the Summer Heat

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

With the summer and warmer weather upon us causing more and more people to begin to participate in outdoor activities. Before you begin, make sure you drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated:

The rule that you need to drink eight glasses of water per day is a myth. The Institute of Medicine recommends women should receive 2.2 liters of fluid intake per day and men should get three liters. Keep in mind that fluid intake can come from beverages other than water.
While thirst is your body’s way of preventing dehydration, being thirsty doesn’t mean that you are dehydrated. Thirst is our brain’s way of telling us to drink more to avoid dehydration.
The color of your urine is a good, real-time indicator of dehydration, but the misconception is that urine should be clear. In truth, urine should be a pale-yellow color.
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or tea will not dehydrate you if consumed in moderate amounts. Caffeine is considered a mild diuretic, the amount of water in it offsets the amount of fluid it will cause you to lose through increased urination.
Drinking isn’t the only way of increasing your water intake. It is estimated that we get up to 20% of our daily water intake from the foods we eat. Fruits and vegetables contain the most, with cucumbers, celery, and watermelon having the highest concentration of water.

There is also such a thing as drinking too much water and becoming overhydrated. This can be very dangerous and can lead to a condition called hyponatremia. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. To avoid this problem, do not drink to the point that you are full from water alone.

The Benefit of Exercise for your Child

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The incidence of childhood obesity in the United States continues to be on the rise. As a result, chronic disease, musculoskeletal issues and self-esteem issues are also on the rise.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is recommended that physical activity in children and adolescents consist of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day to help promote muscle and bone development.

There are various types of exercise that will benefit your child or adolescent. Some of the more accessible types of exercise are:

Outdoor games, such as tug-of-war or relay racing
Walking to and from school (when possible)
Bicycle riding
Jumping rope
Martial arts
Sports (soccer, hockey, basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball)
Skiing
Dancing
Rollerblading
Skateboarding
Walking the dog
Aerobics
Gymnastics
Push-ups (modified with the knees on the floor)
Using resistance bands while exercising
Playground activities (swings, slides, etc.)

Too often children and adolescents are sedentary; spending too many hours a day on their smart phones, game stations, tablets or in front of the television.

Regular exercise promotes healthy bone growth, strength and mass, as well as raising your heart rate. In fact, studies have shown that children and adolescents who exercise daily are prone to stronger muscles and bones, have loser body mass index, are less likely to become overweight, have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and have a better outlook on life.

So dust off the dance shoes, tie up your sneakers, take the bike out of the garage, put the dog on a leash and begin to get healthy!

Can Yoga Naturally Lower your Blood Pressure?

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Practicing yoga can give your overall health an added boost. Studies have found that it is also helpful in fighting hypertension when combined with other methods of management such as a healthy diet, medication and aerobic exercise. Research indicates that on average patients who incorporated yoga into their care management routine saw a notable reduction in their systolic blood pressure (top number) and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number).

It is believed that yoga is an effective complementary treatment for hypertension because it increases and strengthens the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Additionally it can help improve resiliency to stress; a trigger in elevating blood pressure levels.

If you decide to include yoga as a part of your care, it is important to know that not all yoga poses are created equal in high blood pressure management. There are some poses that are helpful and there are others that can be harmful.

Yoga poses that can be beneficial are:

Bridge pose
Posterior stretch pose
Savasana pose
Child pose

Yoga poses that should be avoided or modified include:

Bow pose
Camel pose
Feathered peacock pose
Balasana pose

It is important that you speak with your physician before trying yoga. Your physician will assess your health and advise if you are physically capable. If your doctor has given you the green light, inform your yoga instructor about your hypertension. This information will help in the prevention of injuries or the exacerbation of your medical condition.

Finding Time For Fitness

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Many people find themselves wishing there were more hours in a day to get more accomplished especially when their day is already crowded. So how do you find time for fitness in between an already demanding schedule? Here are five tips to get you started:

Turn your commute into a workout. During months with warmer weather you can take a bike to work instead of the train or bus. If biking isn’t your thing try getting off a few stops before your usual stop and walk the rest of the way to work. For those who need to drive, try parking further away from your usual spot and walk the rest of the way.
Take the stairs instead. For daily transit commuters it’s always tempting to take escalator but taking the stairs instead will get your blood going in the morning. While at work try the stairs instead of the elevator especially if you spend most of your time sitting down at work.
Set an earlier alarm. Carve some time out of your morning to go to the gym or go for a run before work.
Lunch break workout. Some jobs have gyms on site or close enough in the area for you to replace lunch with a workout.
Take the kids with you. For parents with younger children who can’t keep up on a bike or scooter ride there are jogging strollers available to make multitasking easier. This way you can save a few bucks on a babysitter and stay in shape.

You can probably think of a few more hacks to blend your work schedule with working out but these are great starters.