Contagious illnesses like the common cold and flu affect the respiratory tract. According to the CDC, adults end up having a cold an average of three times a year, while the average number of people infected by the flu can vary. These antiviral infections can be managed in various ways. Herein, you can find more about the common treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help fight cold and flu: Get the right treatment While the cold and flu are not curable, the recovery time and severity of symptoms can be reduced with the help of various antiviral treatments. Here are two popular options to consider: XOFLUZA® XOFLUZA® (baloxavir marboxil) tackles influenza if the symptoms started less than 48 hours ago. This antiviral treatment option helps deal with symptoms like stuffy nose, coughs, fever, chills, sore throat, and even fatigue. XOFLUZA® does not cure influenza but works on making the symptoms less severe and shortens the time taken to recover. Serious side effects of XOFLUZA® include allergic reactions with signs such as trouble with breathing or rashes. More common side effects include diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, headaches, and sinusitis. Tamiflu® Tamiflu® (Oseltamivir) is another cold and flu antiviral treatment that reduces symptom severity and shortens recovery time by a day or two.

Mosquitoes have a sharp sense of smell. They are usually attracted to flowers, perfumes, and, most notably, the carbon dioxide and odor we emanate. In the same way, mosquitoes find certain aromas unappealing and tend to stay away from them. You can use such fragrances to prevent mosquito bites and stop the spread of diseases, especially when there are stagnant water bodies nearby. Here are five scents that repel mosquitoes: Citronella Citronella oil, extracted from the lemongrass plant, is typically utilized in commercial bug sprays. It includes a lemon-like citrusy fragrance that is bothersome to mosquitoes yet magnificently pleasing to humans. So plant lemongrass indoors as an effective mosquito repellent. You can also apply citronella oil to the skin or combine it with other essential oils to make your own DIY deterrent. Lavender Lavender might be the most loved aroma of many, but it is among the popular scents that repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes hate the strong fragrance of the purple bloom and stay away from it. You can extract lavender oil and apply it to the skin or make a body spray. Some prefer growing the plant in their nursery. Rosemary Besides cooking, people use rosemary for many things. The multipurpose fragrant plant works wonders by taking care of minor mosquito invasions.

Melanoma is an uncommon skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes begin to spread uncontrollably. About 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year, yet no studies can predict when or how it happens. Hence, it is essential to understand this type of cancer in detail to help make an informed choice and take cautionary measures. Here are the treatment methods, meal plans, and tips for managing the condition better: Treatment Some medications help manage melanoma. OPDIVO® is one of them. It is chiefly utilized when diseases have progressed drastically, can’t be eliminated by a medical procedure, and have spread to different parts of the body (metastatic). It is also used when other therapies don’t work. It is likewise used to assist with keeping the disease from returning after patients have had a medical procedure (adjuvant therapy). OPDIVO® works on malignant growth cells that produce a protein called PD-L1. Tests may be required before treatment to make sure OPDIVO® is suitable. It can be given alone or with other oral therapies. This medication contains an active ingredient called nivolumab. Meal plans Eating healthy foods and following a strict meal plan can help melanoma patients manage symptoms and side effects of medical treatment.

Breast cancer occurs in various parts of the breast. The disease causes cells to grow uncontrollably. The cancerous cells then spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. At least one in three women develops a type of breast cancer, with about 287,000 new cases each year. There are several methods to manage the disease. Here are the treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and lifestyle changes to cope with the condition: Treatment options AFINITOR Beginning a treatment plan is the first step in coping with breast cancer. A prescription therapy named AFINITOR can be used. This treatment option contains everolimus, an antineoplastic chemotherapy remedy that restricts the growth of cancer cells in the breast. CAR T-cell therapy Another preferred therapy for breast cancer is the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. The first step involved in this method is to collect white blood cells (including T-cells) from a patient’s blood. The T-cells are then separated from the white blood cells and are modified in a lab. They are then put back in the patient. The therapy helps fight cancer cells when other treatments are ineffective. Foods to eat and avoid Healthy foods can help a person in strengthening their immune system.

Leukemia is a disease wherein the bone marrow produces a high amount of dysfunctional white blood cells. These white blood cells do not allow the red blood cells to function properly. The cause of the disease is not known. However, there are some factors like radiation exposure and genetics, that may increase the risk of leukemia. Here are the treatments, foods to eat and avoid, and lifestyle changes to manage the condition: Treatment The treatment for leukemia involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, and even surgery. BLINCYTO® It is an injection used for the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It is known to work with the immune system to search and destroy cancerous cells. This treatment option also helps in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy. TASIGNA® It is used to manage the symptoms of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It helps in making CML a more manageable condition to live with. Foods to eat Vegetables Vegetables that contain sulforaphane like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale should be consumed by those recovering from leukemia. Studies suggest that sulforaphane can help in slowing the spread of leukemia. Fruits Fruits like apples and cranberries should also be consumed.

The thymus gland, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes make up the body’s disease-fighting lymphatic system. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphocytes located in the lymph nodes. It is a progressive disorder with no cure. But its symptoms can be managed with nutrition and lifestyle changes as well as certain treatment options. Here are some useful tips to manage lymphoma to improve quality of life post diagnosis: Treatments for Lymphoma Ibrutinib, marketed under the brand name IMBRUVICA® is an FDA approved oral prescription suggested for patients with mantle cell lymphoma and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). IMBRUVICA® belongs to a class of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors that work by blocking the BTK enzymes that promote cancer growth. The dosage will vary depending on the progression of the cancer. Nutrition tips Cruciferous vegetables including kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and complex carbohydrates like whole wheat grain and oats should form part of daily foods. Nutritionists recommend adding more lean proteins sourced from chicken, turkey, or seafood to one’s food regimen. It is also advisable to substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat and organic alternatives. Fresh fruits including apples, bananas, melons, cherry tomatoes, and assorted cooked vegetables supplement the necessary vitamins and minerals to boost immunity.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that results from the increased growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow. These plasma cells play a crucial role in the body’s production of antibodies. When one develops multiple myeloma, their body is home to clusters of plasma cells that turn cancerous. This is a result of the overproduction of plasma cells. The following are some management options for multiple myeloma: Treatments BCMA therapy B-cell maturation antigen or BCMA is a recommended treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma. The therapy targets cancerous plasma cells in the body. It works by blocking the BCMA protein. Monoclonal antibodies The human body is capable of producing antibodies against disease-causing microorganisms. Monoclonal antibodies are prepared in laboratories and used as a targeted therapy for multiple myeloma and other cancer patients. They are marked to cause minimum harm to healthy cells by targeting specific cells. Foods to eat and avoid Foods to include Choosing the right foods can help manage the symptoms of multiple myeloma. It is advisable to include more green vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants like oranges, apples, and pears. Fiber from these foods helps relieve constipation. Regular inclusion of nuts, whole grains, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is recommended.

Epilepsy is a disorder in the central nervous system that leads to abnormal brain activity. The condition triggers seizures, instances of unusual behavior, and loss of awareness and sensations. Epilepsy is common in men and women and affects about 50 million people across the world. Many people may find that the disorder recedes with time, but others may experience seizures throughout their life. In either case, here are five tips to manage epilepsy: Initiate a treatment plan If one is diagnosed with epilepsy, it is imperative to get on a treatment plan immediately. The doctor may prescribe treatment options to manage the condition. XCOPRI® (cenobamate) CV is one such option prescribed to treat partial-onset seizures in people who are 18 years of age or older. Eat healthy foods Balanced healthy meals can ensure the body receives the nutrition it deserves to improve overall health. Potatoes, rice, and bread provide carbohydrates that build energy levels in the body. Protein-rich foods like milk, meat, fish, beans, and lentils help build muscle strength, hormones, and red blood cells, which improve how one deals with epilepsy. Avoid trigger foods Some foods can trigger and worsen the symptoms of epilepsy. A few unhealthy foods to be avoided are coffee, tea, chocolate, sweets, and excess salt as they reduce blood sugar levels in the body, which may lead to seizures.