• Understanding Paxlovid: Eligibility, Effectiveness, and Side Effects
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Understanding Paxlovid: Eligibility, Effectiveness, and Side Effects

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction As COVID-19 continues to evolve, so has the approach to treatment. One of the most effective and widely used antiviral medications for COVID-19 is Paxlovid, a prescription pill developed by Pfizer. Designed to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, Paxlovid has become an essential tool in managing the virus—especially for high-risk patients. This article explores what Paxlovid is, who should take it, how it works, its effectiveness, and what side effects to watch for. What Is Paxlovid? Paxlovid is an oral antiviral treatment that combines nirmatrelvir (a protease inhibitor that stops the virus from replicating) and…

  • Treating COVID-19 at Home: Managing Mild to Moderate Symptoms
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Treating COVID-19 at Home: Managing Mild to Moderate Symptoms

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Most people who test positive for COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms that can be safely managed at home. However, even a “mild” case can feel quite intense and uncomfortable — and it’s important to know how to care for yourself (or someone else) while also preventing the virus from spreading. This article explains how to treat COVID-19 at home, manage symptoms effectively, monitor for complications, and understand when to seek medical attention. What Are Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms? COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person, but mild to moderate cases typically include: Common Mild Symptoms Moderate Symptoms…

  • Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance: Who, When, and Why
    Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance: Who, When, and Why

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, so does our understanding of how best to protect against it. With newer variants like JN.1 and KP.3 circulating in 2025, vaccine guidance has been updated to match the changing landscape of viral transmission and immunity. This article explores the latest vaccine recommendations, including who should get vaccinated, when boosters are needed, and why it remains crucial — even as the acute crisis phase of the pandemic has passed. Why Updated Vaccine Guidance Is Needed The SARS-CoV-2 virus constantly mutates. Each mutation can affect: Because of this, vaccines must be updated periodically…

  • Current COVID-19 Variants: Symptoms, Severity, and Spread
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Current COVID-19 Variants: Symptoms, Severity, and Spread

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Since its emergence in late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus — the cause of COVID-19 — has continued to evolve. Each new variant brings changes in how the virus spreads, how sick it makes people, and how well vaccines or treatments work. While the worst phases of the pandemic have passed, COVID-19 remains a global health concern, particularly as new variants emerge. As of mid to late 2025, the global health community is closely monitoring several current COVID-19 variants that differ from previous strains. This article explores the latest variants, how they are spreading, what symptoms they cause, and their…

  • Geographic Spread of Lyme Disease: High-Risk Areas
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Geographic Spread of Lyme Disease: High-Risk Areas

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Transmitted primarily by the blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick), the risk of infection is heavily influenced by geography. Understanding where Lyme disease is most prevalent can help individuals, families, and pet owners take proactive steps to protect themselves. This article explores the global and regional spread of Lyme disease, with a special focus on high-risk areas, reasons for its expansion, and practical prevention strategies. What Determines the Geographic Spread of Lyme Disease? The spread…

  • Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Prevention
    Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Prevention

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease isn’t just a concern for humans—dogs are also vulnerable to this potentially serious tick-borne illness. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted primarily by the blacklegged tick (deer tick), Lyme disease can lead to long-term health complications in dogs if left untreated. This article will help dog owners understand how Lyme disease affects their pets, what symptoms to look for, how to prevent infection, and when to seek veterinary care. What Causes Lyme Disease in Dogs? Lyme disease is caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted when an infected tick attaches and feeds on…

  • Chronic Lyme Debate: Understanding the Controversy
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Chronic Lyme Debate: Understanding the Controversy

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks, is the most common vector-borne illness in North America and Europe. While many people recover fully after appropriate antibiotic treatment, a subset continues to experience lingering symptoms. This has led to the controversial and widely debated concept of Chronic Lyme Disease (CLD) or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). This article breaks down what Chronic Lyme Disease is, why it’s controversial, the difference between PTLDS and CLD, perspectives from both sides of the debate, and what patients should know about treatment and support. What Is Lyme Disease? (Quick…

  • Co-Infections from Ticks: Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, etc.
    Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Co-Infections from Ticks: Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, etc.

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Most people associate tick bites with Lyme disease. But ticks can carry and transmit multiple pathogens, sometimes at the same time, leading to what’s known as tick-borne co-infections. These infections can complicate diagnosis, delay treatment, and increase the severity of symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the most common tick-borne co-infections, how they’re transmitted, symptoms to watch for, testing, treatment options, and how to protect yourself. What Are Tick-Borne Co-Infections? A co-infection occurs when a tick transmits more than one disease-causing pathogen in a single bite. The most common tick species responsible for co-infections in the U.S. is the…

  • How to Properly Remove a Tick
    Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    How to Properly Remove a Tick

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Ticks may be small, but their bite can carry big risks. These tiny bloodsuckers are known for transmitting a range of diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Whether you’re a hiker, pet owner, gardener, or just enjoying time outdoors, understanding how to properly remove a tick is essential for your health and peace of mind. Prompt and careful removal reduces the risk of infection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, tools you’ll need, what to do after a bite, and when to seek medical attention. Why Proper Tick Removal Is Important…

  • Effective Tick Bite Prevention Strategies (Clothing, Repellents, Checks)
    Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    Effective Tick Bite Prevention Strategies (Clothing, Repellents, Checks)

    September 30, 2025 - By 

    Introduction Ticks are tiny but dangerous parasites known to transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. With rising tick populations in many regions, especially during warmer months, prevention is your best defense. This article outlines practical, science-backed strategies to prevent tick bites, including the use of protective clothing, insect repellents, and thorough tick checks. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, camping, or simply walking your dog, these steps can dramatically lower your risk. 1. Wear Protective Clothing Clothing That Covers and Shields Ticks prefer to latch onto exposed skin, so dressing appropriately creates a physical barrier.…