Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Nov. 18–24, serves as a global call to action to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — a growing public health concern that occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to the drugs designed to be effective against them. 

This resistance makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Adi Shah, M.B.B.S., an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, says AMR frequently happens when microorganisms like bacteria and viruses are exposed to various and repeated episodes of antimicrobial use.

To combat AMR, Mayo Clinic has an antimicrobial stewardship team that leads the effort to promote the careful and correct use of infection-fighting medications. The team works across all three Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Florida, Arizona, and all Mayo Clinic Health Systems locations.

Among the team's initiatives is an outpatient program that works with pharmacists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve how antimicrobial medicines are used.

"Our efforts have focused both on unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions overall and unnecessarily long durations of therapy," says Dan Ilges, Pharm.D., the clinical pharmacist lead for ambulatory antimicrobial stewardship efforts at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

This year's theme for Antimicrobial Awareness Week is "Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us."

Experts underscore that patients play a critical role in the fight. Open communication with healthcare teams is essential. 

"We know that for many germs, exposure to antibiotics and antifungals can increase the risk of resistance developing and resistant germs are more difficult to treat," says Sara Ausman, Pharm.D., the clinical pharmacist lead for antimicrobial stewardship efforts at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

"Antibiotics are useful tools but aren't always the best treatment option." 

Dr. Ausman notes that for colds, your healthcare team will likely recommend over-the-counter remedies to address symptoms instead of antibiotics.

Additionally, Dr. Ausman emphasizes that if you are prescribed an antibiotic, you should ask about the shortest prescription length that is needed to treat your infection, as well as whether antibiotics are the right choice for your symptoms. She shares that it is important not to save any antibiotic doses for later and to dispose of any leftovers properly at a designated drug disposal site. 

"Antibiotics are intended for the treatment of bacterial infections, but should be used only when necessary," says Dr. Ausman. 

Beyond appropriate antibiotic use, prevention is a powerful tool. Experts emphasize that a few simple, everyday practices help avoid contracting infections:

• Wash your hands. Properly washing your hands removes germs to prevent infection of yourself and those around you.
• Vaccination is an important preventative step to improving public health and preventing the need for antimicrobials.

If you have unused medication, whether antimicrobials, opioids or something else, you can find a safe disposal site here. 

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Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting lives across all ages. Dr. Robert Jacobson, medical director for the Primary Care Immunization Program at Mayo Clinic, explains why vaccinations continue to matter for people, families and communities.

"Vaccinations are a foundational component of modern medicine, proven to reduce hospitalizations and prevent serious illness and death from infectious diseases," Dr. Jacobson says. "They are among the most extensively studied and monitored medical interventions, with a strong safety and efficacy profile. Over the past century, vaccines have significantly reduced the burden of disease — protecting people, communities and populations worldwide."

Dr. Jacobson says Mayo Clinic provides guidance based on the best available scientific evidence to support the health of patients and communities.

Watch: Vaccines and viruses, protecting health across generations

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video is available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Name super/CG: Robert Jacobson, M.D./ Primary Care Immunization Program/Mayo Clinic

Built on science and trust

All vaccines approved for use in the U.S. undergo rigorous testing, independent review and ongoing monitoring. Expert groups such as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices review the latest data to guide recommendations on which vaccines to use and when.

"Vaccines prevent serious complications, they save lives, and they help protect families and communities," Dr. Jacobson says.

Protecting communities

Vaccines protect the person who receives them and also can help reduce the spread of illness to others. "Getting a vaccine not only protects you, but your loved ones," Dr. Jacobson explains.

For example, the rubella (German measles) vaccine eliminated congenital rubella syndrome in the U.S., which once caused widespread birth defects. Pneumococcal vaccines protect children and, by reducing spread, help prevent pneumonia and other serious infections in older adults.

"Every time a child is vaccinated against influenza, it helps keep them in school and lowers the chance of illness spreading to grandparents or family members with weaker immune systems," he says.

A history of progress

Vaccination is the only medical intervention that has eliminated a disease globally. This occurred with the development of the smallpox vaccine. Other diseases, such as polio, remain close to eradication, but they require continued prevention efforts. "Every vaccine-preventable disease is essentially a plane ride away," Dr. Jacobson says, underscoring the importance of maintaining protection.

For every stage of life

Vaccines are recommended at key ages, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood. Childhood vaccines protect against diseases such as hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus and varicella (chickenpox). Adolescents benefit from vaccines against meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV), which help prevent certain cancers.

Adults also need to stay current. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for most, shingles beginning at age 50, and pneumococcal vaccines later in life."Vaccination is one of the safest, most effective ways we have to prevent disease, avoid complications and reduce the spread of infection to others," Dr. Jacobson says

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Mayo Clinic's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines are carefully developed based on scientific evidence and rooted in its commitment to protecting its patients and staff. 

As the fall and winter months approach, Mayo Clinic is dedicated to providing the latest health guidance for its patients and staff, ensuring everyone has the information needed to make informed decisions about their well-being. 

Mayo Clinic recommends the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine for these groups: 

• All adults 18 and older. 

• All children 6 months to 17 years. 

• All pregnant individuals. 

Mayo Clinic's recommendations are carefully developed based on scientific evidence and rooted in its commitment to protecting its patients and staff. 

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Tom Heisler was on his last legs when he arrived at Mayo Clinic in September 2024. He had a dire and complicated medical history, and his health was rapidly declining. After nine months of misdiagnoses and unsuccessful treatments, he received the correct diagnosis and a new lease on life in just nine days at Mayo Clinic. 

Tom Heisler was in good health. The retired psychologist lived an active, vibrant lifestyle — regularly playing golf, writing poems and keeping up with his many other hobbies. But when he contracted COVID-19 for the third time in November 2023, his health began to decline.

He had a persistent cough that wouldn't go away despite multiple courses of antibiotics, and he began to experience additional symptoms: significant weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, blurred vision and gait disturbance, among others, which continued to worsen. 

Over a nine-month span, Tom saw several specialists in his hometown. He received multiple diagnoses: bacterial pneumonia, crypto-organizing pneumonia and cryptococcal pneumonia — all treated without success. His symptoms continued to worsen, and he developed swelling near his salivary glands. 

His daughters, Bess and Lauri, and his four grandchildren reluctantly refrained from visiting Tom because they didn't want to risk spreading germs that could make him sick. When Bess visited him in June after not seeing him for some time, she was alarmed at how unwell he was. 

"I didn't really know how serious it was until I saw him. His eyes were completely glassy. He had lost a lot of hair and weight. He could barely walk, and his voice was getting weaker and weaker," says Bess. "It was really scary seeing my dad, who's always vibrant and full of life, in such a state of despair."

Bess knew her dad desperately needed help. She asked her colleagues for recommendations, and Mayo Clinic was frequently suggested. 

After another CT scan in August showed his treatment wasn't working, Tom was ready to visit Mayo Clinic. On Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, Tom, Bess, and Lauri flew from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Rochester, Minnesota, desperate for answers and hope.

"I thought he was dying," says Bess. "Before we left for Mayo Clinic, I told Dad, 'I don’t know what's going to happen and what we're going to find or not find, but I love you and I'm honored to be your daughter.'" 

Reassessing assumptions and starting from scratch

Over the next week, other diseases had to be ruled out: lupus, myeloma and other forms of cancer, and cryptococcal pneumonia. On Monday morning, Tom and his family advocates had their first appointment at Mayo Clinic with Dr. Pritish Tosh, an infectious diseases specialist. Dr. Tosh suspected that Tom's diagnosis of cryptococcal pneumonia was incorrect. 

"In situations where people have cryptococcal lung infection with relatively normal immune systems and no evidence of meningitis, I would have expected the oral antifungal medicine he was given to have been very effective. However, despite several months of being on the right antifungal medicine, he was feeling worse, the lesions in his lungs were progressing, and he was developing kidney injury," says Dr. Tosh. "Rather than assuming that all his symptoms were related to cryptococcal disease not responsive to antifungal therapy, I thought that, at that point, it was more likely that the cryptococcus was just a bystander in his lung not causing any disease and that his symptoms were being caused by something else entirely. It was time to reassess our assumptions and start from scratch."

Tom then had appointments with Dr. Nadine Abdallah, a Mayo Clinic hematologist/oncologist, and Dr. Wigdan Farah, a Mayo Clinic pulmonologist. They reviewed Tom's symptoms and history, and then ordered a series of tests to narrow the diagnosis. Dr. Abdallah wondered if Tom might have an underlying autoimmune disease.

"In the outside world, you meet with a specialist and they'll give you a diagnosis within 15 minutes, and then you have to wait three or four months to see if the treatment for that diagnosis works. At Mayo Clinic, you see multiple doctors a day and receive countless tests because they don't want to give you a diagnosis until they are very satisfied and confident it's the right one," says Tom. "Everything works seamlessly and rapidly. Mayo's system is brilliant and, I think, as pivotal as the quality of the doctors."

A diagnosis in the details

On day four of Tom's Mayo Clinic journey, he met with Dr. Wisit Cheungpasitporn, a Mayo Clinic nephrologist. During his appointment, Tom mentioned that he felt much better after receiving a steroid for his gout attack. 

"If Tom was taking the steroid at the time of his suspected lung infection, the steroid should have made him feel worse, not better," says Dr. Cheungpasitporn. "With that small but important detail, and given the multi-organ involvement, progressive nature and lack of full response to antifungal therapy, IgG4-related disease (immunoglobulin G4-related disease) became a strong consideration."

IgG4 is a type of antibody that helps regulate the immune system. However, in some people, IgG4 becomes overactive and starts attacking healthy organs, causing inflammation and fibrosis (scarring). This leads to IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), which can affect different parts of the body, such as the lungs, kidneys, pancreas, bile ducts, salivary glands and lymph nodes. If left untreated, it can cause organ damage over time.

IgG4-related disease is tricky to diagnose because it mimics infections, cancer and other autoimmune diseases. A combination of factors is considered, including symptoms, blood tests, imaging such as CT, MRI or PET scans, and a tissue biopsy, which is the most definitive test in diagnosing the disease. 

"When Dr. Cheungpasitporn said IgG4 might be causing all my symptoms, I almost levitated off the couch. My family and I were close to tears," says Tom. 

Tom had a bronchoscopy scheduled the following Monday. Should they wait for the results of the bronchoscopy and lymph node biopsy, or move forward with a kidney biopsy?

"Given how his symptoms were progressing, I had a detailed conversation with Tom and his family about the risks and benefits of each approach. They put their trust in me, and we moved forward with the kidney biopsy," says Dr. Cheungpasitporn.

The renal pathology team was instrumental in confirming Tom's diagnosis of IgG4-RD. 

"Mayo Clinic has the very best kidney pathologists. Dr. Sanjeev Sethi helped interpret the kidney biopsy finding, ruling out other conditions. Dr. Loren Herrera Hernandez played a key role in reviewing the pathology and ensuring an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Lynn Cornell, Mayo's IgG4 expert, identified the classic features of IgG4-related kidney disease on the biopsy," says Dr. Cheungpasitporn. 

Answers, a plan of care and hope

During Tom's bronchoscopy, his family received a phone call from Dr. Cheungpasitporn confirming the IgG4 diagnosis. 

"Delighted doesn't even come close to describing what we were feeling. There is no doubt in my mind that my dad would have passed away before Christmas had he not been seen at Mayo Clinic," says Bess. "We are forever grateful and are extraordinarily lucky that we walked away with answers, a plan of care and hope."

IgG4-RD responds well to treatment when caught early. Tom immediately began treatment, and within weeks, he made a complete transformation.  

"When my kidneys and lungs improved, when the blurring in my right eye substantially dissipated, when I gained my weight back and reclaimed my energy, and when my blood markers looked so much better, I'm not sure who was more excited and proud — Dr. Cheungpasitporn or my family and I," says Tom. 

It has been nearly one year since Tom's diagnosis. He is feeling great and is back to doing the things he enjoys. 

"Any doctor can treat a condition. It's the diagnosis that counts, and Mayo Clinic is the best diagnostic place in the world," says Tom. "If you don’t know what's going on and your treatment isn't working, you need to go to Mayo Clinic."

Fiercely investigative and integrative

Tom's follow-up care is coordinated through his local physician, and Dr. Cheungpasitporn continues to monitor Tom's response to treatment and the results of his blood work every two weeks. 

"My care coordination works beautifully. Any time I have a question for Dr. Cheungpasitporn, he responds within a day or so, which, given the load of patients in our modern medical delivery system, might be considered nothing short of a miracle," says Tom.

Reflecting on their whirlwind nine days at Mayo Clinic, Bess says it was a moving experience full of memories that they will have forever. 

"Every single doctor, nurse, secretary and scheduler was absolutely lovely," says Bess. "We were made to feel valued and part of their fiercely investigative and integrative team."

Most importantly, Tom has his life back. 

"I can say, without reservation, that Dr. Cheungpasitporn saved my life," says Tom. "In the august and ancient tradition of healers, he is one."

Watch: Leaving Mayo Clinic with answers, a plan of care, hope

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Most people recover from measles, but sometimes it can cause serious complications and can even be fatal. 

Learn more about measles from a Mayo Clinic expert.

Watch: The science behind the measles virus

 Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (2:11) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

"This is a very tricky virus," says Dr. Robert Jacobson.

He's talking about the measles.

"This little virus is basically a piece of RNA covered with some protein that lives only in cells, and frankly, only in human cells. It is similar to other viruses, in that it spreads cell to cell and then takes over the cell," he says.

Dr. Jacobson is medical director of Mayo Clinic's Primary Care Immunization Program. He says the measles virus most often starts by invading cells of the immune system. It then makes more copies of itself that spread over the entire human body, causing ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, brain and nervous system illnesses, including encephalitis.

"It is the most contagious virus that we know. We have no other viral infection like this," he says.

"I said this virus was tricky. It took about 11 days in that journey of infecting the human to the point where it's become contagious," says Dr. Jacobson.

How the measles virus spreads

Measles virus is spread by tiny respiratory droplets from an infected person sprayed into the air or onto surfaces. If you breathe them in or touch the infected surface, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, it can infect you. 

"And it will, 9 times out of 10, if they have no immunity from previous infection or a vaccination," Dr. Jacobson says.

"One of the other tricks of this virus, this respiratory particle, is that it can hang in the air for two hours after the infected person leaves the room. This means an unrecognized case of measles, a person who just has runny, watery eyes, nose, and a cough with a fever those first few days, they're spreading the respiratory droplets in every room and hallway they're in and leaving it hanging in the air," he says. "This is a serious infection that none of us can afford to get."

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In the 50 years since it was identified, Lyme disease has become one of the most recognized and widespread vector-borne illnesses in the world. Transmitted by ticks, this elusive infection presents ongoing challenges in detection and treatment. In this episode of Tomorrow's Cure, we explore how researchers are advancing diagnostic tools to detect Lyme disease — and what these innovations mean for the future of global health.

The episode features two leading experts including Bobbi Pritt, M.D., microbiologist and pathologist at Mayo Clinic, and Allen Steere, M.D., a rheumatologist, director of Translational Research and Rheumatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Together, they discuss the latest advancements and the ongoing efforts to better control Lyme disease.

Dr. Steere identified Lyme disease in 1976 while investigating a cluster of children in Lyme, Connecticut, who were experiencing unexplained arthritis. His research ultimately led to the discovery and naming of the disease. Since then, researchers have devoted their efforts to advancing diagnostic tools, treatments and vaccine development.

Lyme disease continues to grow in prevalence, driven by factors such as climate change, ticks' ability to thrive in diverse environments, urbanization and increased global travel. As ticks adapt and spread, the development of effective and innovative testing methods becomes increasingly vital to improve patient outcomes and enhance the ability to respond swiftly to outbreaks. 

Lyme disease is challenging to detect given its ability to mimic other illnesses or appear asymptomatic altogether. "There may not be specific symptoms when the patient comes in that would tell them this is a vector-borne disease," said Dr. Steere. "There may be symptoms that we commonly see with infection, or they may also be absent."

Given this challenge, the development of better diagnostic tools is critical. 

"My job as a pathologist and microbiologist specializing in laboratory diagnostics is to create tests that can accurately detect the disease at various stages," Dr. Pritt said. "And equally important is guiding my clinical colleagues on which tests to order."

One promising advancement is the use of metagenomics, a cutting-edge technique that enables the simultaneous detection of multiple genomes. This approach allows for the identification of bacteria, DNA and RNA viruses, fungi and parasites in a single assessment.

As researchers continue to advance the science, the outlook for more effective detection and treatment of Lyme disease grows increasingly promising. To learn more about these transformative advancements, listen to the latest episode of Tomorrow's Cure. The podcast is available on all audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Episodes are also available on Mayo Clinic's YouTube channel. 

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Dengue fever is a potentially life-threatening viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

"Four different subtypes of the virus can cause infections in humans," says Dr. Stacey Rizza, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist. "Wherever you have a significant number of mosquitoes and warm hot environments is where you see dengue transmission."

Watch: Dr. Stacey Rizza explains dengue fever

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Rizza are available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Name super/CG: Stacey Rizza, M.D./Infectious Diseases/Mayo Clinic.

Approximately half of the world's population lives in areas vulnerable to dengue fever, particularly in hot and humid tropical and subtropical climates.

"That's why you see it in parts of the world such as Southeast Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and even some parts of the southern U.S., around Florida and Louisiana.," says Dr. Rizza.

The primary transmitter of dengue fever is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, known to bite during both day and night. About 1 in 4 people infected with the virus will experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Symptoms of dengue fever

"They usually notice fevers, body aches, bone aches, muscle aches; many times, they even describe an aching behind their eyes. They can get some nausea, vomiting and even diarrhea," Dr. Rizza says.

While most people recover within about a week, severe cases can lead to life-threatening emergencies.

Symptoms of severe dengue fever may include:

• Severe stomach pain.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Bleeding from your gums or nose.
• Blood in your urine, stool or vomit.
• Bleeding under the skin, which might look like bruising.
• Difficult or rapid breathing.
• Fatigue.
• Irritability or restlessness.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no medicine to treat dengue fever.

"There's no antiviral or no treatment for dengue fever," she says. "It's what we call supportive therapy. Maintaining good hydration, particularly as people are sick and having fevers, is important. They can use acetaminophen to take care of the fevers, bring down the temperature, and then ensure they take in fluids and still get some form of eating."

"If they become severely ill and aren't able to keep up with their fluid status, they should go to their hospital and may require hospitalization to help support them," says Dr. Rizza.

Though there is no direct treatment, a vaccine is approved in many countries for children ages 9-16 who have previously shown evidence of dengue infection. Dr. Rizza says the vaccine is not approved in the U.S.

"You give it to people who have already had immunologic evidence of a previous dengue infection, and then you give it to them to help prevent them from becoming reinfected," she says.

Prevention

Preventing mosquito bites is vital to avoiding dengue fever. Here are some strategies:

• Use bug spray with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to prevent mosquito bites.
• Remove any stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Eliminate items that hold water, such as vases and flowerpot saucers.
• Ensure intact window screens and closed doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for several viral infections, including dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 700 confirmed measles cases have been reported in at least 25 states as of mid-April — and that number continues to grow. Most cases are among people who are unvaccinated, have an unknown vaccination status or are children. The highly contagious disease can lead to serious complications and hospitalizations, and two deaths have already been confirmed.

As awareness of the measles outbreak spreads, many Americans are asking questions and reassessing their vaccination status. Now may be a good time to brush up on the basics.

Who's at risk?

Anyone can get measles, especially if they are unvaccinated. You don't even have to come face-to-face with someone who has it to be infected. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and is highly transmissible. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can infect others up to two hours after the sick person has left a room.

Measles symptoms and complications

Common symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
• White spots inside the mouth
• A rash made up of large, flat spots and small raised bumps that start on the face or neck and spread down the body

Complications from measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain infection), airway inflammation and diarrhea leading to dehydration. Some complications may be severe and result in death. Becoming infected during pregnancy can result in premature delivery, stillbirth, miscarriage or birth defects. Those who are at increased risk for developing complications are children under the age of 5, people over age 20, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.

Prevention and vaccines

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of patients, staff and communities.

The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. In some cases, the second dose may be given earlier, based on guidance from the child's primary care clinician. Full vaccination with two doses is on average 97% effective at preventing measles illness. The combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine also provides excellent protection. Varicella is better known as chickenpox. Parents can consult with their child's physician about which vaccine is best for their child.

Measles was declared eradicated from the U.S. in 2000 through a successful vaccine program; however, according to the CDC, a decline in vaccination rates among the nation's kindergartners over the past several years has contributed to measles outbreaks.

Mayo Clinic stands behind the evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the vaccination schedules outlined by the CDC.

Measles in adults  

According to the CDC, if you had the vaccine as a child or if you ever had the measles, you are protected for life and do not need a booster vaccine. If you don't have proof of immunity, you might need a vaccine. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check with your healthcare team.

Treatment

There are no effective antiviral treatments for measles. Vitamin A can reduce the risk of complications from measles infection, especially among people who are vitamin A deficient. If you or your child are diagnosed with measles, your healthcare team may recommend you take vitamin A. Keep in mind that this vitamin does not prevent measles infection and taking high doses without the supervision of a healthcare professional is dangerous and can result in liver failure and death. Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy can result in serious birth defects.

Read more about the diagnosis and treatment of measles.

What you can do now

Verify with your healthcare team that everyone in your family is up to date with their measles vaccines. This is especially important if you are planning to travel internationally or to an area in the U.S. that is affected by the outbreaks.

Be aware of the symptoms of measles, and notify your healthcare team if you suspect you may have it so that testing can be performed as soon as possible.

Related:

Researchers take rare peek into how a virus spreads in a human brain 

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About Measles

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If you or a family member has the flu or other respiratory infection, Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, says there are ways to manage most respiratory infection symptoms at home.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:03) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

"Most upper respiratory infections can be managed at home," says Dr. Ardon.

That can start by staying hydrated, which is important part of the body's recovery process.

"If we are feeling sick and we're not drinking enough — maybe we have a high fever or throwing up, we have diarrhea — we are at risk of dehydration. And that may need more urgent evaluation, perhaps in the ER settings," says Dr. Ardon. 

Cough is a very common symptom of upper respiratory infections and is usually the last symptom to leave. When it comes to cough, time is the best treatment.

"For the most part, cough will resolve on its own, but some patients may benefit from using things like honey at home as long as you're over the age of 1."

She says if a cough lasts more than two weeks, that's when you should contact your healthcare team.

The other thing you can do for your body when you're sick can sometimes be the hardest.

"Take the time to rest. That's one way to help your body recover faster," says Dr. Ardon. "I often find people have a hard time turning things off to be able to rest and recover. So that really is probably key for most patients to recover fastest."

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H5N1 bird flu, also known as avian influenza, continues to spread, with reports of a third human case from an unknown exposure source. To date, 67 cases have been confirmed, and one death has been reported in the U.S.

"Most of the people are interacting with infected birds and animals, and there have been several cases where we don't have a specific history of that individual interacting with an animal or a bird that might be infected," says  Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. "And that's why we're cautious and somewhat concerned because the question arises, how did those several individuals become infected?"

There are no reports of the virus spreading from person to person, and the public health risk remains low. 

Watch: Dr. Matthew Binnicker provides update on H5N1 bird flu outbreak

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites are available in the downloads at the bottom of the posts. Name super/CG: Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D./Laboratory Medicine and Pathology/Mayo Clinic

Avian influenza spreads as migratory birds carrying the virus travel between hemispheres. Wild birds can transmit the virus to poultry, farm animals and backyard flocks through respiratory secretions, droppings or shared water. Dr. Binnicker says most cases of infection in humans are from animals to humans at dairy and poultry farms.

"Right now, the primary means of transmission is from individuals interacting with an infected bird or an animal like a dairy cow, handling a sick or dead bird, and then self-inoculating the virus into your eyes, nose or mouth, or working with a dairy cow and becoming infected during the process of collecting milk. We have not seen documented human-to-human transmission of H5N1 yet," he says.

Precautions

U.S. dairy and poultry workers are encouraged to take precautions to prevent infections.

"It's really important for those who work in bird facilities or on farms where there are dairy cattle when interacting with the animals or debris from the animals that those individuals wear a mask, eye protection and gloves. Many individuals who have been affected following exposure to dairy cattle are coming down with conjunctivitis because the virus is being introduced into the eyes. There are receptors that the virus binds to in the eyes, so wearing eye protection is also important," says Dr. Binnicker.

How to protect yourself from bird flu at home:

• Cook poultry, meat and eggs to their recommended internal temperatures.
• Use only pasteurized dairy products.
• Practice good hand hygiene, especially when handling food.
• Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Dr. Binnicker says the U.S. is seeing the most infections due to increased testing and screening, but the virus is likely prevalent in many countries. Health officials are concerned about the potential for a large outbreak in humans. 

"We've seen now for years this growing outbreak among birds and animals and in mammals, with millions of poultry being affected in the U.S. and worldwide. We're seeing a growing number of human cases. Fortunately, those cases have been mild so far, but what we know about influenza is that the more it infects animals and humans, the better the chance it has to change and mutate. And it's a numbers game. The more times that happens, the greater the probability that a virus will arise that can transmit effectively between one person and another and cause severe disease," says Dr. Binnicker.

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