Google’s Year in Review published the top searches of 2022. Searchers had plenty of health care questions. Our experts answer your most searched health care questions and topics from 2022.
Monkeypox: What is it, the symptoms and the vaccine
Monkeypox is a viral disease that is transmitted by direct contact. It is a part of the same virus group with smallpox and cowpox. Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
Two vaccines have been approved to prevent monkeypox.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus. It is most common in infants and young children. RSV is highly contagious and can often spread rapidly at child care centers or through families. Symptoms include:
Your primary care provider or urgent care can diagnose RSV with a nose swab. Read more about RSV and what to know to keep your family healthy.
How do I replace baby formula?
Look to store brand baby formula or donated milk to supplement your preferred formula brand. All infant formula sold in the U.S. is required to meet the same FDA nutritional standards. Find more resources and alternatives for baby formula.
What is the Omicron-specific booster?
The Omicron bivalent booster vaccine is an mRNA booster vaccine that triggers the immune system the same way the original Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines did. The booster has been shown to improve the body’s antibody response against Omicron variant of COVID-19.
The CDC recommends receiving the booster shot at least two months after your most recent COVID-19 vaccine.
How do I lower my high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Tips for lowering your blood pressure include:
Discover heart care
How do I know if my child has autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Boys and girls show signs of ASD differently. Boys are more likely to show outward behaviors while girls display internalizing behaviors. If you believe your child is showing signs of ASD, talk to your child’s pediatrician about their symptoms.
ASD is a lifelong disorder, but it does not take away from the value of life your child can have. With different kinds of therapy and interventions, and with early prognosis, kids can learn and develop the skills they need.
“Acceptance of ASD is about encouraging. Making sure everyone is included; supporting individuals with autism to be the best they can be. Helping them succeed in a world that is not always ideal by creating a more inclusive, and safer environment for all abilities and ages,” says Christina Maulsby, certified family peer support specialist at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
How can I take care of my mental health?
Taking care of your behavioral health means having the self-awareness to know what you need.
“It really takes each and every one of us knowing ourselves and having that awareness,” says Rebecca Peterson, Director of House of Mercy. “That awareness to recognize whether or not things are going well for you or if there’s additional stress and symptoms that need some greater attention.”
Behavioral health care can include:
If you or someone you know need help, visit the closest emergency department near you or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
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