Conditions & Treatment

Sep 20, 2021

Can a Cold Cause a Fever?

A fever can be a symptom of many different sicknesses, including the common cold. However, while people with a cold can develop a fever, it tends to be one of the less common symptoms.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 1, 2021

10 Flu Myths Revealed

If you are wondering about whether you should get the flu shot, we'll help you make your final decision. Here are 10 flu myths revealed.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 1, 2021

Is It the Flu or COVID-19?

Learn how symptoms differ between the COVID-19 and the flu.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 14, 2021

How to Clean a Moldy Refrigerator After a Power Outage

If your mold problem is limited to the inside your refrigerator, you can try to tackle it with a few DIY solutions before it gets out of hand.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 13, 2021

Mu COVID Variant: What You Need to Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently identified the Mu COVID variant as a variant of interest. Here is what you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 7, 2021

What Are Monoclonal Antibodies and Can They Treat COVID-19?

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to provide you with passive immunity to COVID-19 for a short period of time. They are not a substitute for vaccination.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jul 30, 2021

What Is The Latest Mask Guidance?

Due to low vaccination rates across the country and the increase of cases primarily due to the rise of the Delta variant, the CDC updated their mask guidelines, which include guidelines for fully vaccinated people.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 30, 2021

I Had COVID-19. Do I Still Need A Vaccine?

You may be wondering: Do I need to get the vaccine if I have already had COVID-19?

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Jul 30, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine: Fact Vs. Myth

With different reports coming out every day on the COVID-19 vaccines, it is easy to be confused by myths. Below, we go through 10 of the most common myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines and provide the facts.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 1, 2021

Are Louisiana and Mississippi Delta Variant Hot Spots?

As variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, continue to emerge in our communities, it has never been more important for people to get vaccinated.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jun 14, 2021

What to Know About the Moderna Vaccine Trial in Teens

On the heels of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial and approval, Moderna is performing its own trial on youths ages 12 to 17.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

May 24, 2021

Boil Water Advisory FAQs

If you're affected by a boil water advisory, read these answers to the most commonly asked questions.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

May 12, 2021

COVID Vaccine for Kids Under 16

The Pfizer vaccine for teenagers ages 12 to 15 is the same two-dose regimen currently being administered to those who are ages 16 and older.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Diana Peterson, MD, MPH

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 1, 2021

What If I Get COVID-19 Between Vaccine Doses?

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two shots to get the most protection. But what happens if you get infected with COVID-19 between doses?

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Feb 11, 2021

Should You Wear Two Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Face masks are one of the best ways to protect yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. As new variants of COVID-19 pop up across the United States, many are wondering if they can better protect themselves by wearing two face masks.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jan 29, 2021

The New COVID Variants: What You Should Do

Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and around the world.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jan 20, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Gets it First?

Once the COVID-19 vaccine is approved by the FDA, the vaccine can begin being distributed. However, because there will be a limited supply when the vaccine is first introduced, we can expect it will be distributed to certain groups of people first.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jan 6, 2021

What Medicines To Avoid If You Have COVID-19?

There are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding COVID-19. One of the most common questions is “What medication should I avoid if I have COVID-19?”

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Jan 7, 2021

What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?

For most people, it can be confusing, trying to understand what goes into a vaccine. Here is a quick guide to help you understand.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Jan 5, 2021

How Does a Pandemic End?

For a pandemic to end, the virus must reach a point where it cannot easily find hosts to catch it and spread the virus further, which is known as herd immunity. The best way to reach herd immunity is through vaccination.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Dec 21, 2020

Why do Some Vaccines Require Two Doses?

The series and dosing for each vaccine is based on the initial results from the clinical trial data. Just because some vaccines may have one shot versus two, doesn’t mean that one is less effective than the other.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Parenting

Dec 17, 2020

When Can Children Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Just like the adult COVID-19 vaccine trials, data from adolescent trials will need to support the safety and efficacy of the vaccines before approval.

By William Lennarz, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Dec 9, 2020

How Are Vaccines Approved?

Learn about the many steps vaccine makers must follow before any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine, is approved in the United States.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Dec 3, 2020

COVID-19 and Christmas: How to Celebrate Safely and Merrily

Regardless of how you celebrate this year, it’s essential to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Nov 29, 2021

Is it the Common Cold or Coronavirus?

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 corresponds with cold and flu season, which may leave you questioning if have the common cold, or something more serious.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Nov 10, 2020

COVID-19 and Thanksgiving: How to Celebrate Safely and Joyfully

By practicing the art of gratitude and following some commonsense COVID-19 safety protocols, Thanksgiving 2020 can still be a joyful event.

By Dean A. Hickman, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 4, 2020

COVID-19 Food Service Guidelines

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way we used to dine out and food service guidelines.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Dec 7, 2020

How to Safely Host Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19

Here are some things to keep in mind and some ways to celebrate the holidays safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

Can You Catch Coronavirus from Swimming?

The CDC currently states that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential risks.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Dec 28, 2021

Coronavirus Fact vs. Fiction

With different reports coming out every day on coronavirus (COVID-19), it is easy to be confused by myths. Here are seven common myths surrounding COVID-19.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

How Social Distancing Can Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

As cases of coronavirus in the United States spread, recent precautions from the CDC urged people to consider social distancing to prevent the spread of infection.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Dec 17, 2021

Coronavirus: Caring for Yourself or a Loved One

If you or a family member are suspected to have COVID-19, and your doctor thinks the symptoms can be managed at home, here are some steps you should follow.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Oct 21, 2021

Is It Safe to Travel with the Coronavirus Outbreak?

If you have travel plans during the COVID-19 outbreak, there are a few things you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 4, 2020

How to Stock Your Home for Quarantine

During a health-related event, such as coronavirus, we are encouraged to compile a reserve of products in order to create social distancing, not because there is a shortage expected.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

How to Talk to Your Child About Coronavirus

As talk of the coronavirus grows, parents should be mindful that this can seem a bit scary for kids. Here are a few ways to prepare them and ease their anxiety.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Lee Ann Annotti, PhD

Prevention & Wellness

Dec 28, 2021

5 Things You Should Know About Coronavirus

As the CDC continues to update information, here are five basics facts you should know about COVID-19.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Sep 30, 2019

The So-Called ‘Superbug’ Candida Auris: What You Need to Know

The newest ‘superbug’ Candida auris is a fungal disease that can spread in healthcare settings, but is it as scary as the news makes it seem?

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Measles

The recent increase in measles cases internationally may have you concerned about how to protect yourself and your family. Here's what to do.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Oct 21, 2021

Everything You Need to Know About Antibiotics

Four members of Ochsner's Antimicrobial Stewardship Program weigh in about antibiotic usage as well as what patients need to know about these medications.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

MythBusters: Medical Show Edition

Medical shows are incredibly popular and have been for quite some time, and we've decided to investigate to debunk a few of the myths from our favorite medical shows.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

How to Protect Yourself Traveling to and Hurricane-Affected Areas

Those who must travel to hurricane-affected areas, including those who are traveling for humanitarian aid work, should adhere to these medical recommendations.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

All About Yellow Fever Vaccinations

If you have a tropical vacation coming up, get your yellow fever shot sooner rather than later.

By Obinaa Nnedu, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 4, 2020

Flu Season Is Still Here

The flu season is not over in Louisiana. Ochsner is seeing increasing levels of type A flu across the area so it is important to get a flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Do You Have Your Rabies Facts Straight?

Despite its severity, there are still many misconceptions about the rabies virus.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Zika Virus: The Best Insect Repellents for Protecting Your Family

The the treat of Zika virus looming, it is important to know how to protect those you love.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 4, 2020

Celebrate Sink-O de Mayo: Hand Hygiene Day

How to prevent the spread of infections such as cold and flu through hand hygiene.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 23, 2021

Germs and Why We Need Them

Some of the bacterial cells in your body may cause you to get sick from time to time, but before you reach in horror for the hand sanitizer, you might want to keep the following in mind...

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Sep 4, 2020

Hand Hygiene: What Can You Do as a Patient?

Patients should feel encouraged to ask their healthcare providers to use hand hygiene, and can also practice their own form of hand hygiene when visiting a hospital or clinic.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 4, 2020

Zika Virus: What We Know

With the Zika virus scare growing, many people may be wondering what it is and how they can protect themselves.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Sep 4, 2020

What STD Killed These Historic Figures?

Famous painters Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Gaugin and Edouard Manet, classic authors Oscar Wilde and Guy de Maupassant Charles Baudelaire, infamous gangster Al Capone, and even Shakespeare, Lincoln and Hitler all had this disease.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD