RSV

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV is a seasonal virus that spreads in fall and winter alongside other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

RSV symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19. RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms that most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus, including:

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficult breathing

Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

RSV is very contagious and can easily spread while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can infect anyone and can cause many complications, such as hospitalization, middle ear infection, asthma, and repeated infections. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children

- Antibody product called nirsevimab

- Vaccines for pregnant people

Vaccine for older adults

Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection

- Washing your hands often

- Avoiding exposure

- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean

- Not sharing drinking glasses with others

- Not smoking

- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on results of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed, but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs

Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation

Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus

Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication

Nasal saline drops

Using a humidifier

Drinking fluids

Staying away from cigarette smoke

Hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur and may include treatments, such as intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, and a breathing machine.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of RSV, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Emotional Eating

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Emotional eating is using food to escape, numb, change, or amplify our feelings. It is a very common and normal coping mechanism in response to strong feelings.

When a person is an emotional eater, they have difficulty telling the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

Physical hunger is when your body sends you signs to let you know it is time for nourishment.

Emotional hunger is when we don’t eat because we are hungry, but because we are bored, stressed, sad, lonely, or anxious.

Research shows that about 75% of all our eating is emotionally driven.

Other causes of emotional eating include:

Dieting

Situational stressors

Seasonal stressors

Several signs indicate a person might be prone to emotional eating, including:

Sudden, urgent cravings

Only craving certain foods, such as sweets or junk food

Overeating

Shame or guilt

Having unhealthy food on occasion isn’t harmful. Sometimes we need a piece of chocolate, candy, or a few potato chips to feel better. However, it can become a problem when it happens frequently, or it becomes your main coping mechanism.

There are many steps you can take to reduce or stop emotional eating, including:

Changing your diet to be healthier

Being mindful of what you’re eating

Avoiding letting yourself get too hungry

If you are dealing with emotional eating, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a mental health professional, for an assessment to help determine if you have an underlying medical issue or something else.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services, schedule a virtual appointment, or speak with our intake coordinator, call (718) 670-5316 or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

Causes of an Enlarged Prostate

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that causes the prostate to grow in size.

The prostate can become enlarged for several reasons, including:

The prostate increasing in size commonly occurs as men age

Prostatitis, resulting from an infection, an inflammatory process, irritation, or an injury

Prostate cancer

An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as:

Blocking the flow of urine

Bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems

Other common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

Frequent or urgent need to pee

Peeing more often at night

Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts

Dribbling at the end of urination

Not being able to empty the bladder fully

Trouble starting to pee

There are several risk factors for an enlarged prostate, including:

Aging

Diabetes and heart disease

Family history

Lifestyle

To diagnose an enlarged prostate, a healthcare provider will start by asking questions about your symptoms, as well as performing a physical exam, which includes:

A digital rectal exam

Urine test

Blood test

After the physical exam, your healthcare provider may need other tests to help confirm an enlarged prostate diagnosis. These tests include:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

Urinary flow test

Postvoid residual volume test

24-hour voiding diary

If there is a more complex health problem, your healthcare provider may order more tests, such as:

A prostate biopsy

A transrectal ultrasound

Urodynamic and pressure flow studies

Cystoscopy

The best treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the size of your prostate, how serious your symptoms are, your age, and your overall health.

Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include medicines, surgery, and procedures that involve smaller, fewer, or no cuts.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others. It typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Dating, attending parties, or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations or making eye contact
Eating or performing in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers

If you or a loved one has social anxiety disorder, you can find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or schedule a virtual appointment by calling (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

ALS

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes ataxia, a loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. It also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow down the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for treating ALS.

In addition to medication, there are many forms of therapy and forms of support available, including:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with ALS, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the fall season and approach winter, it is important to be proactive and take the proper steps to protect yourself and loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce symptom severity if you do fall ill.
Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity.

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

National AFib Awareness Month

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National AFib Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education, early detection, and improved care for AFib.

AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Afib usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of AFib, including:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of AFib, including:

Paroxysmal AFib
Persistent AFib
Long-standing persistent AFib

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause AFib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of AFib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce heart disease risk and prevent AFib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

A healthcare provider can diagnose AFib by examining you and asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of AFib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for AFib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. AFib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Foods That Can Support Brain Health

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

The brain is the body’s command center. It processes information and sends messages that control everything your body does, from thoughts and emotions to memory and motor skills.

As we age, the brain experiences physiological changes that affect memory, focus, and word recall. Fortunately, we can combat some of these changes with our diet, which plays a major role in keeping our minds sharp and maintaining our mental function.

Brain foods are foods that can benefit brain health. They contain various nutrients that keep the brain functioning well. They include:

Omega-3 fatty acids

B vitamins

Vitamin E

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Selenium

Iron

Choline

Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help fight off common brain-related conditions and symptoms often associated with age. These nutrients may help with:

Brain development

Proper signaling of neurotransmitters

Processing and understanding new information

Memory

Protein balance

Reducing the risk of brain-related conditions linked to inflammation, such as depression and dementia

There are several nutrient-rich foods to add to your diet, including:

Eggs

Fatty fish

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Broccoli

Mushrooms

Walnuts

Turmeric

Coffee

Leafy greens

Green tea

Dark chocolate

Fermented dairy

Avocados

Certain fruit juices such as pomegranate, grape, and cherry juice

Whole grains

It is important to remember that no food on its own will magically transform your brain. However, eating these brain foods regularly can keep it sharp and help maintain your cognitive ability as you age. Maintaining an overall healthy eating pattern is important to receive the health benefits of these nutrient-rich foods.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging early detection, supporting those facing prostate cancer, and funding research for better outcomes.

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow out of control in the prostate.

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among men, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States.

Each year, approximately 299,010 men (1 in 8) will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

Certain groups face a higher risk of prostate cancer, including:

Men over the age of 50

Black men

Men with a family history of prostate cancer

Men who have been exposed to certain chemicals

Military veterans

One of the challenges of prostate cancer is that the early stages of the disease usually have no symptoms. Signs and symptoms of early-stage prostate cancer include:

Blood in the urine, which makes it look pink, red, or cola-colored

Blood in the semen

Needing to urinate more often

Trouble getting started when trying to urinate

Waking up to urinate more often at night

Unfortunately, by the time a man may notice changes, the cancer may already be advanced. Signs and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include:

Accidental leaking of urine

Back pain

Bone pain

Erectile dysfunction

Fatigue

Losing weight without trying

Weakness in the arms or legs

To diagnose prostate cancer, a healthcare provider may use a physical exam and screening tests to show whether you have signs of the disease that require more testing. These tests include:

A digital rectal exam

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

An MRI or transrectal ultrasound

A biopsy of the prostate

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on multiple factors, such as your overall condition, whether the cancer has spread, and how fast it is spreading. Most prostate cancers diagnosed in the early stages can be cured with treatment. If your cancer is slow-growing and hasn’t spread, your healthcare provider may monitor it instead of treating it right away. Your healthcare provider will monitor your cancer by using active surveillance.

Surgery as a treatment for prostate cancer most often involves removing the prostate with a surgical procedure called prostatectomy. There are three ways a prostatectomy can be performed. They include:

Laparoscopic prostatectomy

Robotic prostatectomy

Open prostatectomy

Additional treatments for prostate cancer include:

Radiation therapy

External beam

Brachytherapy

Ablation therapy

Cryoablation

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

Hormone therapy

Chemotherapy

Targeted therapy

Immunotherapy

Radiopharmaceutical treatments

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

Signs Your Stomach Pain Could Be Serious

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Stomachaches are a common, uncomfortable part of our lives. Usually, they go away on their own with a little rest or a home remedy. However, severe stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition, especially if it is followed by symptoms such as:

Coughing up or vomiting blood

Bloody stool

Fever

Difficulty breathing

A very hard abdomen, which may indicate severe constipation or other digestive issues

Tenderness in the abdomen when touched

Neck, shoulder, or chest pain

Pain moving from the belly button to the right side

Inability to have a bowel movement along with vomiting

When a person experiences serious symptoms with stomach pain, it could be a sign of life-threatening conditions that include:

Appendicitis

Bowel obstruction

Bowel perforation

Frequent stomach pain or stomach pain that is uncomfortable but not severe can also indicate an underlying health issue, such as:

Colitis

Cystitis

Kidney stones

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Additionally, stomach pain can be caused by common temporary conditions that affect the lower belly, including:

Menstrual cramps

Trapped gas

Food poisoning

Stomach flu

Constipation

Food allergies

If your stomach pain isn’t severe or doesn’t last long, and if you aren’t having emergency symptoms, the pain may go away on its own. You can also try these steps to help relieve stomach pain:

Drinking water

Exercising

Taking gas-relieving medication, such as an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid

Following the banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast (BRAT) diet

Using a hot water bottle or heating pad

If you are experiencing severe stomach pain, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center today for comprehensive care. For more information, call us at 718-670-5486.