Google has long been a tool for many people. Health related questions — and 2024 was no different.
Americans across the country turned to search engines for answers to their medical concerns throughout the year.
Solent Health, a Health care The Georgia-based job search site analyzed 2024 Google search data to identify the most popular queries in each state, as well as some of the most commonly Googled medical queries.
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Below are seven of the most frequently searched questions with answers from Australia-based registered nurse Karen Stockdale.
The analysis found that many people turn to Google to ask how contagious certain diseases are. (iStock)
1. Is bronchitis contagious?
Bronchitis is not contagious, but Stockdale revealed to Solent that a virus can cause it.
Diseases like Cold, influenza And RSV can all cause bronchitis, which can be contagious for a few days to a week, she said.
2. Is pneumonia contagious?
According to Stockdale, although there are many types of pneumonia, the most common are either viral or bacterial.
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Bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria that already live in the upper respiratory tract and develops after a cold or flu, he said. “These types of pneumonia can be contagious, but don’t spread as easily.”
Viral pneumonia Other viruses, such as COVID-19, can result from influenza, RSV and other infectious diseases.
A registered nurse explains that both bacterial and viral pneumonia can be contagious. (iStock)
“This Respiratory conditions These are easily spread to others through respiratory droplets in the air, meaning primary viral infections are contagious,” the nurse added.
3. What is lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s own immune system to malfunction and attack healthy tissue, according to Stockdale.
“It is a long-term disease that causes inflammation and pain in many parts of the body such as the skin, joints and internal organs,” he said.
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Because lupus can affect different parts of the body, symptoms can vary. There is a disease. Most common in women 15 to 44 years old, Stockdale noted.
4. How much water should I drink each day?
Americans were curious about how much water they should drink.
While hydration is key. good healthThe specific amount varies per person depending on gender, weight and other factors, Stockdale said.
The recommended daily intake of water varies from person to person, the expert said. (iStock)
“For example, a petite girl’s dietary needs are quite different from a male bodybuilder’s,” he said. “This is the best way to determine your optimal water intake. [consider] Body weight and activity level.”
Stockdale cites Penn Medicine’s recommendation of drinking 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, depending on intake. Physical activity.
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“If you’re not doing vigorous activity, 0.5 ounces per pound should be enough,” she said.
“If you’re working out, playing a sport or otherwise very active, your body will need 1 ounce of water per body weight to replenish itself.”
5. Is strep throat contagious?
gave A group of bacteria The one that causes strep throat, called group A streptococcus, is “very contagious,” Stockdale warned.
According to the nurse, the strep throat bacteria is spread through sneezes and cough droplets. (iStock)
These bacteria can spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs, as well as by sharing drinks or food.
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“A person with untreated strep throat can be contagious for up to three weeks, infecting others,” the registered nurse warned.
6. How long does the flu last?
The flu can be extremely painful, and cases can last longer than expected.
Average A case of influenza Stock lasts five to seven days, according to Dell. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, diarrhea, cough and sore throat.
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“Those with compromised immune systems, for example, may experience a longer period of symptoms,” the nurse said.
The flu can last five to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, diarrhea, cough, and sore throat. (iStock)
7. What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressureHypertension, also known as high blood pressure, usually develops “slowly over time,” Stockdale said.
This condition can be caused by various medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetics.
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“People with obesity, diabetes and low levels of physical activity are more likely to have high blood pressure,” Stockdale said.
“Some women may also experience high blood pressure. During pregnancy”