Google has long been a favorite tool for many people who have done just that Health related questions – and 2024 was no different.
Americans across the country have turned to the search engine for answers to their medical concerns throughout the year.
Soliant Health, A health care A Georgia-based job search site analyzed 2024 Google search data to identify common questions from each state, as well as a few of the most common medical queries searched on Google.
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Here are seven of the most searched questions, along with answers from Australia-based registered nurse Karen Stockdale.
The analysis found that many people turn to Google to ask about the contagiousness of certain diseases. (Istock)
1. Is bronchitis contagious?
Bronchitis is not contagious, but Stockdale revealed to Solliant that the virus that causes it might be.
Diseases such as Colds and flu Respiratory syncytial virus can lead to bronchitis, which can be contagious for a few days to a week, she said.
2. Is pneumonia contagious?
While there are many types of pneumonia, the most common are either viral or bacterial, according to Stockdale.
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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,” she said. “These types of pneumonia can be contagious, but they do not spread easily.”
Viral pneumonia It can be caused by other viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other infectious diseases.
Bacterial and viral pneumonia can be contagious, a registered nurse said. (Istock)
“these Respiratory conditions The nurse added: “It spreads easily to others via respiratory droplets in the air, which means the underlying viral infection is contagious.”
3. What is lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes a person's 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,” she said.
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Since lupus can affect different parts of the body, symptoms may vary. The disease is Most common in women Stockdale indicated that their ages ranged from 15 to 44 years.
4. How much water should I drink every day?
Americans were curious about how much water they should drink.
While hydration is key Good healthThe exact amount varies from person to person depending on gender, weight and other factors, Stockdale said.
The expert said that the recommended amount of drinking water per day varies from person to person. (Istock)
“For example, the intake requirements of a young female are very different from those of a male bodybuilder,” she said. “The best way to determine your optimal water intake is[to consider]your body weight and activity levels.”
Stockdale noted Penn Medicine's recommendation to drink 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, depending on water intake. Physical activity.
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“If you're not doing strenuous activity, 0.5 ounces per pound should be enough,” she said.
“If you work outside, play sports, or are very active, one ounce of water per body weight will be needed to replenish your body.”
5. Is strep throat contagious?
the A group of bacteria The bacteria that causes sore throat, called group A streptococcus, is “extremely contagious,” Stockdale warned.
Strep throat bacteria are spread through droplets from sneezes and coughs, according to the nurse. (Istock)
These bacteria can be spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs, as well as through sharing drinks or food.
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“A person with untreated strep throat can be contagious for up to three weeks, and infect others,” the registered nurse warned.
6. How long does the flu last?
The flu can be very annoying, and cases can last longer than expected.
Average Influenza case It lasts five to seven days, according to Stockdale. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, diarrhea, cough, and sore throat.
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“People with weakened immune systems 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 pressureHigh blood pressure, also known as high blood pressure, typically 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 develop high blood pressure,” Stockdale said.
“Some women may also have high blood pressure During pregnancy“.
