Health Conditions
Feel Well
Welcome to Feel Well, an empathetic, trustworthy place to get practical, conversational advice about health conditions. Our content is grounded in science: Authoritative medical experts, who have a deep well of knowledge of the topic at hand, weigh in on every story. As an added layer of expertise, our Medical Advisory Board, a dedicated team of health care professionals, also reviews content for accuracy. Whenever possible, we elevate the voices of real people living with health conditions. Whether you have migraine, psoriasis, heart failure, eczema, diabetes, or any other health condition, you can rely on SELF for positive, inclusive, authoritative, and genuinely helpful tips.
What Does Competing With COVID Do to an Athlete’s Body?
Pushing through to win a medal may feel worth it in the moment. But there are real risks.
3 Ways to Unclog a Miserably Stuffy Nose
If allergies, a cold, or something else has you blocked, don’t just try to blow through it.
Here’s How the Flu Can Lead to Serious Heart Problems
If you have certain risk factors, you might want to be extra careful about this virus.
.jpg)
Here’s Why We Don’t Say Someone ‘Has a Migraine’
Language matters when it comes to chronic conditions.
What You Really Need to Know About the RSV Vaccine for Fall 2024
If you’re pregnant, have a baby, or are 60+, you should be paying attention to this virus.
Condition Spotlight
RSV
This virus sometimes seems like a cold, but it can get bad—fast—for a lot of people.Cold and Flu
Protect yourself from these common respiratory viruses.COVID-19
Here’s what we’ve learned about SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.Long COVID
These post-viral symptoms are still a puzzle, but we know more about the pieces.Migraine
Migraine pain can include more than just a throbbing headache.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
A Doctor Told Me the Whooshing in My Ear Would Just Go Away. I Actually Had a Brain Tumor
“I was told to use Flonase.”
-2.jpg)
PSA: Many Household Cleaners, Wipes, and Hand Sanitizers Won’t Kill Norovirus—Here’s What Will
An infectious disease specialist shares how to stop this bug in its tracks.
The California Wildfires Are Making the Air Toxic—Here’s How to Protect Your Health
An air quality index over 150 is bad for you...and the peak in LA was more than double that.
This Rare Type of Arthritis Causes Severe Back Pain and Is Often Overlooked By Doctors
It mainly affects people younger than 40 and makes your spine incredibly stiff.
5 Signs That Your Ongoing Back Pain Could Actually Be Axial Spondyloarthritis
This type of arthritis is hard to pinpoint because of its common symptoms.
CDC Data Shows Norovirus Is Surging—Here are 5 Symptoms You Really Shouldn’t Ignore
Plus, when to see a doctor if this stomach bug gets the best of you.
Walking Pneumonia Is on the Rise. Here Are the Symptoms to Look Out For
It’s like a bad chest cold with some serious stamina.
My HS Was So Painful I Could Barely Get Out of Bed. Here’s How the Right Treatment Gave Me My Life Back
“It became unmanageable. I couldn’t go to class and I’d have to sleep with a pillow in between my legs to find some comfort.”
HS Made My Postpartum Period Incredibly Painful. Here’s How I Got Through It
“At times, it was hard to even pick my baby up.”
I Thought My Strange Skin Rash Was From the Heat. It Was Actually HS
“It was the worst pain I ever had in my life. It was very scary.”
Liver Disease Is Often Silent—Here Are the Subtle Signs to Look Out For
Major fatigue and zero appetite can be red flags.
What to Know About MCAS, a Condition That Can Feel Like a Nonstop Allergic Reaction
In the most severe cases, anaphylaxis can happen seemingly at random.
Here’s How Long Flu Shot Side Effects Last, If You Experience Them at All
Plus, how to feel better fast if your symptoms are really annoying.
Some Cancer Treatments Can Cause Early Menopause. Here’s What to Know
Whether it's temporary or lifelong, there are ways to find relief from your symptoms.
.jpg)
Why Does My Anxiety Hit So Hard in the Morning Before I’ve Even Gotten Out of Bed?
The quality of your sleep and the size of your to-do list can both play a role.
5 Common Causes of a Dry Vagina (and What to Do About It)
The good news? All of these culprits are treatable.
7 Signs a Loved One May Be Developing Dementia That a Lot of People Miss
New issues with driving, money, and sleep can all indicate something’s up.
Is Botox for Migraine Pain Worth It? We Asked 8 People for Their Honest Reviews
“I was in bed for hours 3-5 times per week. Now, I only deal with attacks once a month.”
What Happens If You Get COVID and RSV at the Same Time?
Together, these viruses can be pretty unpleasant to deal with.
.jpg)
6 Things to Know About the Shingles Vaccine
This infection is painful and can be quite serious, so it's absolutely worth avoiding.
39 Small but Meaningful Gifts for Someone Going Through Chemo
Ideas from people who have been there.
Some People Swear Drinking Coke Helps Migraine Attacks. Here’s What Experts Think
Turns out there’s some real science behind this fizzy fix.
How to Soothe UTI Pain as You Wait for Your Prescription to Kick In
If it feels like there’s a fire-breathing dragon in your urethra, read this.
Here’s How COVID Can Trigger Type 1 Diabetes and Other Autoimmune Conditions
The virus can trick your body into attacking itself.
5 Subtle Signs You Might Have Alcohol Use Disorder
If you think all your friends are “boring” for not drinking, it might be time to get some help.
