7 of Google’s most-searched health questions in 2024

Google has long been a tool for many who are health related issues – and 2024 was no different.

Americans across the country have been looking for answers to their medical questions all year long.

Solian Health, a health care a Georgia-based job search site, analyzed Google search data for 2024 to identify popular questions from each state, as well as several of the most Googled medical queries.

5 MAIN ALZHEIMER’S DISCOVERIES MADE BY SCIENTISTS IN 2024.

Below are the seven most frequently searched questions, along with answers from Registered Nurse Karen Stockdale from Australia.

Many people are turning to Google to ask how contagious certain diseases are, research has found. (iStock)

1. Is bronchitis contagious?

Bronchitis is not contagious, but Stockdale revealed to Soliant that the virus that causes it could be contagious.

Diseases like cold, flu and RSV can lead to bronchitis, which can be contagious for several days to a week, she said.

2. Is pneumonia contagious?

Although there are many types of pneumonia, the most common are viral or bacterial, according to Stockdale.

THE YEAR IN CANCER: PROGRESS MADE IN 2024, FORECASTS FOR 2025.

– 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 don’t spread as easily.”

Viral pneumonia they can be the result of other viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other infectious diseases.

Both bacterial and viral pneumonia can be contagious, the registered nurse said. (iStock)

“These respiratory conditions they are easily spread to others through respiratory droplets in the air, which means that underlying viral infections are contagious,” the nurse added.

3. What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s immune system to malfunction and attack healthy tissues, 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.

EGGS NOW QUALIFY AS A ‘HEALTHY’ FOOD, FDA SAYS: HERE’S WHY

Because lupus can affect different parts of the body, symptoms can vary. It’s a disease most often in women from 15 to 44 years old, Stockdale pointed out.

4. How much water should I drink every day?

Americans were interested in how much water they should drink.

While hydration is key for good healththe specific amount varies per person based on gender, weight and other factors, Stockdale said.

The recommended amount of drinking water per day varies from person to person, the expert said. (iStock)

“For example, the intake requirements of a petite woman would be significantly different than the needs of a male bodybuilder,” she said. “The best way to determine your optimal water intake is to [consider] body weight and activity level.”

Stockdale cited Penn Medicine’s recommendation to drink 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, depending on how much physical activity.

‘I LIKE BLOOD DRAWING – HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?’: ASK THE DOCTOR

“If you’re not engaging in strenuous activity, 0.5 ounce per pound should be enough,” she said.

“If you work outside, play sports, or are otherwise very active, you will need 1 ounce of water per body weight to replenish your body.”

5. Is sore throat contagious?

The group of bacteria that causes strep throat, called group A Streptococcus, “is very contagious,” Stockdale warned.

Streptococcus bacteria in the throat is spread by droplets from sneezing and coughing, according to the nurse. (iStock)

These bacteria can spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs, as well as by sharing drinks or food.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“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 uncomfortable, and cases can last longer than expected.

Average a case of the flu it lasts five to seven days, according to Stockdale. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, diarrhea, cough, and sore throat.

For more health articles visit www.foxnews.com/health

“Those with compromised immune systems may have a longer period of symptoms,” the nurse said.

The flu can last from 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 pressurealso known as hypertension, it usually develops “slowly over time,” Stockdale said.

The condition can be caused by various health conditions, unhealthy lifestyle habits and genetics.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“People with obesity, diabetes and low levels of physical activity are more likely to develop high blood pressure,” Stockdale said.

“Some women can also have high blood pressure during pregnancy.”