Healthy thoughts & industry news Thoughts, inspiration, and stories about healthcare in Canada and beyond, brought to you by Maple Most recent General health Mental health Diet and nutrition Skin and hair care Sexual health COVID-19 Can You Have an STI if You’ve Never Been Sexually Active? When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), most people assume that sexual activity is the only way they can be contracted. However, the reality is more nuanced. Sexually transmitted infections are a public health concern in Canada — rates have been increasing steadily for decades. STIs can cause a variety of symptoms and lead…Read more Understanding Timelines for UTI Symptoms to Appear Recognizing the signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs) early enough can make a big difference in managing the infection effectively. Here’s a look at the typical symptoms of a UTI and how they might present depending on the severity and location of the infection. What are UTI symptoms? Typically, symptoms of a lower urinary tract…Read more How Long Does it Take for Chlamydia to Show up on a Test? Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Canada and around the world, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Despite its prevalence, it’s an infection that can be managed effectively with timely intervention. Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals that reported cases of chlamydia have been steadily…Read more What Causes Lower Back Pain During Cold or Flu As the cold and flu season sets in, many of us are bracing for the familiar symptoms: a runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. But for some, a less common discomfort may also arise — lower back pain. While lower back pain isn’t a typical symptom of a cold or the flu, some people do…Read more Why do my Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms Come and Go? Dealing with discomfort while urinating or suddenly feeling the need to go can be unsettling. However, you’re not alone; urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common reasons people head to their doctors. These infections can pop up anywhere along your urinary tract, which includes the urethra (the tube that lets urine leave…Read more How Long Does a Flu Cough Last When flu season approaches in Canada — by November and December — the usual symptoms like fever and fatigue are common companions. However, one symptom that often overstays its welcome is the lingering flu cough. If you’ve been battling a cough that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. Understanding why it sticks around and how…Read more How Do You Test for Herpes? Herpes is a common but often misunderstood sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects millions of people worldwide. Herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painful sores around the mouth or genital region, affects one in seven in Canada, and the majority don’t know they carry the virus. Although herpes remains in the body for…Read more Stages of the Flu During the 2022 to 2023 season, there were over 74,000 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in Canada. For many families, the flu means missed school days, loss of work, and, in severe cases, hospitalization. The flu hits in stages, each with its own set of symptoms and discomfort. But by understanding these stages, you can…Read more How Long Does a Flu Last The flu, or influenza, is a common respiratory virus that affects thousands of Canadians each year. In many cases, the illness passes within 3-14 days without severe complications. Understanding the typical duration of the flu can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and to know when to seek medical attention. Read on to learn…Read more How do Men Get Tested for STIs? The thought of getting tested for an STI can be uncomfortable, especially for men who might worry about privacy or embarrassment. Whether you’re searching “how do they test for STDs male”, or “how do men get tested for STDs“, you’re likely looking for answers without the anxiety of a clinic visit. You might also be…Read more Can You Test for Herpes Without an Outbreak? Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that many people carry without realizing it. Around one in seven Canadians carry the virus — caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — but most people don’t have symptoms. This makes understanding and managing the virus even more important. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1…Read more Load More