Evidence-Based Health Guides

Physician-written guides covering symptoms, treatment options, clinical guidelines, and when to seek care — written in the same voice used with patients in clinical care.

Written by Parth Bhavsar, MD

65 Guides Published

Peer-Reviewed Sources

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Acute & Urgent Care (24 guides)

Timely Guide

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health

What the AQI number really means, which masks actually work, the $50 DIY air purifier that outperforms most HEPA units, and when to skip the telehealth visit and go straight to the ER.

16 min

Reviewed Aug 2026

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Live Outbreak Tracker

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 2026

The parasite behind the nationwide "explosive diarrhea" outbreak: live CDC/FDA case tracker, the stool test standard panels miss, and the antibiotic that cures it.

Why cat bites infect at 30-50% rates, Pasteurella multocida urgency, antibiotic prophylaxis for all cat bites, hand bite dangers, and Kanavel signs.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Causes, symptoms, the 2025 IDSA guideline changes, first-line antibiotics, recurrence prevention, and when watchful waiting is appropriate.

At-Home UTI Tests: Do They Actually Work?

Sensitivity and specificity of nitrite and leukocyte esterase dipsticks, which brands are worth it, and a decision tree for interpreting a positive vs negative result.

D-Mannose for UTIs: Does It Work?

What the 2024 Hayward RCT and the 2025 AUA guideline actually show about D-mannose, cranberry, methenamine hippurate, vaginal estrogen, and new UTI antibiotics.

Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)

Viral vs. bacterial sinusitis, why most cases don't need antibiotics, the 2025 AAO-HNS guideline, and when imaging matters.

Common Cold & Influenza (Flu)

How to tell them apart, Tamiflu timing and effectiveness, evidence on OTC remedies, and when cold and flu symptoms warrant emergency care.

COVID-19 & Paxlovid Treatment

Current variant landscape, Paxlovid eligibility and timing, drug interactions, rebound risk, and why treatment still matters in 2026.

Ear Infections (Otitis Media & Externa)

Middle ear vs. outer ear infections, when antibiotics are needed, watchful waiting in children, and swimmer's ear treatment.

Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Nasal corticosteroids vs. antihistamines, immunotherapy options, the allergy-asthma connection, and evidence on air purifiers and nasal rinses.

Antiviral timing, suppressive therapy, asymptomatic shedding, transmission prevention, and what patients get wrong about HSV-1.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Viral vs. bacterial vs. allergic conjunctivitis, when antibiotics help, return-to-school guidelines, and red flags for urgent referral.

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Viral vs. bacterial sore throat, the Centor criteria for strep testing, antibiotic treatment, and red flags for peritonsillar abscess.

Cellulitis (Skin Infection)

IDSA guidelines for skin infections, when MRSA coverage is needed, cellulitis vs. abscess vs. DVT, and prevention of recurrence.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Symptoms, antiviral choices, postherpetic neuralgia, Shingrix prevention, and a clear telehealth, in-person, or ER decision framework.

Shingrix Vaccine Guide

Who should get Shingrix, its two-dose schedule, trial effectiveness, expected side effects, contraindications, and coverage questions.

Shingles Antiviral Window

The first 72 hours, valacyclovir and acyclovir dosing, when treatment can still help later, duration, and urgent signs.

Gout: Complete Guide 2026

Symptoms, diagnosis, acute flare medicines, allopurinol, diet evidence, urate targets, telehealth appropriateness, and urgent warning signs.

What a primary care physician can prescribe for dental pain, when antibiotics are indicated for abscess, and bridge care until you see a dentist.

Tick Bite & Lyme Prevention

IDSA 2020 guidelines for tick bite prophylaxis, single-dose doxycycline criteria, tick identification, Lyme disease stages, and other tick-borne illnesses.

Wound irrigation protocols, Pasteurella infection risk, amoxicillin-clavulanate prophylaxis, wound closure decisions, rabies assessment, and when to go to the ER.

Scopolamine patches, antihistamines, non-drug strategies, risk factors, and how telehealth can help you get the right prevention plan before you travel.

Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen)

When to use epinephrine, proper injection technique, EpiPen vs. generic auto-injectors, anaphylaxis recognition, and refill management via telehealth.

16 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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Skin Conditions (13 guides)

Evidence-Based

Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac

Urushiol dermatitis, decontamination timing, topical vs. oral steroid treatment, the 14-21 day prednisone taper rule, and common myths debunked.

Prednisone Dosing for Poison Ivy

How much prednisone and for how long, the 14 to 21-day taper, why the Medrol Dose Pack and short courses cause rebound, methylprednisolone, and topical options.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Moisturizer-first strategy, topical steroid safety, biologics and JAK inhibitors, trigger identification, and the food allergy connection.

OTC vs. prescription options, retinoid selection, hormonal acne patterns, isotretinoin safety, and realistic treatment timelines.

Irritant vs. allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing, topical corticosteroid potency ladder, occupational dermatitis, and prevention strategies.

Dandruff & Seborrheic Dermatitis

Malassezia yeast pathophysiology, medicated shampoo comparison, prescription options, scalp vs. facial involvement, and maintenance therapy.

Four subtypes, phenotype-based management, ivermectin and metronidazole, low-dose doxycycline, Demodex association, and laser therapy options.

AAD-NPF guidelines, topical and systemic therapy, biologics overview, psoriatic arthritis screening, and cardiovascular comorbidity management.

Tinea (Ringworm) & Fungal Infections

Dermatophyte types by body location, topical vs. oral antifungals, tinea capitis in children, onychomycosis treatment, and tinea incognito.

Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)

Malassezia yeast biology, topical and oral antifungal options, 60-80% recurrence management, and why discoloration persists after treatment.

Permethrin, malathion, ivermectin, spinosad, benzyl alcohol, super lice resistance, proper nit combing techniques, and updated school policies.

Permethrin 5% cream, oral ivermectin, crusted scabies management, household decontamination, post-treatment itch, and the latest clinical guidelines.

Tretinoin (Photoaging & Acne)

Prescription tretinoin for photoaging and acne, the evidence, retinoid comparison, dermatitis management, and how to use it.

15 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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Sexual Health & STIs (3 guides)

Evidence-Based

Chlamydia Treatment

CDC 2021 guideline shift to doxycycline, NAAT testing, expedited partner therapy, screening recommendations, and reinfection prevention.

Genital Herpes (HSV-2)

First-episode treatment, suppressive vs. episodic antiviral therapy, transmission reduction strategies, pregnancy management, and partner counseling.

Evidence-based treatment for anogenital warts: imiquimod, podofilox, sinecatechins, cryotherapy, and HPV vaccination.

22 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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Chronic Conditions & Medication Management (8 guides)

Evidence-Based

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

Statin therapy, the nocebo effect on muscle pain, LDL vs. HDL, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, and cardiovascular risk calculation.

PPIs vs. H2 blockers, lifestyle modifications that actually work, long-term PPI safety concerns, and when reflux symptoms need further evaluation.

The GINA 2025 treatment changes, controller vs. rescue inhalers, inhaler technique, action plans, and when to go to the ER.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure targets, medication classes and selection, home monitoring technique, lifestyle modifications, and medication refill guidance.

Type 2 Diabetes Medications

Metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, the 2025 ADA Standards, cardiorenal protection, and managing medication costs.

Anxiety & Depression Medications

SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone compared, realistic timelines for improvement, discontinuation syndrome, and combining medication with therapy.

Triptans, CGRP inhibitors, acute vs. preventive therapy, medication overuse headache, and when imaging is actually needed.

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Levothyroxine dosing, TSH monitoring intervals, absorption factors, when to suspect thyroid disease, and managing refills via telehealth.

15 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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Men's & Women's Health (8 guides)

Evidence-Based

BPH & Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment in 2026: new AUA guideline, uroselective alpha blockers, 5-ARIs, tadalafil + 5-ARI combo, and when to escalate to procedures like Aquablation, PAE, or HoLEP.

Vaginal Dryness Treatment

Topical estrogen options, non-hormonal alternatives, ospemifene, when to consider systemic HRT, and managing prescriptions via telehealth.

Birth Control Refills

Comparing pills, patch, ring, and injection, refill eligibility via telehealth, missed-dose protocols, and common side effect misconceptions.

ED as a vascular warning sign, PDE5 inhibitor comparison, cardiovascular safety, lifestyle interventions, and the psychology of ED.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Finasteride and minoxidil evidence, realistic expectations, side effect data, low-level laser therapy, and why biotin supplements don't work.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

CDC treatment guidelines, recurrent BV management, the 2025 partner treatment study, and how to tell BV from a yeast infection.

Yeast Infections (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis)

OTC vs. prescription treatment, recurrent VVC suppressive therapy, why self-diagnosis is often wrong, and yeast infection vs. BV.

Mastitis (Breast Infection)

ABM 2022 protocol for lactational mastitis, inflammatory vs. bacterial causes, antibiotic selection, breastfeeding continuation, and abscess management.

14 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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Travel Medicine (8 guides)

Evidence-Based

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Acute mountain sickness, HACE, and HAPE: WMS 2024 guidelines, acetazolamide dosing, the sulfa-allergy question, climb-high sleep-low acclimatization rules, and special populations (pregnancy, pediatric, cardiopulmonary disease).

Medical Care for International Visitors

Where to go (911 vs ER vs urgent care vs telehealth), typical cash costs, foreign prescription rules, language-access rights, and evidence-based management of the most common travel illnesses in the US.

Running Out of Medication in the US

For international visitors: FDA 90-day personal-import rule, foreign-to-US brand mapping, US telehealth bridging for chronic non-controlled meds, DEA controlled-substance rules, and cash pharmacy pricing.

Chronic Conditions While Your Parents Visit the US

Adult child's practical playbook for visiting parents with chronic conditions: pre-travel visit checklist, time-zone dosing for insulin and daily meds, jet lag vs warning signs, DVT prevention, and when US telehealth fits in.

Chronic Conditions While Your Parents Visit the US

Medical Care in the US for Visitors From India

For 2 million+ annual visitors from India: how to keep your Eltroxin, Amlong, Storvas, Glycomet regimen intact, insulin dosing across the 9-10 hour Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore to US shift, DEA-controlled Indian brands (Restyl, Modalert, Nitrosun), and the diaspora clinical picture.

Medical Care in the US for Visitors From Mexico

For 13.4M+ Mexican land visitors and growing air arrivals: Mexican brand-to-US mapping (Metfor, Norvas, Rivotril, Tafil), FDA 90-day rule at Southwest border, DEA-controlled Mexican brands, Section 1557 language-access rights, and Mexican-American diabetes context.

15 min

Reviewed Aug 2026

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🇲🇽 Español · Basada en evidencia

Atención Médica en EE.UU. para Visitantes desde México

Guía práctica para visitantes desde México: equivalencias de marcas mexicanas a estadounidenses, reglas de importación personal en la frontera sur, medicamentos controlados por la DEA, y sus derechos lingüísticos bajo la Sección 1557.

15 min

Revisado ago 2026

Leer guía

Practical playbook · Evidence-based

How to Use a US Pharmacy as an International Visitor

The practical playbook for visitors and adult children booking care on their behalf: which ID US pharmacies accept, the pickup workflow, GoodRx and SingleCare discount cards, manufacturer programs, and HIPAA proxy consent.

16 min

Reviewed Aug 2026

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Lifestyle & Specialty (5 guides)

Evidence-Based

Performance Anxiety Treatment

Propranolol for situational anxiety, CBT referral criteria, when beta-blockers are appropriate, medication timing, and telehealth prescribing.

GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

The new oral Foundayo (orforglipron) vs. Wegovy and Zepbound, phase 3 trial data, cardiovascular benefits, weight regain after stopping, 2026 pricing, and who should consider therapy.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Stepwise treatment for excessive sweating, from aluminum chloride and Qbrexza to iontophoresis, botulinum toxin, and miraDry.

Latisse (Bimatoprost) for Eyelash Growth

Prescription Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03%) for eyelash hypotrichosis, plus how it compares to OTC serums and off-label latanoprost.

Varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, combination strategies, realistic quit timelines, and managing prescriptions via telehealth.

15 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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At-Home Testing (3 guides)

Evidence-Based

Visby At-Home PCR Test for STIs

Physician review of the first FDA-authorized at-home PCR test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Clinical performance, buyer's guide, and dual-path next steps for a positive result.

AZO Home UTI Test Strips Review

Evidence-based review of AZO home UTI test strips: positive leukocytes with negative nitrites, timing and color reading, accuracy, false results, and when to seek care.

Everlywell STI Test Panel Review

Evidence assessment of the Everlywell mail-in STI panel, self-collected NAAT accuracy, dried blood spot serology, coverage gaps, and what a positive result requires next.

9–11 min

Reviewed Jul 2026

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EDITORIAL STANDARDS

How this library is written, reviewed, and corrected

Independent. Evidence-based. No advertiser influence. No affiliate links. Read our full editorial policy, source selection criteria, and corrections process.

Read Editorial Standards →

Latest Articles

Abstract editorial illustration showing AI regulatory framework with scales of justice and compliance requirements for medical AI chatbots

AI in Medicine

AI Chatbot Mental Health Lawsuits: What Settlements Reveal About Crisis Response Failures

Series Week 4 of 6. The January 2026 Character.AI/Google settlements document systemic failure patterns: no escalation protocols, no age-gating, no parental notification. What the NAM panel found about adolescent susceptibility — and where supervised AI reliably helps in mental health.

Jun 29, 2026 · 9 min read

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At-home STI test kit components laid out on a desk — sealed swab packaging, specimen tube, lancet, and prepaid return envelope

At-Home Testing

Everlywell STI Test Panel Review: What the Evidence Says About Mail-In Sexual Health Testing

Evidence assessment of Everlywell's mail-in STI panel — self-collected NAAT accuracy, dried blood spot serology performance, uptake data, what the panel covers, and dual-path next steps after a positive result.

Jun 24, 2026 · 9–11 min read

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Bar chart visualization showing AI citation fabrication rates across GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and Bard with dissolving reference fragments

AI in Medicine

Hallucination Rates in Medical AI: What the Citation Fabrication Data Tells Us

Series Week 3 of 6. GPT-3.5 fabricates 55% of citations. Bard hallucinates 91.4% of medical references. A peer-reviewed breakdown of AI hallucination rates across models and tasks — and where verification is essential vs. where AI adds reliable value.

Jun 22, 2026 · 8–10 min read

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Physician pausing thoughtfully during a telehealth video consultation reviewing a clinical decision support panel before making an antibiotic prescription decision

Telehealth Evidence

Antibiotic Stewardship in Telehealth: What the 2026 Evidence Shows

The 2026 evidence on antibiotic prescribing quality in virtual care — sinusitis may see less prescribing than in-person, UTI stewardship outperforms respiratory, and CDC Core Elements cut hospitalizations when implemented.

Jun 17, 2026 · 8 min read

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AI chatbot confidently displaying a fictional disease entry with fake preprint papers and fictional funding references in the background

AI in Medicine

The Bixonimania Experiment: How a Fake Disease Fooled ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot

Series Week 2 of 6. Scientists invented a disease with fictional funding sources and obvious fabrication clues — then watched three major AI systems describe it as a real medical diagnosis. What the experiment reveals about AI reliability and the 12-fold rise in fabricated citations.

Jun 2026 · 9 min read

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Xocova ensitrelvir antiviral pill capsule with shield and virus particles representing COVID post-exposure prophylaxis

Clinical Update

FDA Approves Xocova (Ensitrelvir) for COVID-19 Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: What the Evidence Shows

FDA approved ensitrelvir on May 29, 2026 for COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis -- the first PEP option to clear US regulatory review. The trial evidence, the dosing window, and how it differs from Paxlovid.

Jun 2026 · 9 min read

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FDA regulatory document with magnifying glass and AI circuit pattern signifying first AI warning letter

AI in Medicine

FDA's First AI Warning Letter: What April 2026's Enforcement Action Means for Healthcare AI

Series Week 1 of 6. The FDA's April 2, 2026 Warning Letter to Purolea Cosmetics is the first cGMP enforcement explicitly citing AI misuse. FDA didn't ban AI -- it required human review and quality-unit oversight. The precedent for every AI-in-healthcare deployment.

Jun 2026 · 9 min read

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Telehealth skin condition triage with smartphone photographing rash for dermatologic evaluation

Telehealth Evidence

Telehealth for Skin Condition Triage: When Photos Are Enough

A 44-study meta-analysis shows photo-based dermatology agreement reaches 76% with proper photo standards. The evidence on which skin conditions are safely managed by image alone -- and which still need in-person dermoscopy or biopsy.

Jun 2026 · 9 min read

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AUA 2026 BPH guideline update visual showing guideline document with prostate anatomy and treatment icons

Clinical Update

AUA 2026 BPH Guideline: What's Changed and What It Means for Patients

The American Urological Association just released a 62-recommendation overhaul of BPH/LUTS care: PAE upgraded to Grade B, Aquablation expanded to larger prostates, tadalafil + 5-ARI combo formalized, and HIFU/cryoablation restricted to trials.

May 2026 · 9 min read

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Master Guide

What Conditions Can Be Treated Through Telehealth: The Complete 2026 Evidence-Based Guide

The full editorial map of telehealth in 2026. A three-tier decision framework, evidence by category, red flags that require in-person care, and links to all 49 condition guides plus the new At-Home Testing track.

May 2026 · 20 min read

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Long COVID 2026 treatment update with research and clinical management overview

Clinical Update

Long COVID in 2026: What We Now Know About Treatment

RECOVER-VITAL Paxlovid and ENERGIZE Metformin both failed as treatments in 2026 trials. Metformin still cuts Long COVID risk 41-63% when started during acute infection. Here's what the evidence supports now.

May 2026 · 9 min read

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FDA-approved versus compounded GLP-1 vial comparison

Clinical Update

FDA Moves to Close a Compounded GLP-1 Loophole: What the 503B Proposal Means for Patients

FDA's April 30 proposal would exclude semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the 503B bulks list. 100+ hospitalizations and 10+ deaths have been linked to compounded versions.

May 2026 · 8 min read

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About These Guides

Every guide in this collection is written by Parth Bhavsar, MD — a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of TeleDirectMD. These are not summaries of other websites or rehashed patient handouts. Each guide reflects the same clinical reasoning and evidence review that informs real patient care, translated into language any patient can follow.

Peer-Reviewed Sources

Every clinical claim cites published guidelines, trials, or systematic reviews.

Current Guidelines

Updated to reflect 2025-2026 clinical practice standards.

No Commercial Bias

No sponsored content. No affiliate links. No product endorsements.

Evidence-Based Health Guides

🔥 Trending This Week

Acute & Urgent Care (24 guides)

Skin Conditions (13 guides)

Sexual Health & STIs (3 guides)

Chronic Conditions & Medication Management (8 guides)

Men's & Women's Health (8 guides)

Travel Medicine (8 guides)

Lifestyle & Specialty (5 guides)

At-Home Testing (3 guides)

Latest Articles

About These Guides

Peer-Reviewed Sources

Current Guidelines

No Commercial Bias