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Google has long been a go-to tool for many who have health-related questions – and 2024 was no different. 

Americans across the country turned to the search engine for answers to their medical concerns throughout the year.

Soliant Health, a health care job search site based in Georgia, analyzed 2024 Google search data to identify popular questions from each state, as well as a few of the most generally Googled medical queries.

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Below are seven of the top-searched questions, along with answers from Australia-based registered nurse Karen Stockdale.

1. Is bronchitis contagious?

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

Illnesses like colds, influenza and RSV can all 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 it develops after a cold or the flu,” she said. “These types of pneumonia can be contagious, but are not as easily spread.”

Viral pneumonia can result from other viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other contagious illnesses.

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

“These respiratory conditions are easily spread to others via respiratory droplets in the air, meaning the underlying viral infections are contagious,” the nurse added.

3. What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s own 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.

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Since lupus can impact different parts of the body, symptoms may vary. The disease is most common in women aged 15 to 44, Stockdale noted.

4. How much water should I drink each day?

Americans were curious about how much water they should be drinking.

While hydration is key to good health, the specific amount varies per person depending on gender, weight and other factors, Stockdale said.

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

“For example, a petite female’s intake requirements would vary considerably from a male bodybuilder’s,” she said. “The best way to determine your optimum water intake is to [consider] body weight and activity levels.” 

Stockdale referenced Penn Medicine’s recommendation of drinking 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, depending on the amount of physical activity.

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“If you are not doing strenuous activity, 0.5 ounces per pound should be sufficient,” she said. 

“If you are working outside, playing a sport or are otherwise very active, 1 ounce of water per body weight will be needed to replenish your body.”

5. Is strep throat contagious?

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

Strep throat bacteria is spread through droplets from sneezes and coughs, according to the nurse. (iStock)

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

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“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.

The average influenza case lasts five to seven days, according to Stockdale. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, diarrhea, coughing and sore throat. 

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“Those with compromised immune systems may experience 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, coughing and sore throat. (iStock)

7. What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, usually develops “slowly over time,” Stockdale stated.

The condition can be caused by various medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetics.

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

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

Getting a good night’s sleep can be a little more challenging amid the hype of the holidays.

With changes in routine, diet and potentially time zones, quality sleep could be difficult to come by.

Around 42% of U.S. adults struggle with sleep issues during the holiday season, according to a CNET survey.

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More than half of millennials and Gen Zers said their sleep quality was impacted significantly over the holidays, the survey found.

Dr. Brian Licuanan, a board-certified clinical psychologist in California, told Fox News Digital that there are a variety of reasons sleep can be disrupted, including medical and mental health conditions, diet, alcohol intake and other lifestyle behaviors, like screen exposure.

Spending the holidays in someone else’s home or experiencing a change in a normal wake/sleep routine can also impact sleep quality, he said.

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Licuanan, author of “How to Get Your Resisting Loved One Into Treatment,” offered the following five tips on how to improve sleep during the holiday season.

1. Prepare to sleep away from home

Especially for those who are traveling across time zones, sleep schedules will most likely take a hit.

“Try to adjust accordingly,” the expert suggested. “If you’re in a time zone ahead of your usual one, consider going to bed earlier, since you may feel sleepy sooner.” 

One expert suggested bringing earplugs or a sleep mask when sleeping away from home. (iStock )

“If you’re in a time zone behind your usual one, try delaying your bedtime to allow your body to build up enough sleepiness.”

If you’re staying as a guest in someone’s home or at a hotel, it might be helpful to bring some tools to help ensure a good night’s sleep.

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This could include earplugs or eye masks, Licuanan said, which are “good ways to replicate the quiet and darkness that you may have in your home.”

2. Be aware of changes in diet, alcohol and exercise

As many people may eat and drink more than usual during the holidays, Licuanan advised being mindful of the amount of consumption.

Exercise routines are likely to shift during this time as well.

“[Alcohol] could impair certain stages of sleep, causing you to feel groggy and tired the following day,” the expert said. (iStock)

“[Alcohol] could impair certain stages of sleep, causing you to feel groggy and tired the following day,” he said.

“Carve out time for exercise and healthy eating habits, as that will help you relax and promote better sleep.”

3. Stay organized

Keeping organized during the busy holiday season can help prevent the mind from racing before bed, according to Licuanan.

He recommended making a list of items or tasks that need to be done the next day to organize your thoughts.

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“Writing things down can help you feel more relaxed and take out the extra and unnecessary thoughts that can disrupt your sleep,” Licuanan said.

Staying on top of what needs to be done can promote better sleep, experts say. (iStock)

4. Communicate with your partner

Balancing relationships over the holidays can also cause unwanted stress and sleep disruption.

To prevent unnecessary hiccups, Licuanan encouraged having an open dialogue with your partner about holiday expectations.

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“Divvy up responsibilities, so one person is not overwhelmed with things to do,” he advised.

“Such activities can include buying groceries, wrapping gifts, picking up family members at the airport or providing entertainment for guests.”

Dividing responsibilities between partners can prevent overwhelming one person and promote more restful sleep. (iStock)

5. Stay positive and have fun

While the holidays can be filled with potential stressors, Licuanan suggested practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to fuel good sleep later.

“Continual social gatherings, travel and spontaneous activities can all heighten stress levels,” he said. 

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“Managing the levels of stress with mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help ensure that you are relaxed physically and mentally in order to better accomplish good, relaxed sleep.”

Licuanan encouraged all holiday celebrants to stay positive, have fun and try to enjoy the season.

“Though the holidays may present a level of stress, it’s important to remember things such as gratitude and the positive things in life, as a positive mindset can lower stress, which will likely improve sleep quality,” he added.