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For Seasonal Health Tips: Winter/Spring 2006
1) Wash your hands often. 2) Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, and wash up ASAP. 3) Consider carrying a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you for quick clean ups if you're out and about. 4) If you have small children or grandchildren, help them wash their hands and faces with regular soap and water before any close contact or play with family and friends. 5) Viruses may stay active for several hours on surfaces, so clean common areas in your house if anyone who is ill uses those areas. 6) Call the office if your cold is worsening. We'll need to see you if you run high fevers, have severe cough or congestion, bad head or neck aches, or any shortness of breath. If you are elderly or have chronic breathing problems, you will need care very early in your illness, so don't delay in calling. 7) There still is no cure for cold or the flu, but in some instances antiviral medications may shorten the course of the illness. We'll examine you and decide if what medications may help your symptoms, but it's best if we see you within 48 hrs of the onset of severe symptoms. 8) Eating a balanced, low fat diet and getting regular exercise is important to staying healthy. 9) For more information on influenza visit the Centers for Disease Control website http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ P.S. In 2006 I'll be ordering flu vaccine from
the two vaccine manufacturers, not just from one. Let's all hope the
US Food and Drug Administration has a better method of certifying vaccine
and allowing distribution this year, too!!! Dr. Berlin
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Although
"Flu season" is winding down, colds and other respiratory
viruses can be contracted at any time of the year. Since we were "stiffed"
this year in many places for influenza vaccine, it pays to avoid all
of the viruses you can. 