Stop Winter Germs in Their Tracks

Colds and flu – no big deal, right?  Well, yes and no. They usually don't last a really long time or cause serious problems.

          Colds can plague you with everything from a stuffy and runny nose to a scratchy throat and watery eyes – and nonstop sneezing that can even put your cat on edge. Flu bugs bring symptoms that can look a lot like a cold. But the flu tends to ambush you suddenly, last longer, and pile on other "treats" such as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, and achiness.¹

          Some people who get the flu, though, are at risk for pretty serious health problems. In fact, flu-related complications send more than 200,000 Americans to the hospital each year with thousands dying.¹ Even the common cold takes a toll, accounting for 22 million lost school days in the U.S. each year.²

          Prevention is looking better and better, isn't it?

          The number-one thing you can do to prevent the flu? Get a flu vaccine, which protects against the three most likely flu viruses to strike each season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine. Get the vaccine as soon as it is available if you are at high risk – you are pregnant, 65 or older, or have a chronic disease. It's also more important if you are a health care worker or care for someone who is at increased risk.³

          Available as a shot or nasal spray, the flu vaccine is best received in October or November, although you may still benefit in December or January.¹ Ask your doctor or me if you have questions about this.

          Colds and flu are spread mostly by droplets in the air or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching your eyes or nose. So some other simple steps may go a long way toward helping you prevent these common diseases.

          Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water for about 15 to 20 seconds.  If you're away from soap and water, an alcohol-based hand rub will do. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose as much as you can. No free rides for these germs! Set a good example for your kids and encourage them to do the same. Also, try to limit being around people who are infected. ¹

          Sneezing and coughing yourself? You know the drill: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, then throw it in the trash. If there's no tissue in sight, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve. Be sure to pass this tip on to your kids. If you've got a fever, stay home for at last 24 hours after the fever is gone – that is, gone without the use of a fever-lowering medicine. ³

          Don't forget that other all-around healthy habits – a balanced diet, sleep, exercise, and stress control – can help prevent colds and flu. And, remember that exposure to tobacco – firsthand or secondhand – makes you more prone to respiratory illnesses. ¹

Sources

1.                 FDA: "Get Set for Winter Illness Season." http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092805.htm

2.                 CDC: "Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School." http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/home_work_school.htm

3.                 CDC. "CDC Says 'Take 3' Actions To Fight the Flu." http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

The Dangers of Tanning – Indoors or Outdoors

Ever been mistaken for Casper the Friendly Ghost? Even if you're not quite that white, you might still value a nice tan. Many people think a little color gives them a healthier –maybe even sexier – look.

          So isn't it ironic that getting that glorious tan can actually put you at risk?

          When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – whether from the sun or a tanning device – your skin reacts by producing more melanin. That's the pigment that darkens your skin. In addition to bringing on premature wrinkling, skin spots, and a "lovely" leathery look down the road, tanning can also suppress your body's immune system and cause eye damage or allergic reactions.¹

          Some people even develop skin cancer from too much UV radiation. Were you one of those kids who shunned skin protection or overstayed your time in the sun? If so, you probably had a severe sunburn or two, putting you at greater risk for the deadliest form of skin cancer: melanoma.¹

          But the sun isn't the only culprit. Tanning devices like sunlamps used in tanning beds are more dangerous than previously thought. A few years ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) looked at 19 studies conducted over 25 years. It found a link between indoor tanning and two kinds of skin cancer, as well as melanoma of the eye. The risk of skin melanoma increased by 75 percent when indoor tanning began before age 35. As a result, the agency moved these devices into the highest cancer risk category: "carcinogenic to humans." ¹

          Time to take stock of that warning. That's especially true if you have pale skin; blond, red or light brown hair, or you or a family member has had skin cancer.²  Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women in their 20s. And, one in eight with melanoma die from the disease.¹

          So, besides avoiding tanning salons, what can you do?          Take precautions, whether you're at the poolside or on the ski slopes. If you can, limit time in the sun when rays are strongest – between 10 am and 4 pm. Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and long pants, when possible. Use a water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Make sure it protects against all types of skin damage (called broad spectrum).

          Be sure to apply sunscreen to areas of uncovered skin about 15 minutes before you go outside. And pay special attention to your nose, ears, neck, lips, and hands. Reapply, after two hours. If you have a child younger than 6 months, talk with the doctor or me before you apply sunscreen. And, check with us about any medications and cosmetics you're using. Some make you more sensitive to UV rays. ^1,2

          What else? Buy sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UV protection – even for your kids. ² If you're not sure whether yours offer this protection, check with your eye care professional. Remember that you can find many of these sun protection products right here, in our store.

Sources

1.                 FDA: "Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays." http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm186687.htm

2.                 FDA: "Sun Safety: Save Your Skin!" http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049090.htm

Is it the Common Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

Is it the Common Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

As I sit here writing this I wonder myself since I woke up this morning with an irritated throat, but no other major symptoms…yet…

Colds and seasonal allergies are different even though they share some of the same symptoms. Hopefully, the following will shed some light on both, so you can decide for yourself when the occasion arises.

Allergies typically have a quick onset and decrease quickly once the allergen (the substance you are allergic to) is removed. The common cold comes on slowly and progressively worsens. This is probably one of the most important distinctions since colds do not last longer than 14 days. Symptoms lasting longer may be allergy symptoms.

The common cold is caused by viruses, while seasonal allergies are our immune system responding to exposure to an allergen (i.e. mold, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, etc). The viruses that cause colds are contagious, whereas allergies are not contagious.

The following chart comes from MayoClinic.com to show the differences in symptoms for a cold vs. an allergy:

Symptom                                           Cold                                        Allergy

Cough                                                usually                                    sometimes

General aches/pains                           sometimes                              never

Fatigue                                               sometimes                              sometimes

Itchy eyes                                           rarely                                     usually

Sneezing                                            usually                                    usually

Sore throat                                         usually                                    sometimes

Runny nose                                        usually (yellow mucus)         usually (clear)

Stuffy nose                                         usually                                   usually

Fever                                                  rarely                                      never

There is no cure for either, but there are ways to help ease symptoms. Treatment for the common cold always includes getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids. Over-the counter remedies i.e. analgesics, and decongestants may help. Try to target approach the symptoms and be aware of multi-symptom medication. These are usually recommended only if you present with at least 3 of the symptoms listed on the product. Seasonal allergies are best prevented by non-exposure to allergens, but often times this is not possible. Antihistamines block histamine which is released when someone has a cold or allergies, and causes symptoms such as nasal congestion and a runny nose. Prescription steroid nasal sprays help relieve swelling in nasal passages. Nasal decongestants also may help.

I hope you are feeling well reading this, but if not, maybe it will help…..Bob just woke up, and said he has a scratchy, irritated throat---I think we both might be getting a cold!!!

Facts about Influenza (“the flu”) and the flu vaccine

Welcome to the first edition of “Marion’s Messages”. Every month I will try to present a topic that is current and include information based on what I find people ask most about. Hopefully you will find these issues helpful and informative.

Facts about Influenza (“the flu”) and the flu vaccine

Influenza viruses cause the contagious respiratory illness known as “the flu”. Symptoms can be mild to severe, and some people are at greater risk for serious complications (young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with asthma, diabetes, or heart disease). The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the yearly flu vaccine as the best way to prevent influenza and that everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated.

Flu viruses spread, for the most part, when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. Droplets from the infected individual can land in the mouths or noses of others. Handling an object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own eyes, mouth, or nose can spread flu as well, but not as often. One can spread the flu to someone else beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming ill. Symptoms include some or all of the following:

            -fever/chills

            -cough

            -sore throat

            -runny/stuffy nose

            -muscle/body aches

            -headache

            -fatigue

            -possible vomiting/diarrhea

There are flu tests that a health care provider can do by swiping the inside of your nose or back of your throat to detect influenza viruses. Rapid tests can vary in their detection ability, and even if a negative result comes back, your health care provider may diagnose you with the flu based on symptoms presented and clinical expertise.

Scientific research indicates which 3 flu viruses will be the most prominent during the upcoming season. The 2010 – 2011 seasonal vaccine protects against two viruses as well as the 2009 H1N1 virus.

There are 2 types of flu vaccines:

            1). The “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it contains killed virus. The shot is approved for those healthy individuals older than 6 months and those with chronic medical conditions. (Because the viruses in the “shot” are killed, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. However, some minor side effects may occur such as, soreness/swelling/redness at the site of injection, low grade fever, aches). Rarely does the vaccine cause severe allergic reactions.

            2) The nasal spray flu vaccine (Flu-Mist) is made with live, weakened (“attenuated”) flu viruses that do not cause the flu. This form is approved for those healthy individuals from 2 – 49 years of age who are not pregnant. (Side effects of the nasal spray may include fever, runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, wheezing)

The body produces antibodies to protect against flu virus infection about 2 weeks after vaccination. The flu season peaks in January and beyond, but outbreaks can occur as early as October. Therefore, it is suggested that vaccination should be done as soon as vaccine is available.

Certain individuals should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting with their doctor:

            -children less than 6 months old

            -people who are severely allergic to chicken eggs

            -people who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination

            -people who are currently sick with a fever

            -people who developed Guillam-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu

             vaccination.

If flu-like symptoms occur you should stay home and avoid contact with others except to get medical care (especially young children, those over 65, pregnant women, asthmatics, diabetics, and individuals with heart disease). Emergency medical care is necessary in children if:

            -there is fever with a rash

            -bluish color to skin

            -rapid or trouble breathing

            -not waking up or interacting

            -being extremely irritable

            -shows signs of dehydration (no tears, not drinking, not urinating like normal)

In adults if:

            -difficulty breathing

            -severe vomiting

            -sudden dizziness and confusion

Common sense prevention can also help stop the spread of viruses. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throwing the tissue away. Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone unless you need to seek medical care.

Antiviral drugs (Tamiflu or Relenza) are available to treat the flu and can shorten the duration of time you are sick by 1 or 2 days, and also make the illness milder. They can also prevent serious flu complications. These drugs generally are not needed for people who do not have severe flu or are not at higher risk for complications. They need to be used within the first 2 days of symptoms and are 70% - 90% effective against susceptible viruses. Other ways to treat symptoms are to drink plenty of water and clear liquids to prevent dehydration. Stay at home and rest. Treat fever, sore throat and cough with over-the-counter medicine. Gargling with salt water (mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tsp. of salt—gargle and spit out) can help soothe a sore throat. A humidifier will put moisture into the air and help a dry cough. If you do however, get very sick, are pregnant or at higher risk for flu complications, call your doctor.

Take care and be well,

Marion