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.

                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. Even the common cold takes a toll, accounting for 22 million lost school days in the U.S. each year.

                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.

                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. 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.

                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.

                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.

Health Problems that Spread at School

Kids should learn to share, right? But, gee whiz…. When it comes to bugs and other contagious health problems in school, does your kid have to get everything that's passed around?

                Packed into a classroom and messing around on a playground or locker room, kids do tend to share lots of health problems in school. What can you do about it? And when should you be concerned? Here are a few things to think about.

                Does head lice top your list of concerns? Although these creepy insects might disgust you, it may help to know that they don't cause diseases or other health problems – other than maybe a red, rash-like reaction.  Of course, that doesn't mean you want to ignore them since they spread really easily. Follow up with the doctor if your child complains of an itchy scalp or you catch sight of tiny white eggs firmly attached at hair roots. These are often confused with dandruff. Your child's doctor may prescribe a treatment and other over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos or rinses. Follow directions closely and be sure to ask me if you have any questions.

                Viral infections such as chicken pox are common, too. Many are contagious before skin lesions appear. But be sure to keep your child home until the sixth day after the rash appears unless all lesions are dry and crusted over. To prevent this infection, have your child vaccinated.

                Fifth disease is another viral disease. It causes a lacy rash on arms and redness on cheeks that looks like the result of a well-placed slap. Unless your child feels too sick, there's no need to stay home. That's because the disease only spreads before symptoms appear. However, tell the school so female employees of childbearing age can be notified. Fifth disease can severely hurt a developing fetus.

                Although there are many kinds of hepatitis, hepatitis A is the most common type in children. This virus is in blood and bowel movements, so hand washing is really important to prevent its spread. A child with hepatitis A should stay home until a week after the onset of illness and until any jaundice (yellowed skin) disappears. Another disease spread through bodily fluids is HIV/AIDS. Although it can cause anxiety among parents, remember that casual physical contact – such as hugging, holding hands, or sharing a glass – does not transfer this virus.

                Then, there's the run-of-the mill colds and flu. Deciding whether or not to send your child to school can be a challenge. General rule of thumb? If there's a fever, keep 'em home – until the fever's been gone for at least 24 hours.  If there's no fever, more than likely it's a cold and it's okay to go to school. When in doubt, check with your child's doctor. And, don't forget the flu vaccine, which is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

                Stop by, and I can advise you on the best way to keep your child comfortable while the cold or flu runs its course. I can also give you a brief overview of prescription or OTC treatments for the more common childhood viral infections.