Don’t let the warm weather fool you – viruses are still frequent in the summer, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine.
“It’s important for people to continue to practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette during the summer, because there are many viruses still present,” said Dr. Gail Demmler Harrison, professor of pediatrics-infectious disease at BCM and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Viruses present in warm weather include the summer cold virus, or rhinovirus, as well as enterovirus, which is related to the cold virus.
Enteroviruses can cause symptoms that are more complicated than the common cold, such as sore throat and diarrhea, and can even lead to viral meningitis and inflammation of the heart and liver, said Demmler Harrison.
Parents of babies and young children should also look out for hand, foot and mouth disease, caused by a type of enterovirus, and characterized by ulcers in the back of the throat and a rash on hands and feet.
“There’s no way to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. Just be sure to give your child enough fluids,” said Demmler Harrison.
Another year-round virus that can be present in the summer is adenovirus, which can cause respiratory problems. Parainfluenza is a virus that can cause croup, a loud cough; bronchiolitis, swelling and mucus in the small air passages in the lungs; and even bronchitis, inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs.
Each of these viruses is spread from person to person and can be dangerous in some cases, said Demmler Harrison.
These viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to get enough fluid and rest if you have any of these viruses. Someone with a weak immune system should consult their physician if they have symptoms of any of these viruses.
If you have any of these viruses, there are symptoms that indicate you should seek care immediately. These include having a high fever for more than three days, vomiting for more than 24 hours, diarrhea, severe headaches or chest pain.
“Most of these viruses are more inconvenient than serious, but it’s important to be aware of them and get plenty of fluid and rest if you get them,” said Demmler Harrison.
Those who are traveling in the summer should also be aware that flu season is geographically dependent, so be sure to check the status of the influenza virus at your destination.
2011年6月22日星期三
2011年4月24日星期日
Packing for college includes medical items
With high school graduation coming up, many students and their families will soon begin planning in earnest for college this fall.
While shopping for dorm room supplies and registering for classes, new college students should also take a moment to plan for a healthy start to their new lifestyle.
When packing for college, students and their parents should remember to include up-to-date copies of students' immunization records and all health insurance information.
They should also include contact information of their home physician, along with any known medical conditions, drug allergies, and a list of current medications and dosages.
A first aid kit is also important. A basic college first-aid kit should include items for wound care — bandages, antiseptic and antibiotic ointment — as well as a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, a pain reliever/fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, an antihistamine for allergic reactions like diphenhydramine, loratadine or cetirizine, and an anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone.
Some families take this idea a step further and pack a cold and flu kit that includes the items above along with tissues, antibacterial wipes for disinfecting surfaces, cough syrup containing guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, and their choice of stomach medications for heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Gatorade or a similar sports drink, soup mixes and bottled water might also be included and can help the student recover from stomach illnesses, sore throats or the flu.
Also before coming to college, incoming students need to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that college students receive meningococcal vaccine, Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) and the HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) series in addition to their routine childhood immunizations including hepatitis A and B, polio, MMR, varicella, and pneumococcal vaccine. Students should also plan on getting a seasonal influenza vaccine each fall.
Parents and students also might want to check for any special vaccine requirements specific to their college, university, or field of study.
Most colleges and universities have some sort of health service available to students.
Services can range from a nurse-run clinic to a fully staffed ambulatory care clinic with multiple physicians, nurse practitioners and counselors.
The University of Kentucky Health Service clinic is fully staffed with 12 physicians, six nurse practitioners, 10 nurses, two health educators and a nutritionist, and offers an array of preventive, acute and mental health services to students.
Parents and students will want to familiarize themselves with the particular services available at their college health service, along with the facility's location and contact information, ideally prior to enrollment.
Every year, some students become ill soon after arriving on campus, and if they are already familiar with how to seek health care on campus it will be easier for them to obtain the treatment they need.
While preparing for college, it is important that students and parents plan for good health. Illness can derail a student's academic progress, and make for a tough time away from home.
By avoiding illness when possible, and preparing to deal with it when it does make an appearance, families can breathe easier knowing that they are prepared to handle any medical concerns that should arise while their student is away at school.
While shopping for dorm room supplies and registering for classes, new college students should also take a moment to plan for a healthy start to their new lifestyle.
When packing for college, students and their parents should remember to include up-to-date copies of students' immunization records and all health insurance information.
They should also include contact information of their home physician, along with any known medical conditions, drug allergies, and a list of current medications and dosages.
A first aid kit is also important. A basic college first-aid kit should include items for wound care — bandages, antiseptic and antibiotic ointment — as well as a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, a pain reliever/fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, an antihistamine for allergic reactions like diphenhydramine, loratadine or cetirizine, and an anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone.
Some families take this idea a step further and pack a cold and flu kit that includes the items above along with tissues, antibacterial wipes for disinfecting surfaces, cough syrup containing guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, and their choice of stomach medications for heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Gatorade or a similar sports drink, soup mixes and bottled water might also be included and can help the student recover from stomach illnesses, sore throats or the flu.
Also before coming to college, incoming students need to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that college students receive meningococcal vaccine, Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) and the HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) series in addition to their routine childhood immunizations including hepatitis A and B, polio, MMR, varicella, and pneumococcal vaccine. Students should also plan on getting a seasonal influenza vaccine each fall.
Parents and students also might want to check for any special vaccine requirements specific to their college, university, or field of study.
Most colleges and universities have some sort of health service available to students.
Services can range from a nurse-run clinic to a fully staffed ambulatory care clinic with multiple physicians, nurse practitioners and counselors.
The University of Kentucky Health Service clinic is fully staffed with 12 physicians, six nurse practitioners, 10 nurses, two health educators and a nutritionist, and offers an array of preventive, acute and mental health services to students.
Parents and students will want to familiarize themselves with the particular services available at their college health service, along with the facility's location and contact information, ideally prior to enrollment.
Every year, some students become ill soon after arriving on campus, and if they are already familiar with how to seek health care on campus it will be easier for them to obtain the treatment they need.
While preparing for college, it is important that students and parents plan for good health. Illness can derail a student's academic progress, and make for a tough time away from home.
By avoiding illness when possible, and preparing to deal with it when it does make an appearance, families can breathe easier knowing that they are prepared to handle any medical concerns that should arise while their student is away at school.
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