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23日星期六
Arm rested, Venters returns to action
SAN FRANCISCO -- While many were wondering why he wasn't being used in Thursday's 12-inning loss to the Dodgers, Braves left-handed reliever Jonny Venters was pestering pitching coach Roger McDowell to let him know that he felt he was healthy enough to pitch.
"We have to use him soon because he's going to kill Roger or [head athletic trainer Jeff Porter]," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said a few hours before allowing Venters to produce a perfect eighth inning in Friday night's 4-1 win over the Giants.
Venters played catch Friday afternoon and informed the Braves medical staff that he wasn't feeling any of the upper left arm soreness that he's felt over the past couple weeks. When he complained about it again after Tuesday's 27-pitch appearance against the Dodgers, the Braves decided to rest him Wednesday and Thursday.
"He told Roger that he felt good to go," Gonzalez said. "I think those two days off helped him. We'll keep an eye on him."
Gonzalez said he likely won't ask Venters to make any multi-inning appearances any time soon. But the medical staff has assured him that the left-handed setup man isn't dealing with any structural issues.
"It's a muscle," Gonzalez said. "It's not a structural thing. It's not an elbow or shoulder. It kind of moves around a little bit. Some days it's the biceps and some days it's the triceps. They're not really concerned."
Venters' performance hasn't been affected by the discomfort. The 26-year-old southpaw has allowed just one earned run and two hits in the 10 2/3 innings he has pitched this year.
"I think it was just something that needed a couple days of not throwing at all," Venters said. "It's nothing serious. It's just sore. But it never had a chance to get better."
Braves getting by without backup center fielder
SAN FRANCISCO -- When the Braves optioned Matt Young to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, they created the chance to spend the next week with a 13-man pitching staff. At the same time, they lost their only true backup center fielder.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Friday afternoon that he would likely use Martin Prado in center field if a situation arises where Nate McLouth has to leave a game within the week. Gonzalez indicated the club will likely return to a 12-man pitching staff by the start of next weekend's homestand against the Cardinals.
If he isn't replacing a player that has been placed on the disabled list, Young will have to remain in the Minors for at least 10 days. This could open the door for the Braves to promote Joe Mather, who entered Friday having hit .304 with a homer in 13 games with Gwinnett.
Freeman relishes playing in hometown area
SAN FRANCISCO -- After losing his wife Rosemary to melanoma 11 years ago, Fred Freeman assumed the responsibility of being a single parent and continued to allow his youngest son, Freddie, to pursue his passion for baseball in their hometown of Fountain Valley, Calif., which is located about 40 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles.
With the Braves at Dodger Stadium this past week, the elder Freeman had the opportunity to see his son shine in front of friends and family members. The Braves' rookie first baseman hit a pair of homers and added a double during the four-game series against the Dodgers.
This was the first time since being selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft that the 21-year-old Freeman played in his native state of California.
"He was just proud," said Freeman of his father, who is an accountant. "I think he would have been the same way if I had gone 0-fer every game. He was just happy to see me. Usually it's him having to fly cross-country to come see me. For me to be able to come home finally, it puts less stress on him, especially during tax season. It allows him to take his mind off work."
"We have to use him soon because he's going to kill Roger or [head athletic trainer Jeff Porter]," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said a few hours before allowing Venters to produce a perfect eighth inning in Friday night's 4-1 win over the Giants.
Venters played catch Friday afternoon and informed the Braves medical staff that he wasn't feeling any of the upper left arm soreness that he's felt over the past couple weeks. When he complained about it again after Tuesday's 27-pitch appearance against the Dodgers, the Braves decided to rest him Wednesday and Thursday.
"He told Roger that he felt good to go," Gonzalez said. "I think those two days off helped him. We'll keep an eye on him."
Gonzalez said he likely won't ask Venters to make any multi-inning appearances any time soon. But the medical staff has assured him that the left-handed setup man isn't dealing with any structural issues.
"It's a muscle," Gonzalez said. "It's not a structural thing. It's not an elbow or shoulder. It kind of moves around a little bit. Some days it's the biceps and some days it's the triceps. They're not really concerned."
Venters' performance hasn't been affected by the discomfort. The 26-year-old southpaw has allowed just one earned run and two hits in the 10 2/3 innings he has pitched this year.
"I think it was just something that needed a couple days of not throwing at all," Venters said. "It's nothing serious. It's just sore. But it never had a chance to get better."
Braves getting by without backup center fielder
SAN FRANCISCO -- When the Braves optioned Matt Young to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, they created the chance to spend the next week with a 13-man pitching staff. At the same time, they lost their only true backup center fielder.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Friday afternoon that he would likely use Martin Prado in center field if a situation arises where Nate McLouth has to leave a game within the week. Gonzalez indicated the club will likely return to a 12-man pitching staff by the start of next weekend's homestand against the Cardinals.
If he isn't replacing a player that has been placed on the disabled list, Young will have to remain in the Minors for at least 10 days. This could open the door for the Braves to promote Joe Mather, who entered Friday having hit .304 with a homer in 13 games with Gwinnett.
Freeman relishes playing in hometown area
SAN FRANCISCO -- After losing his wife Rosemary to melanoma 11 years ago, Fred Freeman assumed the responsibility of being a single parent and continued to allow his youngest son, Freddie, to pursue his passion for baseball in their hometown of Fountain Valley, Calif., which is located about 40 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles.
With the Braves at Dodger Stadium this past week, the elder Freeman had the opportunity to see his son shine in front of friends and family members. The Braves' rookie first baseman hit a pair of homers and added a double during the four-game series against the Dodgers.
This was the first time since being selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft that the 21-year-old Freeman played in his native state of California.
"He was just proud," said Freeman of his father, who is an accountant. "I think he would have been the same way if I had gone 0-fer every game. He was just happy to see me. Usually it's him having to fly cross-country to come see me. For me to be able to come home finally, it puts less stress on him, especially during tax season. It allows him to take his mind off work."
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