Viruses and Bacteria
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Most colds and flu are caused by viruses, and can last from few days to 2 weeks or more.
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Antibiotics will NOT help these illnesses, as antibiotics only work against bacteria.
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Modern medicine has yet to find a cure for viral infections, and your immune system is still the best defense.
BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:
1. SLEEP. SLEEP. SLEEP. You may need 8 hours of sleep at night and naps or rest periods during the day. When choosing between rest and other activities, listen to your body if you feel tired. It will pay off.
2. DRINK. DRINK. DRINK. Fluids help to moisten and loosen secretions in the nose and lungs, making it easier to clear them. You will know you are adequately hydrated if your urine is light or clear in color. Dehydration can also contribute to fever.
3. HUMIDIFY. Steamy showers and humidifiers will also help loosen secretions.
4. EAT WELL. Try to eat regularly and don't skip meals. Eat fewer greasy, salty foods and eat more vegetables and fruits, which are rich in healing vitamins. Dairy products may increase mucus production in the throat.
5. BLOW GENTLY; DON'T SNIFF. Use disposable tissues and wash hands frequently. Sniffing can contribute to increased sinus pressure and pain. Avoid touching face, as it spreads germs.
6. S TOP SMOKING. If you'd like help with this, contact the Parton Health Center . This may temporarily increase secretions.
MEDICATIONS/REMEDIES
MEDICATIONS/REMEDIES |
FOR WHAT |
DOSAGE |
Tylenol/Advil™ |
for headaches, body aches, fever, sore throat |
Take 2 tablets every 4-6 hours |
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Sudafed *may keep you awake |
for nasal and sinus congestion |
Take 1-2 tablets every 6-8 hours |
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Gargles |
helps cleanse throat of exudate; feels soothing |
Mix ¼ teaspoon in 8 oz. of warm water |
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DON'T TAKE: LEFTOVER ANTIBIOTICS, ALCOHOL, OR COMBINATIONS MEDICATIONS SUCH AS NYQIL, ALKA SELTZER, ETC.
WHAT ARE YOUR SYMPTOMS?
VIRAL SYMPTOMS |
BACTERIAL SYMPTOMS |
scratchy, sore throat |
very red throat with or without white patches |
clear/white/yellow nasal discharge |
green/bright yellow nasal discharge all day |
ear pressure |
ear pain or earache |
cough; dry or with clear/white mucus |
cough with yellow/green mucus all day |
sneezing |
painful, swollen neck glands |
nasal congestion |
fever greater than 100º |
watery eyes |
usual allergy medication not working |
headaches/body aches |
painful breathing |
fatigue |
wheezing/shortness of breath |
tenderness around eyes |
white patches on throat/tonsils |
fever |
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IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS OR THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE A BACTERIAL INFECTION, CONTACT THE PARTON HEALTH CENTER FOR FURTHER EVALUATION @ X5135 |