Signs, Symptoms and When to Seek Emergency Care Most of us recognize spring as allergy season. There’s more at play than just allergies. Here is a guide to understanding springtime health conditions, how to recognize them, and when to seek the advice of your doctor or emergency medical facility. Spring typically means a return to outdoor activities and the lengthening of days, but it can also be a time for allergy related respiratory illnesses. The reason for the spike in allergy flare-ups … [Read more...] about Common Springtime Illnesses
Sneezing
Who Should Get a TB Test and Why?
Tuberculosis is not a disease that we hear much about in modern times. On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). During this time, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step taken toward the control and elimination of this deadly disease. A century later, March 24 was designated World TB Day: a day to educate the public … [Read more...] about Who Should Get a TB Test and Why?
What Are The Symptoms of The Flu?
Flu symptoms are elusive. We hear symptoms of illness described as “flu-like”. What does that mean? How can you know if what you are feeling is a cold, or something more serious like the flu? If you’ve ever had the flu virus, you know. Fever, body aches, sneezing, cough, weakness, and sometimes even vomiting are part of what makes up the flu. That sounds pretty awful. Anyone surviving a bout of the flu feels like they should have gotten a t-shirt to commemorate their accomplishment. There are … [Read more...] about What Are The Symptoms of The Flu?
Do I Have A Cold Or The Flu?
Colds and Flu Types Is it the cold or flu? Sneezing, coughing, fever, body aches, stomach distress are symptoms of a number of illnesses. How do you know the difference between the common cold and the flu? Common Cold Symptoms The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. If symptoms exceed comfort levels, it is time to see a doctor. (Mayo … [Read more...] about Do I Have A Cold Or The Flu?
Flu Vaccine Facts
When it comes to the flu vaccine, there are decisions to make. As a community healthcare provider, we are often asked questions about flu vaccine effectiveness, when to get the flu vaccine, what ages are affected most by the flu and what are flu vaccine side-effects. The most vulnerable populations when it comes to illness are the very young and the elderly. Infant bodies are working hard to build immunities. The elderly may have compromised immunities as a result of other illness or may be … [Read more...] about Flu Vaccine Facts
Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?
We have all been sick with a viral illness at one time or another in our lives. As a matter of fact, viruses are one of the most common causes of fever in children. So you may be wondering exactly what a virus is. It is a molecule with genetic material, it can only replicate inside of the living cells of another organism. The virus’s genetic material takes control of the host cell and forces it to reproduce. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, including plants, … [Read more...] about Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?
Common Cold vs The Flu
We are getting to that time of year again, cold and influenza season. Your co-workers and friends will start having a cough, runny nose, congestion, and fevers. You may be wondering, what is the difference between an upper respiratory infection also known as the common cold and influenza? Symptoms of a Cold The common cold can be caused by more than 200 viruses and can be spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. Rhinovirus is the most … [Read more...] about Common Cold vs The Flu