The year 2020 will be known for the global pandemic. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has struck terror at a worldwide level, and things don’t seem to look good for us just yet. The current situation caused many businesses to shut and schools to go into lockdown mode. Both adults and children are dealing with a sense of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. This period has been particularly tough for us. A city like ours that is bustling all year through is now witnessing a sharp decline in gathering and … [Read more...] about Outbreak vs. Pandemic
Viruses
Hand Hygiene
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Hand hygiene is the first line of defense for the prevention of illnesses and spread of infection to others.” And this small simple activity, hand hygiene, is so important that the CDC has declared May 5th as World Hand Hygiene Day. (CDC, April 2019) As we’ve seen with the outbreak of COVID-19, this simple activity has become an absolute must. The virus spreads through touch and droplets generated when an infected person … [Read more...] about Hand Hygiene
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
