Flu update
We’ve been hearing quite a bit lately about the H1N1 flu (swine flu), though the initial alarm seems to have quieted, at least for now. Currently, there is no vaccine to protect against the virus, but there are steps you can take to prevent catching it, or at least slow the spread of H1N1. Follow the same guidelines that apply during the normal flu season:
- Wash your hands with soap frequently
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Stay in good general health by getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, and managing stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Be careful of what you touch
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- If you get sick, don’t go to work, school, or other public locations
Fellow medical society member John Goldman, MD, a Harrisburg infectious disease specialist, adds, “Do the things your mother told you to do—get enough rest, don’t smoke, don’t drink too much alcohol. It makes you a less susceptible host.”
Signs of the H1N1 flu are similar to the regular flu and include: fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and occasional gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea.
Only time will tell if this virus will return in the fall. So for now, our best advice is to follow the above tips so that you and your loved ones stay healthy.
Spring fever or Lyme disease?
‘Tis the season to spend time outdoors again (finally)! Along with our usual caution about applying sunscreen, my colleagues and I also remind you to protect yourself and your family from Lyme disease.
Pennsylvania ranks among the highest in the nation for number of Lyme disease cases—most occurring in the southeastern part of the state. In recent years, close to 4,000 Lyme disease cases have been reported annually in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Deer ticks, often the carriers of Lyme disease, are very tiny and don’t let you know when they’ve decided to hitch a ride and become “attached.” The best course of action is to exercise caution, according to Erie County Medical Society president and infectious disease specialist Nancy Weissbach, MD.
If possible, stay away from wooded areas, high grass, and leaf piles.
“When outdoors, apply tick repellent. Cover up if you can—tuck your pants in your socks, wear long sleeves and a hat. Think about creating a barrier between you and a tick. And always, always, check for ticks when you come inside. The sooner a tick is found, the better. The risk of acquiring Lyme disease is markedly increased after about two days of attachment,” Dr. Weissbach says.
If you do find a tick, remove it promptly and carefully, and save it in case it needs to be analyzed by your doctor.
The symptoms of Lyme disease vary from one person to another. Often, patients develop a “bull’s eye” at the site of the tick bite. Fatigue, fever, flu-like achiness and joint pain can also occur. As the infection progresses there can be arthritis, neurological, and heart-related symptoms, as well as visual impairment.
But, even if an infected tick escapes unnoticed and Lyme disease does occur, it’s treatable.
“Effective treatment for Lyme disease generally involves a brief course of antibiotics,” adds Dr. Weissbach.
More Ways to Fight Cancer
Last month, we rolled out our “101 Ways You Can Help Fight Cancer” campaign. The full list is posted on our Family Health & Wellness website, but here a few more ideas to get you started.
- Visit your dentist regularly. An oral cancer screening is part of a routine check up.
- See an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam. A medical eye exam can detect cancer and other health issues.
- Patronize online auctions like MissionFish that donate a percentage of proceeds to cancer organizations.
- Participate in Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Get more information on CPS-3.
- Buy a Pennsylvania Golf Pass. Make a $30 donation to American Cancer Society and receive a free round of golf. For a complete list of participating courses or for more information, call (717) 533-6144, ext. 3062.
- Sign up for a mammogram reminder at www.cancer.org/mammogramreminder.
- Stock your pantry with healthy items. Print a shopping list at www.cancer.org/greatamericans.
- Add cancer awareness links—such as www.cancer.org—to your personal email signature or social media pages.