Strep Throat

Written by AfterOurs Inc. | 05 August 2010

Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and the tonsils. It is caused by streptococcal bacteria (a germ or microbe), unlike most other sore throats which are caused by a virus. Antibiotics kill germs but do not affect viruses; this is why most colds and sore throats do not benefit from antibiotics. If you show any signs of a cold, such as coughing, sneezing, or runny/stuffy nose, you most likely do not have strep throat, and instead have a sore throat – one of the viruses.

Symptoms of Strep Throat:

Ø Sudden, Severe Sore Throat

Ø Pain When Swallowing

Ø Fever of 101º Fahrenheit

Ø Swollen Tonsils/Lymph Nodes

Ø White/Yellow Spotting on Back of Throat

Ø Headache/Belly Pain

Less Common Symptoms:

Ø Red Skin Rash

Ø Vomiting

Ø Loss of Appetite

Ø Body Aches

Ø Cold Symptoms – Coughing, Sneezing, Runny/Stuffy Nose

Strep throat is contagious and can be spread through touch, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms show within 2 to 5 days of contact with contagious people.

Treatment:

Although, the symptoms of strep throat will go away with or without treatment in 3 to 7 days, Doctors will treat strep throat with antibiotics to prevent rare secondary complications, to prevent it spreading to other persons, and for a hasty recovery. Most people stop being contagious 24 hours after being treated with antibiotics; however, those not treated may still be contagious for up to 2 to 3 weeks after showing no more symptoms.

Over-the-counter medicine with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) are used to help ease the pain and reduce fever; however, if you are under the age of 20, do not use aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.

Prevention:

Ø Wash Hands Regularly

Ø Avoid Contact with Contagious Persons

Ø Do Not Share Toothbrushes

Ø Do Not Share Drinks or Eating Utensils

If you have strep throat, the best ways to avoid spreading the infection are to stay home, do not cough or sneeze on others, use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs, wash your hands often, and visit your doctor for antibiotics in order to shorten the period during which you are contagious.

Indoor Allergens

Written by Alan Ashihurst, Director of Clinical Operations | 26 July 2010

Allergies not only affect people outdoors but indoors as well. There are many things that can cause allergies to flare, including dust mites, pet dander, and kitchen and bath mold. Some common allergy triggers are listed below, along with simple ways to reduce them:

Dust Mites – Use hypoallergenic bedding and wash bedding frequently in hot water (130+ degrees Fahrenheit), vacuum regularly using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and if possible, eliminate carpeting from your home.

Pet Dander – Keep pets off of furniture and out of your bedroom, vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter, and bathe your pets bi-weekly (can cause skin irritation).

Bath & Kitchen Mold – Clean bathrooms and kitchens regularly, not allowing surfaces to stay wet or damp, and do not leave damp clothing/towels lying around.

Indoor Pollen - Keep windows closed and move indoor plants that are causing irritation, dust regularly, and use an air conditioner (AC) with an allergy reducing filter, which you change at least every three months.

Dust – Vacuum using a HEPA filter and dust regularly using a damp cloth.

Cockroaches – Call an exterminator if you see one, chances are there are more. Keep all kitchen surfaces clean and vacuum regularly.

HVAC System Maintenance – Check vents for mold, if you think you have any allergens built-up in vents, contact an air duct cleaning company. Services, quality, and prices vary greatly, so make sure to ask for references or research several companies’ reputation online, before hiring one.

Meningococcal Meningitis

Written by Douglas Walsh, PA-C | 30 June 2010

In recent Colorado news, Fort Collins Adult Hockey Association has had a few cases of Meningococcal Meningitis, with 2 dead and 1 remaining hospitalized. Those coming in close contact with these members have been vaccinated.

Meningococcal Meningitis is a bacterium affecting the blood stream and brain; carrying a high mortality rate if untreated. Meningococcal Meningitis can be spread by saliva, nose and throat secretions and through prolonged close contact with those infected. According to Adrienne LeBailly, Director of the Larimer County Department of Public Health and Environment, “Everyone is exposed to the meningococcal bacteria at some point in their lives, and only about 1 percent gets sick.”¹ The vaccine is $125, but make sure to check your local Health Department for free vaccinations! (If you are in Colorado, please check out: http://www.childrensimmunization.org/ for low- or no-cost vaccinations.)

Though we DO NOT offer the vaccination, please feel free to call us with questions regarding this matter. We’ll be happy to answer any question you may have or further assist you with finding a clinic(s) that offer the vaccination.

Those who should obtain the vaccine²:

• Children between the ages of 2-10, who are at high risk.
• Children between the ages of 11-18.
• College Students between the ages of 18-24, who live in dorms.
• Military Recruits
• Medical Staff & Laboratory Personnel
• Travelers/Tourists
• People with other diseases/infections (HIV).
• People who come in close contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms³:

• Stiff Neck
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Rashes
• Dark Bruises
• Paranoia
• Severe Headache
• Seizures

Re

References:

¹http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=141670&catid=346

²http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=141670&catid=346

³http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000608.htm

Water & Dehydration

Written by Dr. Ermin Kreso | 29 June 2010

During those hot summer days, it is important to remember to hydrate often. Your body is made up of about 45%-75% water, depending on how much fat you have; therefore, water should be part of your daily routine. Lack of water can cause dehydration which can lead to thirst, dry skin, loss of appetite, fatigue/weakness, and much more¹. The recommended amount of water needed by CNN Health is a little more than 8 cups², though for men and women it varies a bit. According to the Institute of Medicine, men need roughly 13 cups and women need about 9 cups³.

In order to achieve the daily recommend water intake amount, try to:

Ø Drink a glass of water before meals, during meals, and in between meals.

Ø Drink a glass of water before exercising, during exercising, and after exercising.

Just drinking water with each meal, if you eat 3 meals on average, would account for 9 cups a day! Make sure you are drinking enough water, especially during those hot summer days!

Conversion between ounces, cups, quarts and gallons:

1 cup = 8 ounces

1 quart = 32 ounces = 4 cups

1 gallon = 4 quarts = 128 ounces = 16 cups

References:

¹http://www.symptomsofdehydration.com/

²http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/water/NU00283.html

³http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/water/NU00283.html