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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Community Cold and flu season has arrived work. We all have bacteria in our By Marilyn Vermeesch, MD As you have probably noticed, bodies everyday, but usually our cold and flu season has arrived immune system keeps us healthy. somewhat early this year. Our It is also important for people clinic has already seen many to know that there are many cases of upper respiratory tract different types of antibiotics to infections, sinus infections, treat different types ofinfections. stomach flu, sore throats, etc. Not all antibiotics work for a Most illnesses we have seen so specific type of infection. It is far are viral. Viruses are the frustrating to doctors when a cause of the common cold. patient comes in having taken there is still no an antibiotic from a previous Unfortunately, cure for the common cold. The illness. Now we have no idea if treatment for a cold remains the you have a viral infection or a same today as it has been for partially treated bacterial infecmany years - decongestants, an- tion. Antibiotics are given for a algesics (Tylenol or ibuprofen), specific duration of time for a fluids and rest. A viral infection purpose. If you do not finish the days. It is im- entire course of antibiotics, there usually lasts portant to continue treating usually remains a few bacteria symptoms until the virus has run that could have been prevented its course. Many people try one had they finished all the antibior two doses of decongestants or otic as prescribed. I recommend the flu vaccine analgesics, do not feel better, and come to see the doctor. Unfortu- for any patient with underlying nately all we can offer is the lung or heart disease, for anyone above advise. Antibiotics are of exposed to large numbers of no benefit for a viral infection. people, and for the elderly. The The difference between a viral flu vaccine protects us only for and bacterial is sometimes diffi- the most commonly suspected flu cult to determine. Usually a viral strains for this year. The vaccine is developed yearly dependingon syndrome has many symptoms body aches, cough, runny nose, the most common strains of flu headache, rash, vomitingdiar-rhea- , virus encountered on the other fever. People usually feel side of the world during their last better with the above mentioned flu season. Therefore, we can still treatment. Bacterial infections get the flu, but our chances are usually are present with more decreased significantly. focal complaints - fever and sore The pneumovax is a vaccine throat, fever and cough, fever and used to prevent a specific type of headache etc... Bacterial infec- pneumonia. It is recommended tions require antibiotics in addi- in children and adults with untion to management of symptoms. derlying heart or lung disease, It is important for everyone to diabetes or immune disorders. understand that our antibiotics It is given every 5 years until are becoming less and less effec- age 65, then once after age 65. RSV (Respiratory Syncitial tive. This is due to overuse of antibiotics. If antibiotics are Virus) season is just starting. given for a viral infection, and a This is a serious viral infection few bacteria are present, these that can be life threatening to bacteria may become resistant to very young children and fragile this antibiotic. Then when the elderly patients. It is highly conbacteria cause a symptomatic tagious. Treatment is mainly infection, our antibiotics do not symptomatic - antibiotics are of 3-- 7 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 1998 " Angela Cookman and ings. Everyone who is a Medino benefit. Symptoms are the Roxanne Deniz of the NACGG care beneficiary or those plansame as the common cold except Area Agency on Aging will be ning to file for coverage in the usually worse - severe runny a series of public near future is encouraged to nose, cough, fever. Due to the conducting northern attend one of these . informa seriousness of this illness, visit- meetings throughout 1 tional Arizona information to , meetings. "V present " ing restrictions have been initi- oh Medicare Choices-the Plus ; The meeting in the northern ated on November 1, 1998. ChilCoconino for and new County area is .on Nooptions dren under 12 are the most com- changes beneficiaries. There vember 23 at the Fredonia SeMedicare mon carriers of this illness, thereare a number of changes that nior, Center,, 80 N. 1st W;, fore, children under 12 years of may be very confusing to per- Fredonia, AZ at 12:30 p.m age will not be allowed in the sons who are This will be the only presen-- : currently enrolled hospital or nursing home to visit with Medicare Part B, v tation of this kind that will be patients. These restrictions are The options for coverage will held in this community by the for the safety of our newborns in into affect on January 1, NACOGArea Agency on Aging. the hospital, for the elderly in the go For additional information, 1999. The Area Agency on Agnursing home and for hospital ing staff will explain the differ- contact Angela Cookman at 7 patients who are admitted for ent options at the public meet- ext 183. other serious medical problems. - ; X . , , 774-189- 14 GLAZIERS mn! presents -- CASH Com , IMS iCiOMB ash Thu card S10Q0 You Value a WORTH UR TO It EacA Tune Our Sion. SI Mfumum AmrU. Brmg Visit Efcb AwaLetion DO NOT OPEN THIS SEAL wnn AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL srlcMi VOID IF MIST TAMPERED WITH REMOVE SEAL id BUSINESSES PROMOTING KANE COUN There's a lot happening., Visifour Web Site cxpall Dave at HOLIDAY CASH 644-544- 4 for more information! tymmdroisbotfocomkano w NYtflrffJ m 4! 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