Friday, January 19, 2007

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2 comments:

Dr Roho said...

January is almost over and we have had very few cases of influenza - 4 in December and 4-6 cases last week. Influenza (what I call the "true flu") begins with the sudden onset of fever (102-104), runny nose, scratchy sore throat, body aches and fatigue along with a brassy cough. Treatment is primarily fluids, fever reducers and plenty of rest. There is a specific medicine called Tamiflu if the illness is diagnosed within 24-48 hours. Secondary infections such as pneumonia can occur when new symptoms such as shortness of breath develop several days into the illness. This illness often lasts 4-7 days. Stomach flu is really called "gastroenteritis" and causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Treatment is fluids to prevent dehydration. More next month.

Dr Roho said...

Spring is finally here. Spring brings allergy symptoms - runny noses, sneezes, itchy eyes and even coughing. There are 2 of the newer less sedating antihistamines (allergy) medicines that are now over the counter (OTC). One is loratidine (most common trade name is Claritin) and the other is ceterizine. Claritin has been available (OTC) for a few years while Zyrtec OTC just went OTC early in 2008. Always check with a physician for dosing.

I spoke with 2 teenage patients this week about their interest in medical school. When you go to college, be sure you take the 6-7 required science classes no matter what you choose as a major. Be sure to see if your college has a pre-med club as these clubs can always help you focus on the necessary courses and volunteer or research activities.