Teach your kids how to wash their hands
April 29, 2009 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Just found this great podcast episode from CDC.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Swine Flu (H1N1) Q&A
April 29, 2009 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
We have been getting many questions from concerned parents. Wanted to take this opportunity to attempt to answer them with current recommendations. Information is being updated very quickly so be sure to go to CDC Swine Flu page for the latest information.
How do I protect myself
At the time of this writing there have been no reported cases in Oregon and majority of US cases have been mild. It is not known to what extent the infection will spread in our state but it is likely that we will have some cases reported soon.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your cough by coughing into your arm or sleeve
- Avoid crowded, inside locations such as medical offices, emergency rooms, movie theaters and large shopping malls.
- Gets lots of rest and continue good nutrition including a multivitamin
Should I get tested?
At this time testing is only recommended for those who have travelled to an area where there have been identified cases in US or abroad within 7 days AND have symptoms suggestive of influenza. These symptoms include fever, cough and sore throat.
Should I take medication?
Antiviral medications are only recommended for confirmed or suspected cases based on travel history and symptoms. This recommendation may change if more cases are discovered in Oregon.
Where can I get a flu shot?
The recent flu shot that was used last winter is not protective against swine flu. There is currently no vaccine available for swine flu.
Check back and try to only listen/read reputable sources for the latest information. Our office will be closely monitoring and following guidelines as they are published by CDC and other public health agencies.
Swine Flu
April 28, 2009 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Swine flu is an emerging international new influenza virus that appears to have started in Mexico. It is a new strain of influenza that was transferred from pig to a person. Since person to person transmission has occurred this infection has the potential to spread around the world. How serious the infection will become and how widely it will spread is not known at this time. News will evolve quickly. We recommend you “go to the source” at CDC Swine Flu information page. Many times in the past the general media (newspaper and television) has gotten important facts wrong about major medical issues so it is important to view reputable sources on the internet which will generally be CDC and other public health agencies.
Symptoms
Symptoms are the same as winter respiratory flu. This includes fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and cough. The big differences between influenza and other respiratory viruses is the amount of muscle aches and fatigue. This is NOT the same thing as “stomach flu” which is a viral infection of the intestines, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
So far documented cases in the US have been mild. Very few have required hospitalization and there have been no reported deaths. For unknown reason at this time cases in Mexico have been in much greater numbers and been deaths have been reported. Investigation by international infectious disease experts is ongoing.
How do I protect myself?
Transmission of the infection is the same as transmission of colds and respiratory flu. Avoiding crowded indoor places will reduce your exposure. Cover your cough and frequent hand washing will decrease spread. If you are ill stay home from work. If you child is ill with fever than we recommend staying home from school. If your child is ill but there are no symptoms of respiratory difficulties or dehydration than best to stay home and NOT go to doctor’s office or emergency room. If your child is a patient of our clinic just call our office for advice.
Is there any treatment?
There are medications that have a slight impact on influenza virus. They are recommended for patients with severe underlying diseases and must be given early in the course of infection. We will be following recommendations of CDC regarding treatment. In general they shorten the duration of fever by about 1.5 days with minimal impact on contagiousness.
Our office will be monitoring the situation closely and will follow recommendations of CDC and other public health agencies. Check back on our website or CDC Swine flu page.
Charity event for Dr. Lace’s African Orphan Project
April 6, 2009 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Event raises money for clean-water projects in Africa (StatesmanJournal.com)
Recently had a very successful fundraiser for Dr. Lace’s Orphan in Tanzania. He has been involved for the last seven years. Check out StatesmanJournal article for more information.
Also recently highlighted on Channel 2 News
More information on his non-profit organization supporting orphans in tanzania visit Yatima Orphan Goup Fund
Congratulations and keep up the good work.
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