By Angel Biasatti, Director of Community Relations and Marketing for Methodist Mansfield Medical CenterThe arrival of fall can often usher in a cold or flu, requiring us to seek relief, but taking a few preventive actions can reduce the chances of becoming ill.
Jeff McDaniel, MD, an independently practicing physician on the medical staff of the Methodist Family Health Center–Lake Prairie recommends a seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the seasonal flu. “People with underlying health problems, chronic illnesses, or in high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children younger than age 5, and people age 50 and older are urged to get a flu shot,” Dr. McDaniel says. “They are safe and effective, and this year’s vaccine protects against influenza A, B, and H1N1.”
Most important wash your hands often with warm soap and water. “Colds are most commonly spread with hands or objects contaminated with nasal secretions from coughing or sneezing,” Dr. McDaniel says. “Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to keep from spreading flu viruses to others, then discard the tissue after use.
“You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the direct spread of the virus from your hands to susceptible areas on your face, and avoid contact with sick people to keep from being infected,” he continued.
In addition to maintaining good hygiene, the foods you eat can make a difference. Dr. McDaniel recommends eating healthy high-energy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that will enhance the immune system, as well as drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. He also advises getting plenty of rest, at least seven to eight hours a night.
If you do get sick, it is important that you take good care of yourself and visit a family care physician who can help you recover without significant complications.
Dr. McDaniel reminds us that a runny nose, watering eyes, body aches, and high fever typical symptoms of the flu. If it is allergies, the eyes will be watering and itching, the nose will have a discharge, and your head will ache. Cold symptoms are usually a stuffy nose and sore throat without a fever or headache.
To schedule an examination call 972-522-0691 or visit www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/FamilyHealth.
Jeff McDaniel, MD, is an independently practicing family medicine physician on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. To find a physician on the Methodist Mansfield medical staff, call toll-free 877-637-4297 or visit MethodistHealthSystem.org.
Jeff McDaniel, MD, an independently practicing physician on the medical staff of the Methodist Family Health Center–Lake Prairie recommends a seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the seasonal flu. “People with underlying health problems, chronic illnesses, or in high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children younger than age 5, and people age 50 and older are urged to get a flu shot,” Dr. McDaniel says. “They are safe and effective, and this year’s vaccine protects against influenza A, B, and H1N1.”
Most important wash your hands often with warm soap and water. “Colds are most commonly spread with hands or objects contaminated with nasal secretions from coughing or sneezing,” Dr. McDaniel says. “Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to keep from spreading flu viruses to others, then discard the tissue after use.
“You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the direct spread of the virus from your hands to susceptible areas on your face, and avoid contact with sick people to keep from being infected,” he continued.
In addition to maintaining good hygiene, the foods you eat can make a difference. Dr. McDaniel recommends eating healthy high-energy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that will enhance the immune system, as well as drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. He also advises getting plenty of rest, at least seven to eight hours a night.
If you do get sick, it is important that you take good care of yourself and visit a family care physician who can help you recover without significant complications.
Dr. McDaniel reminds us that a runny nose, watering eyes, body aches, and high fever typical symptoms of the flu. If it is allergies, the eyes will be watering and itching, the nose will have a discharge, and your head will ache. Cold symptoms are usually a stuffy nose and sore throat without a fever or headache.
To schedule an examination call 972-522-0691 or visit www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/FamilyHealth.
Jeff McDaniel, MD, is an independently practicing family medicine physician on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. To find a physician on the Methodist Mansfield medical staff, call toll-free 877-637-4297 or visit MethodistHealthSystem.org.
(Photo: wellcomeimages)
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is a Mansfield ISD wellness partner.
