BELTON, Texas – Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center encourages local residents to prepare for influenza prevention, especially in children. The microbiology lab at Scott & White Memorial Medical Center - Temple, which serves 30 Central Texas counties, has confirmed at least 19 cases of flu in McLennan and Bell counties. Families are encouraged to fight the flu by getting a flu shot at a physician's office or pharmacy. Community members also can make vaccination a family event by attending one of Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's three drive-through family flu clinics in Temple, Killeen and Waco.
As changes in weather occur, the potential for sore throats, coughs and nasal congestion may increase. Fortunately, some of these ailments can be managed early and in some cases without having to see a doctor.
Jessica Drigalla, MD, director of pediatrics for at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's, offers the following advice to help determine if you're suffering from a cold, the flu, or something else, and suggested treatment methods for each.
The Common Cold
Symptoms include: fatigue, fever, sneezing, congestion, sore throat and cough.
Prevention: frequent handwashing, covering sneeze and/or cough, reduce exposure to infected individuals.
Treatment: rest, plenty of fluids and over the counter medications
The Flu (Influenza)
Symptoms include: same as cold symptoms, high fever, chills and body aches for three to five days.
Prevention: same as cold symptoms, flu vaccines.
Treatment: same as cold, antiviral medications.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Symptoms include: allergy symptoms, such as itching of the eyes, nose or throat; nasal congestion, sinus pain and pressure in the cheeks, upper teeth or forehead.
Prevention: frequent saline nasal irrigations, allergy medication.
Treatment: prolonged symptoms may require antibiotics.
Strep Throat
Symptoms include: severe, abrupt sore throat, usually accompanied by fever, chills, headache, stomach upset and bad breath.
Prevention: reduce exposure to infected individuals.
Treatment: prescription antibiotics.
“When taking medications, be sure to take them as directed and review warnings prior to consumption," Dr. Drigalla said. She also offered the following advice on when individuals should seek an appointment with their physician:
- Recurring high fever greater than 101 degrees orally or development of sudden fever and/or chills after a period of feeling better during a respiratory illness.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath.
- Pleurisy – pain in your chest — when taking a deep breath.
- Severe sore throat or ear pain.
- Cough lasting more than three weeks and not responding to regular treatment.
- Sinus pain and congestion lasting more than 10 days and not responding to regular treatment (specifically, decongestant medications).
- Symptoms worsen after a two-to-three-day period of improvement.
Dr. Drigalla advises visiting your nearest hospital emergency department or calling 911 if symptoms are serious.
For more information about our upcoming flu clinics and new drive-thru flu clinic, visit our website at http://www.sw.org/flu/flu.
* based on unaudited 2015 fiscal year statements
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com