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IN THIS ISSUE
Happy Anniversary!!
Antibiotics: Not the Cure for the Common Cold!
Lighter Notes
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What's New at
Guardian Nurses
Happy 7th Anniversary!
And they said it would never last!
It was October 2003 that Guardian Nurses took its first baby steps.....and look at us now! We've come a long way since "the early days" and are proud that our work has endured --- and more importantly, that it continues to serve those who need help navigating the healthcare maze.
Thanks to our clients, patients, friends, vendors and colleagues for SEVEN inspirational years! |
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Lighter Notes
As previewed in this space earlier this year, the new mural, The Evolving Face of Nursing, was unveiled on October 5th by the City of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program.
The mural, at the corner of Broad and Vine Sts. in Philadelphia, celebrates the rich tradition of nursing.
The 6,500 square foot mural animated with lights is unlike any other piece of public art that has been created. The mural is one image by day, and a different one by night with the lights. For more information about the new mural, visit the Philadelphia Mural Arts website. |
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How frustrating it is to do all the right things around cold and flu season and still get sick! Washing your hands, sneezing into your sleeve, getting plenty of sleep, eating right, even getting your annual flu shot. "Achoo!" Oh, phooey!
If you do get sick, other than trying to relieve your symptoms (sneezing, aching, coughing), you can visit your primary care provider (with all of the other folks who are coughing and sneezing). But don't be surprised if, at the end of your visit, you are not offered a prescription for antibiotics.
Read below for information from the CDC. Antibiotics are only effective in treating bacterial illnesses, not viral. And both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses.
Antibiotics will not cure your cold!
Betty Long
Betty Long, RN, MHA, President and Founder
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, Inc. |
Antibiotics:
Not the Cure for the Common Cold
Simply put, antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, like colds, flu, most sore throats and bronchitis, and some ear infections. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is again trying to educate us.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you or your child has a virus may do more harm than good. Get smart about when antibiotics are appropriate-to fight bacterial infections. Taking them for viral infections, such as a cold, most sore throats, the flu, or acute bronchitis:
- Will not cure the infection;
- Will not keep other people from getting sick;
- Will not help you or your child feel better; and
- May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects.
What Not to Do
- Do not request or demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider says that they are not needed.
- Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or most sore throats.
- Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your or your child's illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.
If your healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic for you or your child:
- Do not skip doses.
- Do not save any of the antibiotics for the next time you or your child gets sick.
What to Do
Talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatment for your or your child's illness. To feel better when you or your child has an upper respiratory infection, it's true what your mom used to tell you:
- Increase fluid intake;
- Get plenty of rest;
- Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion; and
- Soothe a sore throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have produced a brief, entertaining video called "Snort, Sniffle and Sneeze: No Antibiotics Please" that is a helpful reminder about the appropriate use of antibiotics.
And P.S.----don't forget to get your flu shot again this season! Contrary to what you might hear or think----it does NOT cause the flu! |
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