Barb's Daily Dose

Measles

I was just talking to a reporter about the recent increase in Measles cases. This is one of those highly contagious infectious diseases that has been just under the radar for years, but recently has increased dramatically. Most people under 40 haven't seen a case of measles and don't know anyone who had measles. If you're over 50, chances are that you had measles or knew someone else who couldn't go to school for a week while recovering from measles. 

Whooping Cough on the Rise

In Washington State, there is currently and epidemic of whooping cough.  There have been 640 case reported there in the first 3 months of the year, compared to only 93 the year before.

Whooping cough is also known as pertussis and can be serious and even life threatening in babies. The reason that there's a new epidemic is that we think that people's immunity to it decreases over time.

Sinus Infection? Cold or Flu?

What Can You Do for a Cold or Flu?  

Rest, rest, rest - Really, who has time for that?  Yet, the truth is, that our bodies are craving naps and time curled up on the coach with a soft blankie, hot tea with lemon and honey and a Romantic Comedy for distraction.

How Can I Figure Out if I have a Sinus Infection or Just a Cold? 

How do you know?  It's hard to figure out, even if you've searched on-line for symptoms.  Here's a clue.

Flu Vaccine: Don't Use Needle Free Injectors

According to the FDA, if you're planning to have a flu vaccine, you can have an injection or use the FluMist Nasal spray, but you should avoid the Needle Free Injectors as they haven't been proved to be efficacious.  Getting the flu vaccine is still a good idea and it's not too late if you haven't gotten around to it. Pregnant women especially are at higher risk from complications from the flu, so I highly recommend that they be vaccinated.

Find the Right Relief This Cold and Flu Season

I recently teamed up with Peggy Fleming, Olympic Gold Medalist, to talk about cold and flu season and how you can find the Right Relief for your symptoms. 

I've heard from patients and experienced how overwhelming the cold medicine aisle can be in the pharmacy. There are boxes every color of the rainbow, each treating 1, 2, 3 or more different symptoms and it's confusing.  What do you need for what?