Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Fighting the Crud

UMC issued the following press release authored by Annie Oeth.

Coughs, sniffles, sore throats and fever.
 

These symptoms, along with headaches, muscle soreness and nausea, have been popping up among Mississippi children this winter, prompting parents to question whether to take their children to emergency departments, urgent care or their pediatrician.
“Influenza, RSV, and the common cold all have a great deal of overlap in symptoms,” said Dr. Benjamin Dillard, chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s of Mississippi. “All of these illnesses are related to viral infections. Further testing might be necessary in some instances. Influenza is the only illness of the three that we actually have medications, such as Tamiflu, that work directly against the virus.”
This comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an active influenza season including at least 26 million flu illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths. Overall hospitalization rates throughout the country are similar to this time during recent seasons, but hospitalization of children and young adults has increased this season.
Locally, this year’s flu season has not been as severe as in years past, said Dr. Bryant McCrary, assistant professor of pediatric ambulatory medicine, who provides pediatric care at Children’s of Mississippi’s clinic at Acadian Court in Gulfport.
“We continue to see Influenza A and B but not in massive numbers,” he said. “RSV and strep have been steady throughout the winter months .This winter seems typical of other winters thus far. We have seen some cases of pertussis (whooping cough).Hence, immunizations continue to be extremely important for children of all ages to receive.”
Diagnosing these illnesses can be difficult for parents, since influenza, strep throat, colds and other winter illnesses can produce symptoms that mimic an ear infection.
“Ear pain and sore throat symptoms can occur with any of these viral illnesses and, depending on the severity of symptoms, may require an evaluation in your doctor’s office to determine if an ear infection or streptococcal pharyngitis is present,” Dillard said. “Ear infections can be diagnosed by physical exam alone. Strep throat can be diagnosed with a rapid test that is done by swabbing the person’s throat.”   
Sorting children’s symptoms can be difficult, but here are clues to the illnesses that could be afoot.
Cold
The common cold appears gradually with a runny nose and a hacking cough. Fever, chills and headaches are usually not seen with colds and other upper respiratory infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that children can have as many as eight to 10 colds in their first two years of life. Most colds go away on their own, but sometimes they can turn into more dangerous conditions including bronchitis, croup and pneumonia.
Influenza
Human influenza A and B viruses cause the seasonal outbreaks of disease nearly every winter in the U.S. Influenza A can be found in many species, including humans, birds and pigs, while B is typically only found in humans. They are both extremely contagious and produce similar symptoms.
Flu usually comes on suddenly, bringing along symptoms that can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Most who get the flu recover within a week or two, but some can develop complications such as pneumonia that can lead to death. Among those at risk for flu complications, according to the CDC, are pregnant women and children younger than 5, and especially children younger than 2.
Croup
Known for its barking cough, croup is caused by a viral infection of the voice box and windpipe. Medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling, but antibiotics won’t fight croup since it is caused by a virus. Most cases are mild, but croup can sometimes become severe, leading to blockage of a child’s airway.
Strep throat
Pain and fever without a cough are common signs of strep throat, or a group A Streptococcus infection, the CDC says. Other symptoms may include headaches, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
However, these symptoms – cough, runny nose, hoarseness and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye – may suggest a virus is the culprit and not Strep A.
Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics, given either as orally or as a shot. These usually have patients feeling better in a day or two. The CDC recommends calling the doctor if a child isn’t feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.
Treating strep throat is important, as untreated strep can lead to rheumatic fever and long-term heart damage.
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections among children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Almost all children have had RSV by 2. RSV causes fever, a runny nose and cough, which in some infants can become a serious infection that leads to hospitalization.
Babies who were born prematurely or have lung diseases are at risk for RSV complications. For this reason, parents, as well as friends, family and caregivers, should wash their hands with soap and warm water before handing these babies to avoid RSV, which is highly contagious.
Ear infections
Ear infections can begin with either a viral infection such as a cold or unhealthy bacterial growth, according to the AAP website healthychildren.org. Symptoms can include more crying than usual, trouble sleeping or hearing, fever, headaches and fluid coming from the ears.
For recurrent ear infections, as well as frequent throat and sinus infections, a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist may be appropriate.
Children having four ear infections in six months, six infections in a year or an acute ear infection that does not go away after three weeks of taking antibiotics may be candidates for ear tube surgery, said Dr. Jeff Carron, professor of otolaryngology and communicative science and an ear, nose and throat surgeon. This surgery places a tube to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the environment, allowing extra fluid to drain out and reducing inflammation.
Tonsillitis
Children with tonsillitis, whether strep or viral, can be considered for a tonsillectomy if there are seven infections in a year that require missed school or a doctor’s visit, or five per year for 2 years, or three per year for three years, Carron said.
“Kids with complications of strep such as rash, kidney failure, heart disease, recurrent tonsil abscesses, or chronic tonsillitis with pain can be candidates for tonsillectomy sooner,” Carron said.
How to help your child
Keeping a child comfortable during winter illnesses is key. Promote rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Keep nasal passages clear, and humidify the air with a cool-mist vaporizer. Over-the-counter pain medications for children can help reduce discomfort.
When to go to the ED
Symptoms that warrant emergency medical care include trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, dehydration (no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying), seizures, not alert or interacting when awake, or fever above 104 degrees, Dillard said.
Other symptoms that are less severe can be treated through urgent care centers, which offer care for illnesses that are not serious enough to warrant emergency room care, or at a visit to your pediatrician or family health provider.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks UMMC but this wont fix a thing... and Ambulance and the ER are the urgent care clinics

TheClintonscantsuicideusall said...

You know as well as I do that the first thing thought of will be Coronavirus. Already have heard folks talking about others sneezing and or coughing in that light.

Anonymous said...

If the poors would stop using the emergency room as a basic medical clinic a lot of problems would be solved.

Bill Dees said...

@9:11 AM, that's a perfect argument for expanding Medicaid. Not only would the ERs be less crowded, hundreds of millions of federal dollars would be infused into the Mississippi economy, by payments to Mississippi hospitals, doctors, nursing homes, nurses, physical therapists and pharmacies.

Anonymous said...

@9:52 But that can't happen, because hundreds of thousands of poor - and especially poor black citizens - would have access to healthcare and get a leg up. That's not the Mississippi way.....keep them down, down, down.



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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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