Tag: flu

Sick? Antibiotics aren’t always the answer

Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) recently initiated an Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) as a result of two global phenomena: 1) the emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms and 2) a failure to develop new anti-infective agents. 

Outsmarting the bugs
115950426Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microbe to outsmart or evade the current arsenal of antibiotic drugs available. There are other organisms such as viruses and fungi that cause illness, but antibiotics aren’t effective against them.

“The ‘drivers’ of resistance are many, but we know that the more an antibiotic is used the more likely it is that an organism will find a way to ‘dodge the bullet’ and become resistant,” explains Dr. David Williams, lead physician for HCMC’s ASP. Continue reading “Sick? Antibiotics aren’t always the answer” →

Flu fighting: take the first shot!

No one likes to bring their child to the clinic for shots, but seeing a child suffer from a preventable illness is something no parent wants to experience, either.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended that children age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Sheila Ryan Photography sheila@sheshoots.com 612.673.1156 www.sheshoots.com“Earlier is always better to be safe,” explains pediatrician Dr. Stacene Maroushek. “We never know when we will see our flu season start. Some flu seasons start in November or early December, and others don’t peak until March.”

When outbreaks occur earlier (in November or December) and not as many people have been vaccinated, flu can spread like wildfire. That’s why pediatricians like Dr. Maroushek endorse annual flu immunizations for children — and adults.

“Especially hospital staff, school teachers and daycare providers. They should get vaccinated as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of flu.”

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year for flu-related complications.

To schedule a flu shot for you or your child, please call 612.873.6963.