COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Feb 25, 2009 12:56 pm US/Eastern
Howard County Teen Dies From FluHOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ?
As a result of the death this week of a Howard County teenager due to influenza, the Howard County Health Department is encouraging citizens to take steps to protect against the flu and to know the warning signs.
Deaths among young people from the flu are extremely rare. The CDC reports only nine confirmed pediatric influenza deaths in the U.S. this year.
But Dr. Peter Beilenson with the Howard County Health Department reminds all county residents it is still advisable to get a flu shot. He says free flu shots are available at the Howard County Health Department by calling 410-313-7500 .
"This tragic death is highly unusual. Most people who get the flu recover after a few days, but getting a flu shot and following common hygiene precautions can greatly reduce the risk of contracting the flu" said Dr. Beilenson.
Health officials advise taking preventative actions by covering your sneeze or cough and washing your hands frequently. Also stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and diarrhea.
For the quickest recovery from influenza, get plenty of rest, drink fluids like juice, water, or hot tea and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for muscle aches and fever. Do not give any medication, including over-the-counter remedies, to a child without first consulting with your pediatrician.
There are several emergency warning signs of the flu that require urgent medical attention. In children they are:
High or prolonged fever
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Changes in mental status, such as not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, or seizures
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions (heart or lung disease, diabetes)
For adults the signs are:
High or prolonged fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest
Near-fainting or fainting
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Seek medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
( MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Howard County Teen Dies From FluHOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ?
As a result of the death this week of a Howard County teenager due to influenza, the Howard County Health Department is encouraging citizens to take steps to protect against the flu and to know the warning signs.
Deaths among young people from the flu are extremely rare. The CDC reports only nine confirmed pediatric influenza deaths in the U.S. this year.
But Dr. Peter Beilenson with the Howard County Health Department reminds all county residents it is still advisable to get a flu shot. He says free flu shots are available at the Howard County Health Department by calling 410-313-7500 .
"This tragic death is highly unusual. Most people who get the flu recover after a few days, but getting a flu shot and following common hygiene precautions can greatly reduce the risk of contracting the flu" said Dr. Beilenson.
Health officials advise taking preventative actions by covering your sneeze or cough and washing your hands frequently. Also stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and diarrhea.
For the quickest recovery from influenza, get plenty of rest, drink fluids like juice, water, or hot tea and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for muscle aches and fever. Do not give any medication, including over-the-counter remedies, to a child without first consulting with your pediatrician.
There are several emergency warning signs of the flu that require urgent medical attention. In children they are:
High or prolonged fever
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Changes in mental status, such as not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, or seizures
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions (heart or lung disease, diabetes)
For adults the signs are:
High or prolonged fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest
Near-fainting or fainting
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Seek medical care immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
( MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
The dangers of not getting the right treatment at the right time for all of us -(more dangerous when diagnosed with COPD) can be fatal.
A very informative article - thank you for sharing Holly, reading the symptoms lists hopefully will make more people aware and thus more likely and able to save lives.
Hugs