Don't fall ill with first-of-year sicknesses
By Glenna Picton
Respiratory illnesses often crop up at the beginning of the year, according to Baylor College of Medicine internist Steve Rosenbaum, M.D. He offers tips to stay healthy or manage symptoms for those who do get sick.
"There have been a lot of added strains on our immune systems that may make us vulnerable to common, first-of-the-year respiratory illnesses," said Rosenbaum, assistant professor of medicine and section chief of general internal medicine at the Baylor Clinic. "The holidays can take a toll on us all, and 2008 was especially rough, nationally with the financial crisis and locally with Hurricane Ike."
To decrease your chances of becoming sick, Rosenbaum recommends:
• Plenty of rest
• Multivitamins to boost your immune system
• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding exposure to others who may be sick
Common sicknesses
"At the beginning of the year, we are seeing a lot of respiratory problems, both sinus and chest, sometimes together, but often separately," said Rosenbaum. "Traditionally, this may start as a sore throat then move to your ears and eventually your whole body aches."
For sinus infections, patients should take an antihistamine and/or a decongestant to dry them out, he says. They may also want to use a steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation.
Sore throats, Rosenbaum says, are best healed by drinking cool – but not ice-cold – liquids. "Ice-cold liquid may numb the throat temporarily, but in the long run worsens it. The warmer, the better for soothing the throat."
To help with chest complications, he recommends a good expectorant, a medication that brings up mucus from the lungs, bronchi and trachea.
"If you’re just feeling yucky, it always helps to take an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin, Advil or Tylenol," he said.
The influenza virus is also a concern in the first part of the year. Read more about the flu.
Act quickly
It’s important not to let your illness drag on, he said.
"If you do not start feeling better in five to seven days, it’s time to call or see a doctor. A lot of times, what starts out as a virus may turn into a secondary bacterial infection, and you may need an antibiotic."
