RxCorner - December 2009
Oklahoma Pharmacists Association - RxCorner®
1. Question: A lot of people at work are coming down with what may be the flu. Could you please give me some clues as to what symptoms I should look for if I think I have the flu?
Answer: Because the viruses involved are similar in nature sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the symptoms of the flu and the common cold. However, the flu usually begins abruptly, with a fever between 102 to 106°F. (An adult typically has a lower fever than a child.) Other common symptoms include a flushed face, body aches, and lack of energy. Some people have dizziness or vomiting. The fever usually lasts for a day or two, but can last 5 days. The most prominent of the respiratory symptoms is usually a dry, hacking cough. Most people also develop a sore throat and headache. Nasal discharge (runny nose) and sneezing are common. These symptoms (except the cough) usually disappear within 4 to 7 days. Sometimes, the fever returns. Cough and tiredness usually last for weeks after the rest of the illness is over. In most individuals who are otherwise healthy, the flu goes away within 7 to 10 days. The very young (infants & children under two), the frail and elderly (usually over 65), and high risks patients (those with asthma, diabetes, and individuals who are HIV compromised) should be referred to a physician for supportive treatment.
2. Question: My doctor put me on antibiotics last week for a bladder infection, its working great in clearing up the infection but it’s causing a lot of irritation in my stomach and colon. A friend told me that foods like yogurt might help; is this correct?
Answer: In most cases you’re correct. Unfortunately, the longer you are on antibiotics to treat infections, the good bacteria are killed along with the bad bacteria. In many instances Probiotics or “friendly bacteria” will help replenish the good bacteria that have been lost in the colon, thus alleviating lower abdominal discomfort. Activa is one of many products that contain Probiotics, or 'friendly bacteria' and part of a growing trend in foods designed to boost health and maintain good lower GI health. All yogurts are a good source of friendly bacteria. Oral tablet or capsule products that contain acidophilus, a friendly bacteria, may also lessen abdominal discomfort. You can get oral acidophilus containing products at your own community pharmacy. A few of the acidophilus products require refrigeration. However, there are several new products available over-the-counter that don’t require refrigeration. Your pharmacist can suggest a good acidophilus product.
Phillip Woodward, DPh, PharmD.
Executive Director
OPhA