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Nov, 2007 Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church 630.279.5516 parishnurse@

It’s that time of year again. The time when we get colds, flu, and gastroenteritis. Why is that? Mostly because many of these germs thrive better in cold, dry air and because we tend to spend more time in enclosed spaces and in close contact with other people.

Facts about Cold and Flu

▪ Both are caused by viruses

▪ Both are respiratory infections and highly contagious

▪ Colds usually begin slowly, 2-3 days after infection by virus and usually last 2-7 days, accompanied by runny nose with clear discharge, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, low grade fever, sore throat, nonproductive cough, tiredness and headache.

▪ Flu usually comes on suddenly and lasts a few days, accompanied by extreme tiredness, high fever and chills, headache, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat and nonproductive cough. Tiredness and cough can last 2 weeks or more.

▪ People infected with the flu are contagious as long as they show symptoms

▪ Colds and flu are not caused by getting wet or cold when being outside.

▪ Colds and flu viruses thrive in cold, dry air and are transmitted by breathing in virus particles and by touching contaminated objects. Many viruses live on dry surfaces like desks, toys, pencils or just about anything we touch.

Ways to treat your cold/flu symptoms

▪ Stay home and rest, especially while you have a fever.

▪ Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can make cold symptoms worse

▪ Drink plenty of fluids – water, fruit juices, clear soups. Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are important if you have a fever since fever can lead to dehydration.

▪ Avoid alcohol.

▪ Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve sore throat or try throat sprays or lozenges for pain relief.

▪ Use saline nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten tender skin in your nose.

▪ Try Zinc, Echinacea, Vitamin C – not proven by science or regulated by FDA. Do not exceed recommended amounts.

▪ Grandma’s Chicken Soup

Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu

▪ Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer

▪ Avoid touching the hands, mouth and eyes

▪ Avoid large crowds during a flu epidemic

▪ Avoid shaking hands

▪ Get a flu shot if possible

▪ Take care of yourself – eat a balanced diet, sleep 8 hours per night, get regular exercise, and spend time in reflection and prayer.

Flu Shot Clinic

Flu shots will be available on Tuesday, November 6 from 2:30 – 4:00 pm at Faith Christian Reformed Church, 1070 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL. The cost is free to anyone who has Medicare Part B. Please remember to bring your Medicare card. There is a $25.00 fee to anyone 14 years or older who does not have a Medicare card. 14-17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent. Also, remember to wear a short sleeve shirt.

This flu shot clinic is run by CNS Home Health and facilitated by Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church Parish Nurse. If you have any questions, please call Beth Rinsema, Parish Nurse, at 630-279-5516, ext. 219

Facts about Stomach “Flu” (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Caused by virus

Usually brief, lasting 1 to 3 days. However, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before your bowel habits return completely to normal.

▪ Transmitted by swallowing the virus which is located in the body fluids of infected person. These body fluids can be infected even before the symptoms begin.

Can be spread by direct contact with an infected person (for example, kissing or shaking hands) or by sharing food, drink, or eating utensils.

▪ Causes one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, mild fever, fatigue, chills, loss of appetite, muscle aches.

▪ May develop over a period of hours, or may suddenly start with stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Ways to Treat Gastroenteritis

▪ The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestines. Try only clear liquids in very small amounts at first (water, weak tea, apple juice, flat 7-UP).

▪ If tolerated gradually add soft bland foods. (soda crackers, toast, plan noodles, rice, gelatin eggs, applesauce and bananas) Avoid milk products until you no longer have diarrhea.

▪ Call your Dr. for the following:

o Severe symptoms for more than 2 or 3 days, or you are just not getting better after a few days.

o Vomiting/diarrhea with very little or no fluid intake for more than 1 day. (Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to dehydration within a short amount of time.) Seek advice about electrolyte replacing fluids or hospitalization for IV fluids.

o You develop symptoms that are not usually caused by stomach flu, such as blood in your vomit, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.

o To see if aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDS is appropriate. (Do not take without approval).

Ways to Prevent Gastroenteritis

▪ Frequent, thorough hand washing.

▪ Avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person, including saliva.

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Facts about MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

▪ This bacteria has developed a resistance to penicillin, methicillin, and other anitbiotics since the 1940’s when the misuse and overuse of anitbiotics began occurring.

▪ MRSA causes an infection that is resistant to several common antibiotics.

▪ There are two types of infection. Hospital-associated or HA - MRSA happens to people in healthcare settings. Community-associated or CA-MRSA happens to people who have close skin-to-skin contact with others, such as athletes involved in football and wrestling.

▪ CA MRSA often appears in the form of skin or soft tissue infections like a boil or abscess. It can also cause serious blood stream infections or pneumonia.

▪ Transmission occurs when the bacteria enters the body through a cut or scrape and can quickly cause widespread infection.

▪ People at risk are contact sport participants and anyone living or working in crowded, unsanitary environments. MRSA is particularly dangerous in children.

Ways to Treat MRSA

▪ Call your physician. He/she will probably incise and drain the skin boil or abscess. He may avoid using antibiotics. There are still a few antibiotics that are affective against MRSA.

Ways to Prevent MRSA

▪ Wash your hands

▪ Shower after exercise

▪ Clean and cover cuts and scrapes

▪ Avoid other people’s bandages and wounds

▪ Avoid sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, razors, clothes

▪ Wash infected sheets, towels, clothes with hot water and bleach and hot dryer.

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WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST COLDS AND FLU AND OTHER CONTAGIOUS DISEASES!!!

Improve your immune system by getting plenty of rest, avoiding stress, eating a balanced, nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and spending time in prayer, Bible reading, and meditation.

Medicare Part D Prescription Program Update

If you or an elderly loved one are currently enrolled in the Medicare Part D prescription program, its time to re-evaluate your plan. Check to see if your monthly rate has increased and if your current plan is still the best option. During the open enrollment period, November 15 to December 31, 2007, you may change to a different plan. For further information, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and press “0” to speak to a live person. Or go on-line at .

If you or an elderly loved one is currently receiving drug coverage through the Illinoiscares Rx program, you must reapply before December 31, 2007 to be covered for the year 2008. You can call Illinois Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966 or go on-line at .

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