Family physician, Dr. Todd Francis, says allergies are the big thing right now, specifically ragweed. The doctor says that people often come in with a sore throat, and think they're sick with a cold virus. But, they have no fever, and lack some other cold symptoms, too.
"Sore throat in the morning. They're feeling a little tired at times, kind of some itchy nose, post nasal drip, those kind of things. We start to think of the allergies, particularly when it's going on for more than a week at a time."
Dr. Francis says you can get non-sedating antihistamines over the counter, including the big brand names Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra.
He's also been busy giving out flu shots to his patients. He says there's plenty of vaccine this year. "Anybody that wants one has been able to receive one, but again, we are always encouraging the people that are susceptible to getting complications from the flu, particularly people with diabetes, heart disease, asthma or underlying chronic health problems should be getting them for sure."
And remember, you can't get the flu from a flu shot. "The average person may get a low grade temperature or achyness in the first 48 hours after getting a flu shot, but they can't get the full blown flu. There's no active virus in it," says Dr. Francis.
An important reminder for all of us that the flu shot is your best defense against influenza. Dr. Francis says it takes about two weeks for immunity to set in after getting a flu shot.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WTVG. All Rights Reserved.
