General Health

The Woman’s Clinic also treats patients for general health issues. We offer flu vaccines for pregnant women after the first 14 weeks of gestation, and for others who may be at risk of developing the virus. When you begin to feel the onset of a cold or see the early symptoms of the flu, there are steps you can take to treat the problem, but keep in mind that antibiotics unfortunately won’t help. Antibiotics help stop the growth of bacteria, but are ineffective against viruses, the cause of the common cold, bronchitis and the flu.

Upper Respiratory Infection
Colds usually cure themselves in seven to ten days, but make sure you don’t pass the virus on to others. Don’t share food or beverages, avoid kissing, and use disposable tissues when you cough.

You most likely have a cold if:
  • You have sneezing and a runny nose at the onset. About half of people also develop a sore throat.
  • You have a low-grade fever.
  • You develop a cough (occurs in 25% to 50% of people with the cold).

Seek medical care if these symptoms worsen to include:
  • A fever higher than 101°F that persists even with the use of Tylenol, aspirin, etc.
  • Hard, shaking chills.
  • Increased, purulent secretions.
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
  • A deep cough with bloody mucous.
  • Symptoms that get increasingly worse and persist more than ten days.

Take these steps to treat cold symptoms:
  • Gargle with salt water frequently (add 1/2 tsp. salt to a 1/2 glass of water).
  • Chew sugarless gum or use lozenges or hard candy to increase saliva.
  • Loosen secretions and promote drainage with a humidifier and warm shower or bath.
  • Drinking water frequently.
  • If you aren’t pregnant, you can use a decongestant like Sudafed or a cough suppressant like Robitussin DM. Generally, you shouldn’t take antihistamines because of the side effects they can cause, like drowsiness and drying of the airways.
  • Avoid smoking; it will only make symptoms worse.

Flu
You should get the flu vaccine if you’re at risk for developing the flu. The virus that causes the flu changes with each passing year, and a new vaccine should be taken every flu season. The flu vaccine is recommended for public safety workers, health care providers (including those who work in institutional settings), individuals who develop serious complications from the virus, and anyone who might be in close contact with high-risk people. Pregnant women should also receive the vaccine after 14 weeks of gestation. Call The Woman’s Clinic for more information.

To avoid spreading the flu to others, develop the habit of carefully washing your hands, use tissues when you sneeze, and avoid contact with people when infected.

You most likely have the flu (and not a cold) if:
  • You have a sudden onset of symptoms.
  • You have a headache or severe body aches.
  • You develop a high fever with shaking chills.
  • You develop a sore throat and non-productive cough.
  • You experience severe lethargy.
  • You develop symptoms associated with the cold, but much more extreme.

Take these steps to treat flu symptoms:
  • You can try a prescription medication, but it is only effective if started within the first 48 hours.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Use a humidifier.
  • Take cough syrups and ibuprofen or Tylenol for fever and muscle aches.