Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of related diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Although it is the third leading cause of death in the US, only half of the estimated 26 million Americans affected are aware that their shortness of breath and lingering cough are signs of a serious illness.
Beginning Monday, December 1, faculty, students, staff, and volunteers who do not have an influenza vaccination sticker on their ID badges must wear a mask while in patient-care and public areas on Mount Sinai Health System campuses. Employee Health Services departments are offering free flu vaccinations at the following locations:
All faculty, staff, and students throughout the Mount Sinai Health System are expected to get an annual influenza vaccination, a request that has new urgency this year. For the first time, the New York State Department of Health is requiring that all hospital personnel either receive the influenza vaccination or wear masks in areas where there is potential for patient contact, including lobbies, corridors, elevators, and cafeterias, as well as in all typical patient-care areas. This new regulation will be in effect throughout the influenza season, which typically runs from December to late spring.
It can happen any time of year: One day you start having that annoying cough accompanied by sneezing, sore throat and runny nose. Do you have a cold or the flu? Why is it important to know? The flu and common cold are both viral respiratory illnesses that can have similar symptoms. It is sometimes difficult to tell them apart, but generally the flu is worse than the common cold. Flu symptoms usually last 1 to 2 weeks, while a cold tends to make you feel bad for just a few days. While most likely to affect us during the winter and fall months, the viruses that cause colds and the flu are around us all the time. Keeping an eye out for symptoms, avoiding potential complications, focusing on prevention, and informing yourself about available treatments will help you do what you can to keep both colds and the flu at bay all year long.
With a cold, it is common to have sneezing, a sore throat and a stuffy nose. These symptoms, though, all usually disappear within a week. You may feel weak with a cold, but rarely will you have the extreme exhaustion, chills, lingering body aches and/or headache that come along with the flu. Mild fevers that are only sometimes present with a cold will typically last longer with the flu and range in the higher temperatures (100°–102° F). With a cold, you may experience a moderate cough, but if it turns to chest pain that can become severe, you likely have the flu.
While complications stemming from a cold can cause sinus infections or middle ear infections, complications from the flu can potentially result in more serious health problems, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, intense ear infections and bronchitis. If severe enough, the flu can even be life-threatening and/or require hospitalization.
To prevent catching a cold or the flu, the most effective thing you can do is wash your hands often. Also try to avoid close contact with anyone who already has a cold. In addition, you can get your annual flu shot in an attempt to protect yourself from the flu virus.
Both illnesses are often treated with over-the-counter decongestants, pain relievers and fever-reducing medicines. In some cases, prescription antiviral drugs may also be given as flu treatment. You should consult your doctor for more information about these and other kinds of flu treatments.
At Mount Sinai Urgent Care, we are always available to answer any questions so that you can make the most informed decision for yourself and your family.You can walk in without an appointment during our convenient daytime, evening, and weekend hours. We accept most insurance providers.
Dr. Cindy Feely
In my daily practice at Primary Care Associates, I get asked many questions about the flu and the flu vaccine. Despite improved access to accurate, responsible information in the media and on the web, a number of myths about the flu and the vaccine still exist. So here it is, point-by-point, information for you to make informed choices for your healthcare.
Facts: The vaccine, including this year’s version, consists of a dead virus which cannot infect you. What it can do is make your body produce the antibodies necessary to fight that virus if you come in contact with a live version of it. The live virus is included in the Flu Mist – a nasal spray, not an injection – but it is engineered so that it will not make you sick.
Facts: While we are seeing a large number of cases right now, the flu often doesn’t hit its peak until February or even March. And while it does take two weeks to be fully effective, the vaccine will help lessen the severity if you do get the flu.