At this time of year, it’s not uncommon for many of us to feel more tired than usual - the circadian rhythms of our body are adjusting to shorter days and longer nights, and many of us are fighting off infectious diseases such as a cold or the flu. However, there is one infectious disease -mononucleosis (mono) - that can make you extraordinarily tired for several weeks.
Known informally as the “kissing disease” mono can be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is passed along via saliva, sharing a glass or utensil, coughing or sneezing. Most people consider mono to be very “catchy,” yet it’s not generally more contagious than the common cold.
I’m willing to bet the majority of you know someone who’s had the flu this year - it’s been a busy season and it’s only November. I’m often asked, “What can I do to keep myself healthy?” - and find that people are surprised by some of the basics they’ve overlooked.
We’ve all heard it before - to stay healthy you need to eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. People get tired of hearing that - but these are the basic building blocks of keeping your immune system in top form. You need to fuel your body, cleanse your body with a good sweat and increased blood flow, and then give it the chance to recuperate. It really does make a difference.
Beyond that, common “mistakes” I’m seeing this year as people try to avoid the flu are as follows.
Every year I treat experienced outdoorsmen and women, skiers, snowmobilers and hunters in the ER for hypothermia. Most of them are not strangers to the hazards of Wisconsin winters, yet they consistently make one critical mistake - overestimating their body’s ability to fend off exposure to cold and wind.
To avoid hypothermia you have to protect yourself from wind, fatigue, dehydration and getting wet - be it falling in a stream or excessive sweating. One of the best preventative measures is simply dressing smart - with breathable, wicking layers. Wet or damp clothing increases heat loss - so it’s important to pace yourself to avoid excessive sweating. Also be sure to unzip or remove outer shells as you heat up, but be certain to put them back on as soon as you rest.
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As an ER physician, I’ve seen firsthand the difficulty parents of children with asthma have in deciding whether or not to bring their child to the ER. Parents don’t want to put their child at risk, yet they don’t want to make an unnecessary trip to the ER. The best advice? Put together a plan with the advice of your pediatrician and stick to it. In this manner, when your child is having an asthma attack you have clear indicators and steps to follow. Ask your pediatrician to help you determine what symptoms and - if your child uses one - what peak flow meter readings indicate a trip to the ER.
In general, if you notice any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
- Bluish or gray lips, skin or fingernails.
- A peak flow reading below 50% that doesn’t improve after giving your child medication.
- Severe symptoms that reappear, peak or don’t go away despite repeated use of medication. If symptoms return quickly - within 5 to 10 minutes of using medication, contact your doctor.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Retractions - areas of skin around the base of the neck or between the ribs that pull in when your child inhales.
Finally, one of the biggest risk factors that triggers asthma is exposure to second hand smoke. This means parents shouldn’t smoke in the home or car at any time, because smoke permeates drapes, carpet, and fabric, and this can set off an asthma attack.
Death from an insect sting is rare - about 40 people die each year, in the U.S., because of a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting. However, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, five percent of Americans can suffer from a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to an insect sting. During the summer, I see several people each week in the emergency department because of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting.
Most of us have little or no reaction to an insect sting. The site of the sting may become red, itch or swell. In contrast, a severe reaction to a sting can affect one’s entire body - leading to hives, lightheadedness, even a drop in blood pressure.
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