McDonough Medical Group
Health Brief
May 2014
When Should I Ask For Antibiotics?
When you’re feeling achy, tired, and
just downright miserable a quick fix
sounds like the perfect thing.
Unfortunately, antibiotics do not work
for many conditions; specifically viral
illnesses that cause things like colds,
the flu, sore throats and some ear
infections.
“If a virus is making you
sick, taking antibiotics may
do more harm than good.
Each time you take
antibiotics, you increase the
chances that bacteria in
your body will be able to
resist them. Later, you
could get or spread an
infection that those
antibiotics cannot cure”
Antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance has started to
occur more frequently because the
drugs used to kill those microorganisms have been used for decades,
and some of the micro-organisms have
started to adapt and change but the
drugs we use are still the same. So, it’s
important to only use antibiotics with
illnesses caused by bacteria, fungi, or
certain parasites.
(MedlinePlus.gov).
The reason?
How can I tell the difference?
That’s the tricky part! Often the
symptoms of viruses and bacterial
infection are very similar.
The best route is to talk to your
healthcare provider. However, below
there are some clues that might help.
It’s probably a virus IF:
Kids Corner!
5 WAYS TO BE WELL!
Read below to learn how to feel better faster if
you get sick. Look for the BLUE letters to
unscramble and find a sixth way!
 It’s a cold or a cough
 Sore throat; if strep throat has
been ruled out
 Runny nose with green or yellow
mucus
1.
2.
It might be a bacterial infection IF:
Get your zzzs!
soup!!
Drink lots of water and
 It’s lasted for longer than 10-14
days
 Fever gets worse instead of
improving OR there is a second
onset of fever
3.
See a doctor as soon as possible IF:
4.
Take a hot bath or shower
5.
Avoid sugary treats
6.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___!
Wash your hands
 There is no improvement over a 3
day period
 There is vomiting
 There is fever in any child under 3
months
Laughing can help decrease your pain, and make you
feel better! So, be a little goofy when you’re sick!
 There is difficulty breathing
Skin Safety
May is Skin Cancer Detection and
Prevention Month! When caught early,
skin cancer has a 98% cure rate.
So, it’s important to know how to
perform a skin check. Visit
http://tinyurl.com/3pyobml
and learn how! Make sure to look for
the ABCDE’s of skin cancer (pictured
right) when you do your check.
Knowing what to look for is just part of
preventing skin cancer however. You
also need to know how to protect your
skin. Make sure to do the following:
SLIP on a long sleeved shirt and
pants to protect as much of your skin as
possible.
SLOP on broad spectrum SPF 15
or higher sunscreen for every 2 hours
spent outside. Apply more frequently if
in the water.
SLAP on a hat, especially when the
sun is at its highest.
WRAP your eyes in some
sunglasses that have UV protection.
Last, but not least never ever use
tanning beds!
Community Events
We use this area to share upcoming fun, healthy activities in the area. Have an event
to suggest, or questions about the events listed? Please contact Outreach Services at
309-836-1584!
APRIL
Macomb Public Library Egg Hunt
Free and fun! Make sure to arrive early!
Friday, April 18, 2014
10:00am - 1:00pm
Library Annex in Macomb
Spring Wildflower Hike
A great way to spend a Saturday morning!
Saturday, April 26, 2014
10:00am
Argyle Lake State Park
MAY
JAIHO International Sports Day
Great for sports fans! Will have demonstrations by WIU’s Badminton Club,
European Handball Club and Fencing Club!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
9:00am - 1:00pm
WIU Donald Student Recreation Center
Heart to Heart: Heart Health Program
Learn about exercise, diet, and prayer with presentations from MDH Rehabilitative
Services, MDH Clinical Nutrition, and Pastor Donnie Case!
Wednesday, May 7th 2014
6:00-8:00 PM
Maple Avenue Christian Church
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology (Link embedded in text)
CDC.gov: http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/know-and-do.html & http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/campaign-materials/printmaterials/VirusBacteriaChart-bw.pdf
Duke Medicine: http://www.dukemedicine.org/blog/bacterial-infection-or-virus
MedlinePlus.gov: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/antibiotics.html
University of Rochester Medical Center: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2089