Latest news with #Motrin
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Women Are Sharing How They've Been Dismissed In The ER Despite Serious Medical Conditions, And It's Infuriating
We'd like to think that when we're seriously ill or injured, medical professionals will treat us with care and take our symptoms seriously. But for many women, the reality of seeking emergency medical care tells a different story. When u/djinnisequoia shared her experience of having a "massively, existentially painful" leg infection dismissed by ER staff, it sparked a thread filled with similar stories. Her post, titled "Advice for women going to ER: don't appear to be lower class. Don't be in so much pain that you skipped full grooming before you went in. Don't be stoic but don't be histrionic either," struck a nerve with hundreds of women who recognized the impossible standards they face when seeking emergency care. From being told their pain "isn't that bad" to having serious conditions dismissed as anxiety, here are 23 of the most eye-opening and infuriating experiences women shared: 1."I had a massively, existentially painful infection in my leg. Childbirth and kidney stones hurt more, but this was a close third. It felt like white-hot radioactive nanites busily dismantling my body from the bone marrow out. At that point, I had no idea how to express that I was in acute ongoing pain without some street-smart medical professional deciding that since I was disheveled and not actually in an ambulance, I was probably a drug seeker or not that badly off. I had been suppressing audible expression of pain because I did not want to be that person, so I could not very well start then. That would have seemed fake at that point. When triage asked me what my pain was like one to 10, I said 'seven' because that was true, but I did not know why they asked if it meant nothing." "My blood pressure was up 25 points, which was kind of shocking, but the triage nurse said, 'That will come down when you decide you like me.' What? It could not possibly have been the pain? The pain was actually causing my heart to flutter. I honestly could not get a handle on how exactly to perform pain in an eminently believable way that meant they would address it. Pass out maybe? They released me with a prescription for the infection, which was the main thing I really wanted, and one for Motrin. Remind me not to get, you know, hit by a car or anything." —u/djinnisequoia 2."One of my good friends spent years dealing with unexplained GI pain, passed off as 'IBS,' only to discover that she actually had such bad gallstones that it was causing necrotizing pancreatitis. One of her organs basically liquified, and she nearly died, and we have talked a lot about the catch-22 of if you complain too much about pain, you are a drug seeker and histrionic, but if you complain too little, you get dismissed as 'not really sick.' I have an autoimmune disease that causes arthritis, and I think at this point the only person who really has a handle on how it actually affects me is my husband, because he sees my ups and downs on a daily basis." "With everyone else, I feel like I am always kind of 'performing' either being less or more disabled than I actually am to try to communicate whatever need there is in the moment. Like with a boss, if you need an ergonomic chair, you might play it up, or you might play it down, so you do not get penalized for being disabled at work. It makes me feel like I am inauthentic all the time, like I can never just be without worrying how I am being perceived." —u/maenads_dance 3."It is a balancing act. I have had a few health issues over the years, and it is very much balancing the difference between acting like I'm in just the right amount of pain without being too much, or they think you are faking or being too dramatic. When my last baby was born, I was begging my husband for help (bad presentation), and the nurse tried to convince me it was just pressure (it was my fourth baby). The doctor just stood and stared. I had an infection afterward, and another doctor just told me that 'things down there hurt after you've had a baby.'" —u/Flat_Bumblebee_6238 4."I was run over by a truck. It broke my spine in three places. The hospital still did not discharge me with pain meds. Nobody would prescribe to me without seeing me in person. I had to go to a GP and prove that my back was, in fact, still broken, to get a prescription. The full-torso cast and integrated neck brace apparently did not give it away, nor the hospital records of the multiple MRIs and X-rays I had done. I had to pay to get another round of imaging done." —u/LivingDeadCade 5."I was given ibuprofen after a wreck where I fractured two vertebrae. It's some BS. I feel like men get their pain taken way more seriously." —u/Lynda73 6."When I had a kidney stone, I was told to take Azo and ibuprofen along with antibiotics. Six months later, my husband goes to the same urgent care and is told he has a kidney stone. He was given adequate pain meds along with antibiotics and another prescription I cannot remember. He was acting like he was dying, and I reminded him that they told me to take ibuprofen and use a urine strainer to know when it passed — they didn't even give me a note for a couple of days off from work, other than the day of my visit." —u/MarsailiPearl 7."God, being a woman with pain as one of your main symptoms is so exhausting. I have chronic pain (thank you, endometriosis), and my first ER visit was when I was 13. The male doctor didn't even take me seriously because it was the middle of the night and I was in pajamas. Ran some tests, said they looked normal, gave me ibuprofen, and sent me home. That happened a couple more times over the next few years, and I eventually gave up going to the ER when in extreme pain. Going to my regular doctor and various specialists was an annoying double-edged sword." "I noticed if I went in wearing clothes that did not cause additional pain (i.e., wearing sweat pants or loose clothes that did not cause restriction around my waist), the doctors were immediately dismissive and leaned heavily toward the anxiety or depression 'it's all in your head' stuff. When I forced myself to take the time to be 'presentable' to my doctors, they were so much more respectful but did not believe me when I was expressing how much pain I was in and how much it hindered my everyday life, because I obviously was able to get out of bed and get ready. I literally became so afraid of going to medical places when I was presenting with mostly pain, it took until my gallbladder was not functioning at all to go to the ER. I finally went because I literally could not eat, drink, sleep, or do anything except lie in a ball crying. I was in so much pain, and when they put me in a room to wait for a doctor, I could barely keep it together. A nurse came in, annoyed at me, and immediately started lecturing me that I needed to calm down, because it was not that serious and I obviously was not in that much pain, then walked out of the room. Literally did no tests or anything. Anyway, a doctor ran some tests about 45 minutes later, came back with morphine, and admitted me due to the results. I was in the hospital for three days and had to have emergency surgery. There really is no winning." —u/magicflowerssparkle 8."I was a camp counselor at a 14-day (overnight) camp one summer right after college and had a camper (around 12) who was feeling super ill and throwing up, etc. The leaders in charge of my camp (early 20-somethings — who was putting them in charge?) kept passing it off as homesickness, and because the 'adults' were saying it was homesickness (as well as this kid's physician mother), the kid was like, 'I must just be homesick.' I kept going to my leaders and being like, 'I think something's wrong; she doesn't seem to be upset about being here, but she is super, super ill.' There were two leaders — a man and a woman — and the woman rolled her eyes at me when I woke her up at 6 a.m. to be like, 'This kid needs to get to the hospital.' Anyway, turns out the kid had appendicitis and had to have an emergency appendectomy." "This was way back in summer 2012, and when I think about that experience, it's overall positive except for when I think about that leader in particular. She was the worst, and at the time I did not have the guts to tell her so, but best believe today's me would." —u/effulgentelephant 9."I had an infection in my leg when I was 12 that caused me severe pain whenever I moved my leg (we did not know what it was at the time). When we went to the emergency room, my mother requested a wheelchair. The nurse opened the car door, looked at me and said, 'You are fine,' in a really rude tone. Then she refused to bring the wheelchair to the car door. Instead, my mother helped me walk around the car and up the curb to where it was. I ended up spending 10 days in the hospital until they figured out what it was. And I was 'fine' — after a lot of pain and some antibiotics." —u/Seatofkings 10."I know someone who was pregnant and tripped near her due date. She was extremely thin from the stress of an abusive relationship with the baby's father, and her stomach was quite huge, so I can see how she would have lost her balance. The reason she tripped was because a pit bull escaped from its front yard and chased her, biting her ankle. Bystanders separated the dog from her until the owner came, thankfully, but she was in pain and called 911. She could not stand up and thought she had twisted her foot. When they came, they thought she was an addict and treated her like absolute garbage. The paramedic did not buy her story, and instead of untying or cutting her boot off to examine her foot, he yanked it off so hard she's pretty sure he sprained it or broke it, if it was not already. Once they saw the bite marks and the discoloration around her ankle, they agreed to take her to the ER. It was swelling fast and broken at this point." "In the end, they had to conduct a C-section because she would not be able to take pain meds with a baby inside, and her foot had to be re-broken before a cast could be put on." —u/work_fruit 11."I used to get dressed up to go to my neurologist about my chronic migraines. Good jewelry, Hermes scarf, the works. He would write Demerol prescriptions for me when my migraines were out of control (the newer meds work for me, so I do not need heavy-duty pain meds anymore). According to his nurses, he was usually stingy with medication, but looking like I had money made the difference. Even though a lot of rich folks are addicts, people still associate it with poverty. Same if you're talking to your kid's school about accommodations or in any other situation where you need cooperation from others. It sucks, but looking rich opens doors that should not be closed in the first place." —u/PourQuiTuTePrends 12."One of my best friend's partners is an ER nurse and told him (and me by extension) that women who look like me (piercings and blue hair) are usually dismissed as faking things like seizures and are assumed to be drug seeking. I have diagnosed epilepsy and have a couple of neurological birth defects, but apparently, the color of my hair means I must be an attention seeker. I have never asked for pain medication. I already have such low faith in the hospital system, and being told this felt like a simultaneous cheat code and being slapped in the face. I have actually considered dyeing my hair back to a natural color so I can get some help. So cool." "I am also 40 and do not have any tattoos, dress somewhat well and talk to people respectfully, so apart from the hair, I don't really know what else to do. I guess my vagina is going to get in the way of appropriate care anyway." —u/noodlepapillon 13."My husband and I were not yet married when I went to the ER in the middle of the night when I was six months pregnant with our first child. I had searing pain on my right side, I was pushing fevers of 104 degrees, and all I could do was cry until I was dehydrated from sobbing so much. They had me waiting like that for nearly three hours, despite a completely empty emergency department, and refused to give me any pain medication at all until they decided to admit me. I spent the next three days lapsing in and out of consciousness due to the pain and the sparse pain meds they would give me." "I got to a weird, zen place when I hit around 102 degrees because my body felt so hot and comfortable, it made my pain convulsions stop. Finally, by the last day, they diagnosed me with both kidney stones and a bacterial infection. I had passed the stones by then, and they gave me IV meds for the infection. I was treated like a teen addict, and my husband was not allowed to stay with me because we were not married yet. This was a rural, non-religious hospital, and we were in our early 20s. Heaven help any young woman who does not pass what they deem acceptable to be treated as a human being." —u/SSTralala 14."When I presented to the ER with excruciating abdominal pain, I had come straight from bed. My hair was a mess, no makeup, messy clothes, and I smelled a little funky. The nurses gave me morphine, and I had to beg for a higher dose. It did nothing. At the max dose, I felt no difference. After many hours of tests and scans, they diagnosed me with ovarian torsion and a melon-sized tumor. Then the nurses finally gave me Dilaudid. One of them laughed. I will always remember: 'No wonder you said you were in pain.' Yeah." —u/MollFlanders 15."I was sent home twice from the ER, and on my third presentation (this time with a diagnostic ultrasound), left for 10 hours pacing in pain without pain relief, despite having a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Prior to this, I was told repeatedly that despite having induction complications causing hypertonicity, I was not in active labor, so they did not need to provide pain relief. And for my second child after this, I was left for 12-plus hours without pain relief or any medical checks 24 hours post-emergency C-section because I had dragged myself to the special care nursery to be with my newborn. I do not know how to perform pain to make someone believe me, either. I have so much trauma now, I dread having an emergency that means I would have to present to a hospital." —u/purpletruths 16."Try going in as a fat woman. Everything that was ever wrong with you is weight-related even if your BP, A1C, glucose, and cholesterol are normal. I was told last year by an orthopedist that I do, in fact, have a tear in my meniscus after slipping on a wet floor, but it's 'pointless' to fix it and I should just lose some weight." —u/Ok_Detective5412 17."I have serious back issues, so much so that my doctor and I were considering back surgery just before COVID. Of course, because of COVID, it never happened. My doctor left for a different city, and my new primary decided I was an addict. Stopped prescribing me the pain meds my previous doctor gave me. Told me to take Advil. He also prescribed me PT. Some days it hurts so bad it literally leaves me breathless. A coworker, a man, has back issues. Not the same as mine, but similar. He gets accommodations at work and prescribed pain meds. He gets to work as slowly as humanly possible because 'he has a bad back.' Meanwhile, I work circles around him, and if I have an off day, my boss always comments on it. How does this make sense?" —u/Environmental-Song16 18."I went to the ER in February with gallbladder pain so severe I was afraid I was having a heart attack. When they asked me what my pain level was, I told them straight up that it was a seven, but that my perception might be skewed because I had given birth twice without pain medication. Thank god they took me seriously. The intake nurse even validated me by sharing she'd had her gallbladder removed several years ago, and her first 'gallbladder attack' had her thinking she was having a heart attack. She'd been a nurse for almost 40 years." "Outside of this experience and the OB practice I go to, I do not think I have had a single doctor's visit where I have not had my pain and complaints dismissed or downplayed. I have been considering writing a long post about how that history almost led to my son being born in the car two weeks ago. It's exhausting." —u/AppleJamnPB 19."A few years back, I started getting pain in my upper right side while trying to sleep. It was a dull ache at first, so I figured it was nothing. 30 minutes later, at 11 p.m., I sat straight up in bed and started screaming in pain. I have a freakishly high pain tolerance — I have gone through cancer without a whimper, and once cut my hand so badly that tendons were showing. But this was a whole other level of hell. My spouse, who knows my pain tolerance, immediately knew something was badly wrong and half-dragged me to the car." "When we got to the ER, I tried to get out of the car and immediately puked. Now we both knew it was serious because I never puke from pain. I got back there within minutes, still crying. Once I lay down, the pain worsened, and I started screaming again. A doctor came in and impatiently said, 'Oh, come on, it is not that bad, stop that, you are upsetting the other patients.' I could not stop screaming in agony. My spouse kept asking nurses why no one was addressing the pain, but another nurse suggested I was just being hysterical. He replied, 'She is hyposensitive to pain. Her idea of a '10' would make normal people pass out. You need to get a doctor in here and get some pain meds into her. If I need to call a malpractice attorney to record her screaming while you ignore her, I will.' Two hours later, somebody finally put something into the IV. The pain melted away instantly. The diagnosis was a massive gallstone blocking the gall duct. I was released with six oxycodones. Three weeks later, my gallbladder was removed. ERs do not take women's pain seriously. To them, everyone is an 'addict' until proven otherwise." —u/thornyrosary 20."One time, I went to the ER at night in so much pain that I could not keep from crying. Had on lounge pants and a T-shirt and maybe flip-flops because I had been trying to sleep but could not. I could not figure out why the doctor was acting like I was just there for pain meds. Then, when I had to go to the bathroom, I caught a look at myself in the mirror, and I had Alice Cooper eyes with the runny mascara and eyeliner and a messy bun that had fallen to one side. The old T-shirt and lounge pants were not doing me any favors either. I looked like a bum. But hey, when severe pain like kidney stones hits you, looking like a bum is the last thing on your mind." —u/WalnutTree80 21."I had LASIK pre-pandemic. The place I went to, they had a bunch of people lined up for the procedure. You all sat in a room together, and they went from person to person having you sign a form and they checked your vitals and gave you a Xanax or something 'to help you relax.' Well, I was at peak anxiety, but I also have anxiety for which I've been prescribed meds. I was not on meds at the time and was internally climbing the walls. The Xanax did nothing. I was sweating profusely. My legs were bouncing up and down. I shredded some little napkin I had for some reason. Shortly before I went back, the nurse came around again and said to the guy next to me that she could tell he was extra nervous, so he could have a second Xanax. I was like, 'Oh hey! I am anxious! I am so very anxious!' and she told me I was up next, so it would not help anyway." "So that's how I was on the verge of a panic attack while someone burned off my corneas with lasers. But that guy sitting calmly next to me got a second dose he did not even ask for." —u/ThisTooWillEnd 22."As an 18-year-old, I had a bad night's sleep one Saturday, felt a lot of pain in my abdomen, felt tender, and feverish all night. My parents took me to the hospital around 8 a.m. the next day. I sat in triage for a while and finally got roomed. The attending physician kept leaving and coming back, asking about possible pregnancies, how much pain, rattling the bed I was finally put in, and sent my parents away to ask the same questions. No, I was not pregnant. The pain was zero by the time I was in the hospital. I felt more feverish, but no, there was still no way I was pregnant. Maybe the pain the night before had been a seven? Or an eight? I was not writhing on the floor, but I had not been able to sleep or even get comfortable or feel well enough to read or play video games." "Around 9 p.m., I finally get an abdominal ultrasound (I was so angry at the thought that this clown still thought I was pregnant). My abdomen was full of fluid. My appendix had ruptured (probably), and they had no way of knowing how bad it was until they did surgery. Then it was a rush to get me into surgery. Surprise! I was septic and had to sit in the hospital on IV fluids and ultra antibiotics for five days to make sure they killed the multiple infections that had happened after my appendix ruptured and sat there for, best we can tell, at least 24 hours. My partner is in medicine, and I remind him of the idiot attending ED physician periodically (Are you sure you're not pregnant? Jiggles bed. Want to think about your answer again?) just as a reminder that a statistically significant number of medical providers do not listen to women, and it's dangerous." —u/superalk 23."The only time I was able to argue successfully for a controlled substance, I basically had to sound listlessly suicidal to my psychiatrist and said I was going to stubbornly deal with my depression as my new reality because none of the meds she gave me had worked, so we can just stop trying. I did not actually want to stop. I knew there was a vast number of antidepressants that I had not tried that she could offer. I just had to play dumb, and all of a sudden, I had options. When I got benzos for my chronic back pain, I (truthfully) said that ibuprofen and Motrin just never worked for me, and they gave me the benzos." —u/PearlieSweetcake These stories reveal a troubling pattern that goes far beyond individual bad experiences — they point to systemic issues in how women's pain and medical concerns are treated in emergency settings. Whether dressed up or disheveled, calm or emotional, young or older, these women found themselves fighting not just their medical conditions, but also the assumption that they were exaggerating, drug-seeking, or simply not sick enough to warrant serious attention. Have you experienced something similar when seeking emergency medical care? What changes do you think need to happen to ensure all patients receive the care and respect they deserve? Share your thoughts in the comments below — your story might help someone else feel less alone in their experience.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard doctor warns against taking painkillers on an empty stomach, here's what would happen
We all pop painkillers occasionally. From the over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to prescription medications like opioids, most of us keep a stash at home to combat everyday aches and pains. But did you know that there are certain dos and don'ts when it comes to taking painkillers? One among them is - never take painkillers on an empty stomach. Why? Because they can do more harm than you can imagine, and that could land you in an emergency room. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, with a million Instagram followers, has warned against taking painkillers on an empty stomach. In a video shared on Instagram, Dr. Sethi recounted treating a patient who took painkillers on an empty stomach. 'Last night, took care of a patient with bleeding stomach ulcer…' the doctor recalled. He revealed that the patient was taking painkillers for headaches, but didn't consume food ahead of it. 'Patient was consuming Motrin for headaches empty stomach!' He warned, 'Always take Motrin, Advil, or Ibuprofen along with a snack! NEVER empty stomach!' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo What is Motrin? Motrin is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that contains ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Motrin is generally taken to relieve minor aches and pains. It can temporarily reduce fever, relieve minor aches and pains caused by headaches, common cold, back ache, toothache, muscular aches, menstrual cramps, and minor arthritis pain. NSAIDs like ibuprofen are widely used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, taking them without food can irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to serious complications such as ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Even acetaminophen, often considered gentler, isn't risk-free. Taking it on an empty stomach, especially in high doses or over a long period, can increase the risk of liver damage. Side effects of NSAIDs Similar to other medicines, NSAIDs also have side effects. The side effects arise if you take high doses for a long time, or have poor general health, or are elderly. According to the NHS, the side effects include: Indigestion, including stomach aches, feeling sick, and diarrhoea Stomach ulcers, which can cause internal bleeding and anaemia; extra medicine to protect your stomach may be prescribed to help reduce this risk headaches drowsiness dizziness allergic reactions in rare cases, problems with your liver, kidneys, or heart and circulation, such as heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes Some of the NSAIDs can also interact with other medications and increase the risk of side effects. Overdosing on these medications can also be dangerous. Before grabbing painkillers, consult your healthcare provider. This can avoid the possibility of adverse effects.
Miami Herald
21-02-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
‘Everybody is getting sick.' Flu is on the rise in Florida — and here's what doctors say
We're feeling it in South Florida. Feeling the fever. The chills. The fatigue. People with flu-like symptoms are pouring into Miami-Dade and Broward urgent care and ERs as infections across the country reach levels not seen in a decade. And for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths have outpaced COVID. 'Some years are worse than others and this year is a worse flu season, although it's a better COVID season,' said Mary Jo Trepka, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Florida International University. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in its most recent flu report, said the country's influenza activity 'remains elevated and is higher than it has been all season.' The agency is classifying the 2024-2025 flu season as a 'high severity season overall and for all age groups (children, adults, older adults) for the first time since 2017-2018.' 'Everyone is a target. It doesn't matter your age. It doesn't matter where you are in the United States. Nationally, everybody is getting sick,' said Dr. Ladan Pourmasiha, medical director for Baptist Health Urgent Care in Broward County. The virus spread quickly across Krystal Castellano's family of five. Her husband, who 'is like a tank' and never gets sick, woke up last Saturday feeling odd, and their 3-year-old son wasn't as energetic as usual. By the time Castellano returned from a hair appointment, she found her husband and two of their kids sick with fever. It wasn't long before Castellano and 7-year-old Annemarie, their oldest, began to burn up, too. It was time to bring out the Tylenol and Motrin. 'Everybody slept a lot. We were like bears hibernating,' said Castellano, who lives in Palmetto Bay, owns a South Florida digital marketing agency and also runs Casita Rodriguez, a blog about motherhood, fashion, books and travel. Last year, Castellano was the only one in her family to get the flu. She has plenty of company this year. Castellano said several children in her 5-year-old's class have been absent from school because of the flu. She said the school sent an email notifying parents about the rise of flu, asking them to keep sick kids home, and announcing that classroom cleanings would be increased. And influenza isn't the only virus making people sick in South Florida. COVID, RSV and other respiratory illnesses are circulating, too. And the stomach bug is still going around. South Florida's flu forecast Florida has recently seen high levels of flu, with the percent of ER discharges with a flu diagnosis hitting levels not seen in the past four years, state data show. The predominant strain in the state is influenza A H1N1, which caused a global flu pandemic in 2009 and continues to circulate seasonally. The state saw a slight decrease in flu-related ER visits and positive influenza tests during the week of Feb. 9-15, according to the state's most recent flu report. All Florida counties, except Martin on the Treasure Coast, saw a decrease in flu and influenza-like illness during this time period, including Miami-Dade, Broward and the Florida Keys. But the virus is still circulating at high levels compared to the past four years, which means there's a higher chance people will be exposed to the disease for the next several months, Trepka said. And while the flu for some might feel like a fatiguing cold, for others, the illness could send you to the hospital. At Baptist Health urgent care centers, doctors are seeing more influenza compared to COVID, although Pourmasiha says patients for the past few weeks have had milder flu symptoms. Jackson Health System, Miami-Dade's public hospital network, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital near South Miami have also seen an increase in patients sick with the flu compared to COVID and other respiratory illnesses. 'We've been seeing it in our babies. We've been seeing it in our adults. We've been seeing it in our elderly. We've been seeing cases where you have the flu and even seen cases where people are coming back with flu and COVID,' Pourmasiha said. What about the flu vaccine? The good news is that influenza A — the strain predominantly circulating in Miami-Dade and the rest of Florida — is one of three targeted by the 2024-2025 flu vaccine. The shot is trivalent, which means it was designed to help protect against three flu strains — influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B/Victoria virus. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the single-shot flu vaccine annually, especially those who are considered to be higher risk for severe complications. This includes adults 65 and older, children younger than 2, and people who are pregnant, are immunocompromised or have certain health conditions including asthma, heart disease and chronic lung disease. 'The flu vaccine doesn't always protect you from getting an infection but if you do get the infection it does assist in preventing the severity of that infection,' said Dr. Marcos Mestre, chief medical officer for Nicklaus Children's Hospital. And it's not too late to get the shot, health experts say. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for some protection against the flu virus. While people can get sick with influenza year-round, Florida's flu season typically runs from October to May. 'Given the level of flu activity right now, I believe we're going to have at least a couple more months when it's going to be around, and that means that you will absolutely have a benefit if you decide to get vaccinated today,' said Trepka, the FIU epidemiologist. The CDC estimates that there has been at least 29 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths from flu so far this season. What about COVID, flu, RSV and other illnesses? Besides influenza, doctors are also seeing people sick with other illnesses, including COVID, RSV, walking pneumonia and even the stomach bug. That's not unusual — it is cold and flu season, after all. But South Florida's sick season is different from the rest of the country. In South Florida, respiratory viruses tend to circulate year-round, according to Mestre. Here's an overview of some of the other circulating illnesses: COVID The main COVID strain circulating in the country is XEC, which is estimated to be responsible for about 37% of COVID infections in the country, according to the most recent CDC data. XEC is a descendent of omicron and is considered a hybrid between two pre-existing COVID subvariants, according to Yale Medicine. This 'merger' happens when one person is infected with two different COVID strains, although it doesn't appear that XEC causes different symptoms or more severe disease compared to other strains, Yale says. Jackson Health, Baptist Health and Nicklaus Children's haven't seen much COVID recently. Nationally, COVID-related ER visits are low even though federal health officials have detected high levels of the disease in wastewater, which means the disease is circulating at high levels across Florida and other parts of the country. Just like with the flu shot, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, especially those who are at least 65, have never received a COVID shot, are pregnant or are considered to be high risk for severe disease. RSV Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms such as coughing and fever. While most RSV infections are mild, some babies, young children and older adults can get severely ill, particularly those born prematurely, have weak immune systems or a medical condition such as asthma and chronic lung disease. Florida's RSV season usually lasts longer than the rest of the country and varies by region, although in South Florida, the virus tends to circulate year-round. Currently, the entire state is in RSV season. The CDC says that while RSV remains elevated, it's declining in most areas of the country. In Florida, RSV-related ER visits are declining and there are low levels of RSV in the state's wastewater. How much RSV is circulating in Florida varies by county. While some parts of Florida saw an increase in RSV the week of Feb. 9-15, other parts of the state, including Monroe and Palm Beach counties saw a decrease during the same time period, according to Florida's most recent RSV report. Miami-Dade and Broward counties didn't see a change, though doctors told the Miami Herald they aren't seeing much of this illness circulating. Overall, Florida's RSV admissions, test positivity and ER visits decreased the week of Feb. 9-Feb. 15, state data show. RSV vaccines are available for people who are pregnant or are at least 60. Unlike flu and COVID vaccines, it's not an annual shot but a one-time date with the needle. RSV monoclonal antibodies also exist for babies and young children. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone 75 and older, the group at highest risk for contracting RSV, as well as for people who are at least 60 and have chronic medical conditions that make them more at risk for severe illness. Walking pneumonia South Florida is still seeing some cases of the common and contagious bacteria that led to last year's surge of 'walking pneumonia,' which primarily sickened younger children, doctors say. The bacteria generally causes a mild respiratory illness, although it can sometimes worsen into pneumonia. If it does, it usually tends to be a less severe form of bacterial pneumonia known as 'walking pneumonia,' according to the CDC. Walking pneumonia can feel like a bad cold or a bad flu. And anyone can get it, regardless of age, although infections are most common among children ages 5 to 17 and young adults, according to the CDC. 'Most will recover without medicine, but some people need antibiotics to get better,' the CDC says. 'It's an infection that can be treated and with a good response,' Mestre, the Nicklaus Children's doctor, told the Herald in November. 'So that's why I always tell folks not to panic about it. That being said, always take the preventative measures that are possible. Again, going back to the basics, washing your hands, being courteous of others, not being around others when you're sick, and that should limit the spread of the illness.' Whooping cough Mestre says Nicklaus is seeing cases of pertussis popping up in South Florida. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious and common respiratory illness caused by a bacteria. The country usually reports more than 10,000 cases a year, though infections dipped during the COVID pandemic. Last year, the country reported more cases in 2024 of pertussis compared to 2019, prior to the pandemic, indicating that things are starting to return to pre-pandemic patterns, according to the CDC. Whooping cough feels like a cold, but the coughing can last for weeks or months, according to the CDC. The diphtheria vaccine, which the CDC recommends for everyone, helps protect against tetanus and whooping cough and is one of the vaccines kids need to get in order to attend school in Florida. Norovirus Respiratory illnesses are not the only thing going around. A virus known as the stomach bug surged across parts of the country last year and is still sending people to the toilet. Recently, more than 100 people on board a cruise ship that sailed out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale fell sick with norovirus. Norovirus is commonly referred to as the stomach flu, stomach bug or as the 'cruise ship virus' because it's often the cause of most diarrhea outbreaks on cruise ships. Florida recorded two confirmed norovirus outbreaks between Sept. 1, 2024 and Jan. 31, 2025. People can get sick year-round with norovirus, but outbreaks are most common from November to April, the CDC shows. Most people recover within a few days. While its sometimes known as the 'stomach flu,' the virus is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza. And unlike the flu, there is no vaccine to help prevent it. You can get norovirus in a variety of ways, such as by eating or drinking contaminated food and drinks, touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth or having direct contact with someone ill from the virus, according to the CDC. READ NEXT: Did you get the stomach bug on your cruise? A look at cruise ship outbreaks in 2024 How to avoid getting sick Because all respiratory infections tend to cause similar symptoms, unless you get tested, there's no way to know whether you have a mycoplasma infection or if you're sick with the flu, COVID, RSV, or the common cold. Dr. Hany Atallah, chief medical officer for Jackson Memorial Hospital, has tips to help reduce your risk of infection: Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Avoid people who are sick. Use a tissue to cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze. Get vaccinated. Consider masking up if you're planning to go somewhere crowded or travel on a plane. And take advantage of South Florida's warmer weather and plan gatherings and activities outside. 'It's 80 degrees outside, the weather is beautiful. People down here tend to congregate outside more than inside, which is obviously one of the things that helps prevent spread of illness,' Atallah said. If you do get sick, stay home from school or work, monitor symptoms and speak with your doctor. People considered to be high risk for flu-related complications, for example, could be prescribed flu antiviral drugs, which typically work best when started within one or two days after symptoms begin. Castellano, the mom of three who recently had the flu, also has some advice: 'Take the time to rest,' she said. 'Sometimes there's things in life that force us to hit the pause button.'
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctors say getting a flu shot could save your life
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – New data from the South Carolina Department of Public Health showed an increase in flu-related deaths and hospitalizations. According to the department's latest report, there have been 5,488 flu-related hospitalizations and 104 flu-related deaths this flu season. 47 of those deaths were here in the Upstate. Doctors from Prisma Health said they have predominantly been treating a high number of type-A flu cases. Doctor John Elkes said there are ways to stay healthy, including washing your hands and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough. 'Those droplets contain the viral particles and that's actually what's infects,' Elkes said. 'So when you cover your mouth when you sneeze or in your arm, preferably into your elbow. That's what keeps it from spreading as much.' Doctor Anna Kathryn Burch said getting the flu shot might be what saves your life. 'Getting a flu shot can be helpful,' Burch said. 'They are still available if your child or you have not gotten the flu shot, please go out and get one. It might not 100% protect you from getting the flu, but what it can do for you is keep you out of the hospital and keep you from dying.' She explained how getting it now can help you down the road. 'Remember, we will be getting a flu-B at some point, so just because it might not have worked for flu-A doesn't mean it won't cover you for flu-B.' They said as always, if you are feeling under the weather, do your part in preventing the spread. 'Flu season is a challenging thing to get through for everybody, ' said Prisma Health doctor, Stanley Hassinger. 'There's almost no one who hasn't been impacted themselves, with family members, friend, or coworker and so one thing I would reiterate is really important. Get your flu shot.' They said in most cases Tylenol or Motrin should help keep fevers low, but those with pre-existing health conditions should seek medical attention. If you are feeling sick, they said you can book a virtual or in-person appointment through their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
St. Mary's School closed until Monday
GREENSBURG – Decatur County Department of Health officials, in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Health and the Indiana Department of Education, have ordered all students to be dismissed from St. Mary's School in Greensburg. This order was necessary due to a high absentee rate resulting from influenza-like illnesses. Indiana guidelines require schools to close when absenteeism reaches 20% or more students. The student dismissals began Wednesday, Feb. 12, and extend through Friday, Feb. 14, to reduce contact among children and stop the spread of the flu. This will also allow staff to extensively clean and disinfect throughout the building. 'We know that many students and their families are very sick,' Decatur County Department of Health Executive Director Sean Durbin said. 'We know this is a hard time for our community and our hearts go out to those who are ill.' Because the influenza virus is easily spread from person to person, it is not safe for large groups of people to gather. During this time, both children and adults should stay away from other people and groups as much as possible. They should not gather in other locations such as shopping malls, movie theaters or community centers. Durbin offered these tips for helping family members who are sick with the flu: • Have them drink a lot of liquid (juice, water) or eat ice chips. • Keep the sick person as comfortable as possible. Rest is important. • For fever, sore throat and muscle aches, use ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Contact your pharmacy for correct dosage based on sick person's weight. Do not use aspirin with children or teenagers; it can cause Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening illness. • Keep tissues and a trash bag within reach of the sick person. • Be sure everyone in your home washes their hands frequently. • Keep the people who are sick with the flu away from the people who are not sick. For more information, contact your health care provider or visit the Decatur County Health Department web site at 'We are working closely with school administrators and will provide any updates if they occur,' Durbin said.
