Tag: sick

Antibiotic Awareness Week

Did you know the discovery of penicillin, the world’s first mass-produced antibiotic, was an accident? In 1928, Alexander Fleming returned to his lab after a vacation and found that a fungus had contaminated the bacteria he had been studying, and the fungus was secreting a substance that was killing the bacteria. This happy accident earned Fleming a Nobel Prize and penicillin the nickname of a “wonder drug.” When used correctly, antibiotics do indeed have the power to save many lives, but now, their misuse is posing a significant threat to public health— the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Fortunately, by following these tips, you can get the maximum benefit from antibiotics when you’re sick, protect yourself from the dangers of antibiotic misuse, and do your part to combat antibiotic resistance in the world:

  1. Know what antibiotics can and can’t do. Antibiotics can help treat some bacterial infections, like strep throat, whooping cough and UTIs, just to name a few. They will not make you feel better if you’re infected with a virus, like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19, and taking antibiotics for a viral infection only puts you at risk for experiencing side effects.
  2. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, follow the instructions of your healthcare provider exactly. Don’t share your antibiotics with anyone else or take antibiotics prescribed to someone else, and don’t skip a dose, even if you think you feel better.
  3. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects or reactions while taking antibiotics. Some possible antibiotic side effects include rash, nausea, and diarrhea. They can be minor or life-threatening, and they may indicate an allergy or a more severe infection.
  4. Continue practicing good hygiene. This reduces your chances of falling sick, so that you don’t have to take antibiotics in the first place, and it also helps keep the people around you safe. This is a win-win situation, so keep washing your hands and covering your face with a mask!

Knowing how to use antibiotics correctly is so important that the CDC has designated the week of November 18-24, 2020, as Antibiotic Awareness Week. Now that you know what to do and what not to do, it would be a great idea to take a few minutes to tell a friend about what you’ve learned. And as always, remember to stay healthy and stay safe!

–The Wellness and Stress Clinic Team

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000959.htm

This Upcoming Monday…

Come by the clinic tomorrow for drive-thru COVID-19 tests (4-5:30) for anyone who wants to get tested and in-person primary care and social work services for the uninsured (6:00-8:00pm). To see a social worker or health care provider you must have an appointment.

Our phones are open from 3-5pm today and all day Monday. Call us at (901) 306-5433.

Coronavirus: what’s it all about?

The recent outbreak of respiratory disease has been caused by COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019. This disease has been detected in as many 60 countries internationally, which includes the United States. Coronaviruses are a very large family of viruses that are common in people and in many different species of animals. While rare, people can be infected by animals such as bats, cattle, and even cats. If you’re worried about possibly contracting and/or spreading this disease, then learning more about the disease and how it spreads will help keep you and others safe during this time.

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

People with COVID-19 should receive as much supportive care to help relieve these symptoms since there is not a specific antiviral treatment recommended yet for this disease. If symptoms become severe, then treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. If you or someone you know is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, then make sure to visit your physician as soon as you can. The Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis can see you on Monday’s from 5-7pm, but if you’re in need of assistance before then try to see another provider as soon as possible to stop the spread of this disease.

There are also some simple things that you can do to keep yourself and others healthy:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to do this after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose and/or coughing/sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash once you are finished. Do not reuse old tissues.

It is important to note that anyone can contract this disease and the chances of someone contracting and/or spreading this disease who is of Asian descent is not higher than someone who isn’t. Help us stop fear based racism by making sure that this is known, as it only creates more confusion and fear than necessary.

If you have any questions, please come by during our clinic hours on Monday’s from 5-7pm or email/call us with any comments, questions, or concerns. Have a happy and healthy week!

Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html