Articles for general health concerns:

• Meningitis
• Influenza or "The Flu"
• Sore Throat
• Insomnia
• Weight Loss

MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

General Information

Meningococcal disease is a potentially life threatening bacterial infection that requires immediate treatment.  The most common manifestation of this infection is meningitis, an infection of the membrane lining the brain and spinal cord.  The number of people affected peaks in late winter to early spring.  Approximately 10% of those who contract meningococcal meningitis die.  The number of people infected with meningococcal meningitis is increasing, especially among the very young (less than 4 year) and those 15 to 24 years old.  In this latter age group, many have been college and university students, particularly those living in dormitories.  Accordingly, we in Health Services believe that it is beneficial to inform the ACU student body about this disease.

How Bacterial Meningitis Is Spread

Through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and direct contact with persons infected with the disease

• Close contact with a carrier
• Oral contact with shared items such as drinking glasses
• Intimate contact with oral secretions such as kissing
  

Examples of such would be roommates, close friends, or classmates in a relatively small classroom.

Symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blotchy red or dark rash that spreads rapidly
• Severe weakness with confusion
  

An infected person may have some or all of these symptoms and they are often rapidly progressing.  Any student experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.

Primary Prevention

In other words, how can one prevent getting infected? Basic hygiene practices such as good hand washing, not sharing utensils or drinking after others are important.  There is some data that implicates heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette use with an increase risk of disease.   Additionally, there is a vaccine available.  It is highly effective in preventing four of the most common stains of the bacteria.  Immunity from the vaccine is effective in seven to ten days and lasts up to ten years.  There are few minor side effects.  A limited number of vaccine will be available during Passport and throughout the school year.  No appointment is necessary and vaccine will be given on a first come, first serve basis.  The Medical Clinic will make this vaccine available to those who choose to be vaccinated.

Should You Get the Vaccine?

In 2005, the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) revised their recommendation stating that all entering freshman who will be living in residence halls receive the vaccine.  This stronger recommendation is based on a newer, more effective vaccine.  Persons who are pregnant or currently ill should not receive the vaccine.  The vaccine is not a treatment after the illness has begun.  We encourage you to discuss this with your family and come to a personal decision.  We will be happy to answer questions.  Our prayer is that all will have a healthy and rich experience here at ACU! 

Tony Rector, D.O.
Director of Medical Clinic       
 
 

By Mayo Clinic staff

At least 20 million people, including 500,000 U.S. citizens, died in the 1918 influenza pandemic. Today, as many as 36,000 Americans continue to die each year of what's commonly known as the flu, and another 150,000 are hospitalized. You're especially at risk if you are an older adult, have diabetes, chronic cardiovascular or lung disease, or an impaired immune system.

But anyone can get influenza, a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, including your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Although other viral infections, especially colds and intestinal ailments such as gastroenteritis — a condition that causes diarrhea, nausea and vomiting — are often referred to as the flu, they're not. Real influenza usually doesn't affect your intestines. And while you may cough and sneeze with the flu, you're also likely to have a high fever, chills and body aches — signs and symptoms you won't typically have with a cold.

You're exposed to the flu when someone who's infected with the influenza virus coughs or sneezes, or you touch something they've handled. That's why the flu spreads rapidly anywhere people congregate — schools, child-care centers, offices, nursing homes, buses, even luxury cruise ships. Most outbreaks in North America occur between October and May. The peak season is usually late December to early March.

If you're at high risk of getting the flu, your first line of defense is an annual flu shot. For some people, antiviral medications taken within 24 to 48 hours of infection may help shorten the duration and intensity of symptoms slightly. 

 
The Medical Clinic offers the influenza vaccine to students who choose to be vaccinated.  The vaccine is typically available beginning in October.

Causes

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections. A few, like strep throat, are caused by bacterial infections. Other causes may include:

• Allergies
• Irritants (smoke)
• Excessive shouting
• Growths

How can I treat my own sore throat?

Most sore throats may be treated with the following remedies:

• Increase your liquid intake. Warm tea with honey is a favorite home remedy.
• Use a steamer or humidifier in your bedroom.
• Gargle with warm saltwater several times daily: ¼ tsp. salt to ½ cup warm water.
• Take mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil.)
• Use non-prescription throat lozenges as needed.

When should I see a doctor?

Whenever a sore throat is severe, persists longer than the usual five to seven day duration of a "cold" or "flu", and is not associated with an avoidable allergy or irritation, you should seek medical attention. The following signs and symptoms should alert you to see your health care provider:

• Severe or prolonged sore throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Joint pains
• Earache
• Rash
• Fever
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Frequently recurring sore throat
• Swelling and tenderness of the neck glands
• Hoarseness lasting over a week.

When should I take antibiotics?

Antibiotics are drugs that kill or impair bacteria. They are prescribed when the health care provider suspects a bacterial infection that will respond to them. Antibiotics do not cure viral infections. When an antibiotic is prescribed, it should be taken - as the health care provider directs - for the full course.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Insomnia is the most common of all sleep complaints. Almost everyone has occasional sleepless nights, perhaps due to stress, heartburn or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Insomnia is a lack of sleep that occurs on a regular or frequent basis, often for no apparent reason.

How much sleep is enough varies. Although 7 1/2 hours of sleep is about average, some people do fine on 4 or 5 hours of sleep. Other people need 9 or 10 hours a night.

Inability to get a good night's sleep can affect not only your energy level and mood but your health as well because sleep helps bolster your immune system. Fatigue, at any age, leads to diminished mental alertness and concentration. Lack of sleep is linked to accidents both on the road and on the job.

About one out of three people have insomnia sometime in their life. Sleeplessness may be temporary or chronic. You don't necessarily have to live with sleepless nights. Some simple changes in your daily routine and habits may result in better sleep.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Do you weigh more than you should? If so, you're like the approximately two-thirds of American adults who are overweight. In the United States, being seriously overweight (obese) has reached epidemic proportions. One in three American adults is considered to be obese. And childhood obesity is at an all-time high.

Obesity involves having an abnormally high proportion of body fat. Doctors define obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

Obesity is more than a cosmetic concern. Being over wieght puts you at greater risk of developing such serious health risks as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer. The human body, with its 30 billion to 40 billion fat cells, can support some extra fat. Fat is important for storing energy and insulating the body, among other functions. But after a certain point, body fat can begin to interfere with your health. Ultimately, obesity can even be life-threatening.

The good news is that even a modest weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds can bring health improvements. In many cases this can be accomplished by committing to eating healthier, exercising and changing behaviors. For those who don't respond to lifestyle changes, prescription medications and surgical techniques are available to enhance their weight-loss process.

With a positive attitude, you can lose weight. Yet, before pursuing any plan to take off excess weight, consult your doctor. Crash diets and other quick fixes can be dangerous to your health.