Why get vaccinated?

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.

DIPHTHERIA causes a thick covering in the back of the throat.

•    It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death

TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body.

•    It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in up to 2 out of 10 cases

PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks.

•    It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), brain damage, and death

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP) can help prevent these diseases. Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood. Many more children would get these diseases if we stopped vaccinating. DTaP is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP.

Who should get DTaP vaccine and when?

Children should get 4 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages:

•    3 months

•    4 months

•    5 months

•    18-24 months DTaP may be given at the same time as other vaccines

Both the (4-in-1) DTaP-Hib and (5-in-1) DTaP-Polio-Hib vaccines contain the DTaP vaccine.For details, please consult your doctor.

DTaP-Hib vaccine is administered at the age 3, 4, 5 and 18 months.

DTaP-Polio-Hib vaccine is administered at the age of 2, 3, 4 and 18 months.

Some children should not get DTap vaccine or should wait

•    Children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. But children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting DTaP vaccine

•    Any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose

•    Any child who suffered a brain or nervous system disease within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose

•    Talk with your doctor if your child: 

  ○      Had a seizure or collapsed after a dose ofDTaP

  ○      Cried non-stop for 3 hours or more after a dose of DTaP

  ○      Had a fever over 105°F after a dose of DTaP

Ask your doctor for more information. Some of these children should not get another dose of pertussis vaccine, but may get a vaccine without pertussis, calledDT.

Older children and adults

DTaP is not licensed for adolescents, adults, or children 7 years of age andolder. But older people still need protection. A vaccine called Tdap is similar to DTaP. A single dose of Tdap is recommended for people 11 through 64 years of age. Another vaccine, called Td, protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. It is recommended every 10 years. 

What are the risks from DTaP Vaccine?

Getting diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis disease is much riskier than getting DTaP vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of DTaP vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

After vaccination, please stay in clinic observation area for 30 minutes.

•    Fever (up to about 1 child in 4)

•    Redness or swelling where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4)

•    Soreness or tenderness where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4)

These problems occur more often after the 4^th and 5^th doses of the DTaP series than after earlier doses. Sometimes the 4^th or 5^th dose of DTaP vaccine is followed by swelling of the entire arm or leg in whichthe shot was given, lasting 1–7 days (up to about 1 child in 30).

Other mild problems

•    Fussiness (up to about 1 child in 3)

•    Tiredness or poor appetite (up to about 1 child in 10)

•    Vomiting (up to about 1 child in 50)

These problems generally occur 1–3 days after the shot.

•    Seizure (jerking or staring) (about 1 child out of 14,000)

•    Non-stop crying, for 3 hours or more (up to about 1 child out of 1,000)

•    High fever, over 105°F (about 1 child out of 16,000) 

Severe problems (very rare)

•    Serious allergic reaction (less than 1 out of a million doses)

•    Several other severe problems have been reported after DTaP vaccine. These include:

  ○       Long-term seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness

  ○       Permanent brain damage

These are so rare it is hard to tell if they are caused by the vaccine.

Controlling fever is especially important for children who have had seizures, for any reason. It is also important if another family member has had seizures. You can reduce fever and pain by giving your child an aspirin-free pain reliever when the shot is given, and for the next 24 hours, following the package instructions.

What if there is a serious reaction?

What should I look for?

Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, orbehavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can includehives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

What should Ido?

If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can't wait, call 120 or get the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

•    Jiahui Health

Contact number: 400-868-3000

•    Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control & Prevention 

Contact number: 021-62758710

What's involved in quitting tobacco?

Make a plan, get the tools you need, be aware of your triggers, practice coping skills, and remember that it's okay if you slip up.

Get Ready to Quit

Write down your reasons for quitting. These will help keep you on track and focused on the benefits. Your reasons might include:

•    Protecting the health of your family or pets

•    Saving money

•    Improving your health

•    Pregnancy

•    Bad-smelling clothes or breath

Create your "quit plan." The important parts of a quit plan are:

•    Step 1: Medications

•    Step 2: Support and counseling

•    Step 3: Identify your triggers

•    Step 4: Set your quit date 

•    Step 5: Take action

Step 1: Medications

Nicotine is an addictive drug found in tobacco products. While you're quitting, using various forms of "nicotine replacement" can help you stay away from tobacco. Other medications can help cut down your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

 Ask your doctor or nurse about medications that are right for you:

•    Non-nicotine medications (prescription required)

  o   Varenicline (Chantix)

  o   Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

•    Nicotine replacement

  o   Over-the-counter options: patch, gum, lozenge, mini-lozenge

  o   Prescription options: inhaler, nasal spray

You may get the results from using a combination of medications: 

•    Use non-nicotine medications with nicotine replacements. This is the most effective way to quit

•    Use two forms of nicotine replacement; for example, a long-acting patch to get a stable dose of nicotine and a quick-acting gum or inhaler to relieve cravings

Step 2: Support and counseling

People who use medications plus counseling to quit tobacco are most successful.

•    Please refer to the Jiahui Wellness Center Quit Smoking Program

Contact number: 400-868-3000

Tell your family, friends, and coworkers that you're quitting tobacco. They can be part of your support network and help cheer you on. Try to find a "quit buddy" who will quit at the same time as you.

Step 3: Identify your triggers

Figure out the triggers that make you want to use tobacco, such as coffee, alcohol, stress, driving, eating, or hanging out with friends.

Start thinking about a plan to manage those triggers. You may want to change your routines, especially if they are linked to using tobacco. For example, travel a different way to work if your normal route passes a shop that sells tobacco.

Step 4: Set your quit date

Pick the day you're going to quit using tobacco. Leading up to that day, start preparing:

•    Buy or get a prescription for any medications you plan to use

•    Gather tools that will help you quit, such as:

  o   Gum, toothpicks, sugar-free candy

  o   A calendar for crossing off days

  o   New sneakers for exercising

  o   Something to keep your hands busy (a squeezable stress ball, knitting, games on your phone)

•    A few days before your quit date, make your home and car tobacco-free. Remove ashtrays, lighters, and anything else that could make it easy for you to start up again

Step 5: Take action

On your quit date, start your plan!

•    Take your medications as prescribed (Chantix and Bupropion should be started a week or so before your quit date)

•    Use your support program: attend a group, log onto a website, call a quitline

•    Watch out for danger zones and triggers and use your quit plan to manage them

•    Manage cravings:

  o   Use your quick-acting nicotine replacement (gum, inhaler, lozenge)

  o   Practice the 4 D's (below)

Coping Skills: Practice the 4 "D's"

1.   Deep breathing

Breathe in, hold it for a few seconds, then breathe out. 

2.   Distract

Focus your attention on something else, like going for a walk or watching a movie.

3.   Drink water

This gives you something different to do with your mouth and hands.

4.    Delay

Tell yourself that you'll wait for a few minutes first. Then, see if you still have the urge. Cravings will pass whether you smoke or not, and sometimes they pass pretty quickly.

If You Slip, Get Back on Track

•    If you slip and use tobacco, it's okay! This is a normal part of quitting. It doesn't mean that you have gone back to using it for good. It often takes multiple attempts to quit forever, and you learn from each one

•    Focus on your quit plan. Keep to the plan, and don't beat yourself up

•    Learn from the slip. What caused it? What will you do differently next time?

•    Don't give up! Remember your reasons for quitting. You can do this

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for your care team's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.

© 2017 The General Hospital Corporation. Primary Care Office InSite

How hard should I exercise?

There are no general rules about how many pounds you should lift or how steep a hill you must climb to reach a moderate or vigorous level of exercise. What is easy for one person will be strenuous for another.

The best advice is to listen to your body. If you are gasping for breath and ready to keel over, you are working too hard! If you feel as calm and comfortable  as you would taking a stroll in the park, you are not working hard enough! When you are exercising at a moderate rate, you will feel that you are challenging yourself, but you will not feel close to your limit.

One way to tell how hard you are working is to use the Borg Exercise Perception Scale, shown here:

The numbers on the left of the scale do not mean how many times or how many minutes you should do an activity. They help you describe how hard you are working.

For endurance(aerobic)activities, such as brisk walking or swimming, you should work your way up to level13 -the feeling that you are working some what hard. Some people might feel that way when they are walking on flat ground. Others will feel that way when they are jogging up a hill. Both are right. Only you know how hard your exercise feels to you.

Strength-building exercises, such as lifting weights, are higher on the Borg scale. Gradually work your way up to level 15 to 17 -hard to very hard - to build muscle effectively. You can tell how hard an effort you are making by comparing it to your maximum effort. How hard does it feel compared to when you are lifting the heaviest weight you can lift？Once you start exerting more than a moderate amount of effort in your muscle - building exercises, your strength is likely to increase quickly. As your body adapts and you become fit, you can make your activities more challenging, a little bit at a time.

What does Target Heart Rate mean?

You may have heard something about a Target Heart Rate. This is another way of measuring how hard you are working when you exercise. Your target heart rate, based on your age and fitness level, is somewhere between 50% and 75% of your maximum heart rate, the hardest your heart can work.

To find out what your maximum heart rate is, subtract your age from 220. You do not want to work your heart to its maximum. So, depending on your fitness level, aim for a target heart rate somewhere between 50% and 75% of your maximum heart rate. So, for instance, the maximum rate for a 55 year old is 165 and the target rate is between 82 (50%) and 123(75%).

To find out whether you are working within your target range, you measure your pulse as you exercise. To measure your pulse, place two fingers on the side of your neck or on the inside of your wrist, wherever it is easier for you to feel a pulse. Using a clock or a watch with a second hand, count your pulse for 10 seconds. Then, multiply the number you get by 6 to come up with your heart rate per minute.

Does the target heart rate work for everyone?

No. Target heart rates are general guidelines for average healthy people. Some 55-year-old individuals will have a higher target heart rate and others will have a lower target heart rate than the one listed above. People with a chronic illness are better off using the Borg scale to measure how hard they work when they exercise. The same goes for people who are stronger and more fit than others their age.

A very simple way to tell how hard you are working when you exercise is something called ''the talk test.'' If you can talk while you exercise, you are working in the moderate range. If you get out of breath when you try to talk, you are working too hard. On the other hand, if you can sing while you exercise, you are not working hard enough.

Should I talk to my doctor about starting a new exercise program?

Men over 40, women over 50 and anyone with a history of heart disease should discuss any new exercise program with the doctor before they start. Some medicines alter heart rate and blood pressure. They can change the way your body responds to exercise. If you are taking any heart medicines or high blood pressure medicines, ask your doctor whether you need to use a lower target heart rate when you exercise.

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for your care team's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.

© 2017 The General HospitalCorporation.

Primary Care Office lnSite

developed by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science and Division of General Internal Medicine

What is anemia? Anemia is a low number of red blood cells or a low amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps carry oxygen throughout your body. Red blood cells use iron to create hemoglobin. Anemia may develop if your body does not have enough iron. It may also develop if your body does not make enough red blood cells or they die faster than your body can make them.

What increases my risk for anemia?

•    Trauma or surgery that causes massive blood loss

•    A gastrointestinal bleed

•    A woman's monthly period

•    A family history of blood disease or anemia

•    Liver or kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or hyperthyroidism

•    Alcohol abuse

•    Lack of foods that contain iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12

What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?

•    Chest pain or a fast heartbeat

•    Lightheadedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath

•    Cold or pale skin

•    Tiredness, weakness, or confusion

How is anemia diagnosed? Blood tests will show if you have anemia.

How is anemia treated? Treatment depends on the type of anemia you have. You may need any of the following:

•    Iron or folic acid supplements help increase your red blood cell and hemoglobin levels

•    Vitamin B12 injections may help boost your red blood cell count and decrease your symptoms

•    A blood transfusion may be needed if your body cannot replace the blood you have lost

•    Surgery may be needed to stop bleeding, or if your anemia is severe

How can I prevent anemia? Eat healthy foods rich in iron and vitamin C. Nuts, meat, dark leafy green vegetables, and beans are high in iron and protein. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges and other citrus fruits. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of other foods that are high in iron or vitamin C. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.

Call 120 or have someone call 120 for any of the following:

•    You lose consciousness

•    You have severe chest pain

When should I seek immediate care?

•    You have dark or bloody bowel movements

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

•    Your symptoms are worse, even after treatment

•    You have questions or concerns about your condition or care

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes^® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.

What is Iron deficiency anemia？ 

•       Lack of iron is the most common cause of anemia

•      Anemia occurs when there are too few red blood cells in the bloodstream or when there is not enough hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) in the red bloodcells

•      You need iron because it allows red blood cells and muscles to transport and use oxygen in the body

What can you do about it? 

•       You need to take iron to treat your anemia. The amount of iron in a daily multivitamin is not enough to replace iron deficiency. There are many different kinds of iron supplements. All are effective

•       All iron supplements can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort. If you get constipated, try using a fiber supplement or stool softener

•       To avoid side effects, start slowly with a low dosage and increase over time to full dosage. For example, take one tablet a day for 2 weeks. Then increase to 2 tablets a day for the next 2 weeks. Then increase to 3 tablets a day for the next 2 months. Be sure to drink plenty of water

•       Ferrous gluconate (Fergon) and polysaccharide iron complexes (Niferex) cause fewer side effects

Important DOs & DON'Ts

•      DO take iron supplements with food. Take them with acidic foods like orange juice or with vitamin C. Acid improves absorption of iron

•      DON'T take iron supplements with milk products or antacids. These can decrease iron absorption

•      DO eat an iron rich diet. Try to get 10 to 15 milligrams of iron from food every day. See below for a list of foods that are high in iron

•      DO follow up with your doctor in 3 months after starting an iron supplement

Ask your doctor or nurse what kind of iron supplement is best for you to take. Your doctor or nurse can tell you how much iron you should take as a supplement and for how long.

This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for your care team's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.

© 2012The General HospitalCorporation.

Primary Care Operations Improvement Site prepared by the MGH Laboratory of Computer Science

What is the flu? How is it different from the common cold?

The flu is an infection caused by the influenza viruses while the common cold is an infection caused by a different group of viruses.

Although they are easily confused with each other, the following symptoms are more commonly for the flu:

•   High fever

•   Chills

•   Body aches

•   Extreme tiredness

•   Headache

The flu, unlike the common cold, may cause infections of the lungs and blood, death in vulnerable people. Getting vaccinated, however, can reduce your chance of falling sick.

How does a flu vaccine work?

In laboratories, the influenza viruses are injected into eggs.

What are allergies? 

Allergies are an immune system reaction to a substance called an allergen. Your immune system sees the allergen as harmful and attacks it. 

What causes allergies? 

You may have allergies at certain times of the year or all year. The following are common allergies: 

•    Seasonal airborne allergies happen during certain times of the year. This is also called hay fever. Tree, weed, or grass pollen are examples of allergens that you breathe in

•    Environmental airborne allergy triggers you may breathe in year-round include dust, mold, and pet hair

•    Contact allergies include latex, found in items such as condoms and medical gloves. Latex allergies can be very serious

•    Insect sting allergies may be caused by bees, hornets, fire ants, or other insects that sting or bite you. Insect allergies can be very serious

•    Food allergies commonly include shellfish, wheat, and eggs. Some foods must be eaten to produce an allergic reaction. Other foods can trigger a reaction if they touch your skin or are breathed in

What increases my risk for allergies? 

Allergic reactions can happen at any time, even if you have not had allergies before. You may develop an allergy after you have been exposed to an allergen more than once. Allergies are most common in children and elderly people, but anyone can have an allergic reaction. Your risk is also increased if you have a family history of allergies or a medical condition such as asthma.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergies? 

•    Mild symptoms include sneezing and a runny, itchy, or stuffy nose. You may also have swollen, watery, or itchy eyes, or skin itching. You may have swelling or pain where an insect bit or stung you

•    Anaphylaxis symptoms include trouble breathing or swallowing, a rash or hives, or severe swelling. You may also have a cough, wheezing, or feel lightheaded or dizzy. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening reaction that needs immediate treatment

How are allergies diagnosed? 

Your doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms. He or she will ask what allergens you have been exposed to and if you have ever had other allergic reactions. He or she may look in your nose, ears, or throat. You may need additional testing if you developed anaphylaxis after you were exposed to a trigger and then exercised. This is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis. You may also need the following tests: 

•    Blood tests are used to check for signs of a reaction to allergens

•    Nasal tests are used to see how your nasal passages react to allergens. A sample of your nasal fluid may also be tested

•    Skin tests can help your doctor find what you are allergic to. He will place a small amount of allergen on your arm or back and then prick your skin with a needle. He will watch how your skin reacts to the allergen

•    Antihistamines help decrease itching, sneezing, and swelling. You may take them as a pill or use drops in your nose or eyes 

•    Decongestants help your nose feel less stuffy

•    Steroids decrease swelling and redness

•    Topical treatments help decrease itching or swelling. You also may be given nasal sprays or eyedrops

•    Epinephrine is medicine used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis

•    Desensitization gets your body used to allergens you cannot avoid. Your doctor will give you a shot that contains a small amount of an allergen. He or she will treat any allergic reaction you have. Your doctor will give you more of the allergen a little at a time until your body gets used to it. Your reaction to the allergen may be less serious after this treatment. Your doctor will tell you how long to get the shots

What steps do I need to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis? 

•    Call 120 and go to the emergency department, do not drive yourself

What safety precautions do I need to take if I am at risk for anaphylaxis?

•    Be careful when you exercise. If you have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis, do not exercise right after you eat. Stop exercising right away if you start to develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis. You may first feel tired, warm, or have itchy skin. Hives, swelling, and severe breathing problems may develop if you continue to exercise

•    Carry medical alert identification. Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that explains the allergy. Ask your doctor where to get these items

•    Inform all doctors of the allergy. This includes dentists, nurses, doctors, and surgeons

How can I manage allergies? 

•    Use nasal rinses as directed. Rinse with a saline solution daily. This will help clear allergens out of your nose. Use distilled water if possible. You can also boil tap water and let it cool before you use it. Do not use tap water that has not been boiled

What is dehydration?  

Dehydration is a condition that develops when your body does not have enough fluid. You may become dehydrated if you do not drink enough water or lose too much fluid. Fluid loss may also cause loss of electrolytes (minerals), such as sodium.

•    Vomiting, diarrhea, or fever

•    Being in the sun or heat for too long

•    Sweating while playing sports

•    Diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, or infections

•    Medicines that cause you to lose water and salt, such as diuretics (water pills)

•    Older age with decreased ability to sense thirst or to urinate

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration? 

•    Dry eyes or mouth

•    Increased thirst

•    Dark yellow urine

•    Urinating little or not at all

•    Tiredness or body weakness

•    Headache, dizziness, or confusion

•    Irregular or fast breathing, fast or pounding heartbeat, and low blood pressure

•    Sudden weight loss

How is dehydration diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and check your breathing and heartbeat. He or she will look at your eyes, skin, mouth, and tongue. He or she will ask you how much liquid you have been drinking, and how much you are urinating. Tell him or her if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea. Blood and urine tests are used to check your electrolyte levels. The tests may show the cause of your dehydration, such as infection or diabetes. They may also show if your kidneys are working correctly.

How is dehydration treated? 

•    Oral liquids: 

  o     If you are mildly to moderately dehydrated, you may need an oral rehydration solution (ORS). This drink contains the right amount of salt, sugar, and minerals in water to replace body fluids. Ask your doctor where you can get an ORS

  o     dehydrated and how often you should drink it

  o     A sports drink is not the same as an ORS. Do not drink sports drinks without asking your doctor

  o     Do not drink soft drinks or fruit juices. These can make your condition worse

 •    You may receive fluid through an IV. Electrolytes may also be included in the fluid

What can I do to prevent dehydration? 

•    Drink liquids as directed. Liquids that contain water, sugar, and minerals can help your body hold in fluid and help prevent dehydration. Drink liquids throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Men should drink about 3 liters (13 eight-ounce cups) of liquid each day. Women should drink about 2 liters (9 eight-ounce cups) of liquid each day. Drink even more liquid if you will be outdoors, in the sun for a long time, or exercising

•    Stay cool. Limit the time you spend outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Dress in lightweight clothes

•    Keep track of how often you urinate. If you urinate less than usual or your urine is darker, drink more liquids

When should I seek immediate care? 

•    You have a seizure

•    You are confused or cannot think clearly

•    You are extremely sleepy, or another person cannot wake you

•    You become dizzy or faint when you stand

•    You are not able to urinate

•    You have trouble breathing

•    You have a fast or irregular heartbeat

•    Your hands or feet are cold, or your face is pale 

When should I contact my doctor? 

•    You have trouble drinking liquids because you are vomiting

•    Your symptoms get worse

•    You have a fever

•    You feel very weak or tired

•    You have questions or concerns about your condition or care

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

© 2017 Truven Health Analytics LLC All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.

What is an upper respiratory infection? 

An upper respiratory infection is also called a common cold. It can affect your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. 

What causes a cold? 

The common cold is caused by a virus. There are many different cold viruses, and each is contagious. This means the virus can be easily spread to another person when the sick person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be spread if you touch something that a person with a cold has touched. You are more likely to get a cold in the winter. Your risk of getting a cold may be increased if you smoke cigarettes or have allergies, such as hay fever.

What are the signs and symptoms of a cold? 

Cold symptoms are usually worst for the first 3 to 5 days. You may have any of the following:

•      Runny or stuffy nose

•      Sneezing and coughing

•      Sore throat or hoarseness

•      Red, watery, and sore eyes

•      Fatigue 

•      Chills and fever

•      Headache, body aches, or sore muscles

How is a cold treated?

There is no cure for the common cold. Colds are caused by viruses and do not get better with antibiotics. Most people get better in 7 to 14 days. You may continue to cough for 2 to 3 weeks. The following may help decrease your symptoms:

•      Decongestants help reduce nasal congestion and help you breathe more easily. If you take decongestant pills, they may make you feel restless or cause problems with your sleep. Do not use decongestant sprays for more than a few days

•      Cough suppressants help reduce coughing. Ask your doctor which type of cough medicine is best for you

•      NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your doctor if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions

•      Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day

How can I manage my cold? 

•      Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day

•      Drink more liquids as directed. Liquids will help thin and loosen mucus so you can cough it up. Liquids will also help prevent dehydration. Liquids that help prevent dehydration include water, fruit juice, and broth. Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine. Caffeine can increase your risk for dehydration. Ask your doctor how much liquid to drink each day

•      Soothe a sore throat. Gargle with warm salt water. This helps your sore throat feel better. Make salt water by dissolving ¼ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. You may also suck on hard candy or throat lozenges. You may use a sore throat spray

•      Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Use a cool mist humidifier or a vaporizer to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for you to breathe and help decrease your cough

•      Use saline nasal drops as directed. These help relieve congestion

•      Apply petroleum-based jelly around the outside of your nostrils. This can decrease irritation from blowing your nose

What causes chest pain? 

Chest pain can be caused by a range of conditions, from not serious to life-threatening. Chest pain can be a symptom of a digestive problem, such as acid reflux or a stomach ulcer. An anxiety attack or a strong emotion, such as anger, can also cause chest pain. Infection, inflammation, or a fracture in the bones or cartilage in your chest can cause pain or discomfort. Sometimes chest pain or pressure is caused by poor blood flow to your heart (angina). Chest pain may also be caused by life-threatening conditions such as a heart attack or blood clot in your lungs. 

What other symptoms might I have with chest pain? 

•      A burning feeling behind your breastbone

•      A racing or slow heartbeat 

•      Fever or sweating 

•      Nausea or vomiting 

•      Shortness of breath 

•      Discomfort or pressure that spreads from your chest to your back, jaw, or arm 

•      Feeling weak, tired, or faint 

How is the cause of chest pain diagnosed?

 Your doctor will examine you. Describe your chest pain in as much detail as possible. Tell him or her where your pain is and when it began. Tell the provider if you notice anything that makes the pain worse or better. Tell him or her if it is constant or comes and goes. Your doctor will ask about any medicines you use and medical conditions you have. He or she will also examine you. You may also need any of the following tests: 

•      An EKG is a test that records your heart's electrical activity

•      Blood tests check for heart damage and signs of a heart attack

•      An echocardiogram uses sound waves to see if blood is flowing normally through your heart