About half of US adults incorrectly believe that antibiotics or flu vaccines will treat the flu, according to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). The good news is that two-thirds of those surveyed know that people should be vaccinated against the flu each year.

“It is reassuring that individuals recognize the importance of receiving an annual vaccination but that’s not enough,” says Dr. Susan J. Rehm, NFID medical director. “To help keep influenza out of homes, schools, and workplaces, everyone six months and older should get vaccinated and contact their doctor when experiencing flu symptoms. Remember Flu F.A.C.T.S.: Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness, and Sudden onset, to help determine if your symptoms are flu related.”

According to the CDC, the most important step in protecting against the flu is getting an annual flu vaccine. Also, when viruses are circulating, everyday preventative actions (like washing your hands and covering your cough) can stop the spread of viruses. Once you are infected with the flu virus, vaccination and hand washing will not stop the virus from replicating. Antibiotics won’t help either, as they fight against bacterial infections. If you get the flu, a doctor can prescribe medicines to help treat the flu.

Flu spreads quickly and easily from one person to the next. Anyone can become sick and experience serious complications. Watch “Freddie the Flu Detective” identify flu symptoms in a new public service announcement from NFID.

Protect yourself this flu season, get vaccinated. To help your children learn flu-fighting habits, download a free “Freddie the Flu Fighter” coloring book at FluFACTS.com or nfid.org. 

The Flu Behaviors and Treatments survey is supported by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

*BPT

The post How Well Do You Know the Flu? appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Are you struggling with Urinary Tract Infections? Find out why you are getting them and how to prevent them!

While it’s not commonly talked about, half of all women will have a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives. If you’re currently among that 50 percent, you know how painful and bothersome they can be. In fact, they are the second leading cause of missed work by American women.

There are many factors contributing to a UTI.  All of these factors lead to bacteria entering the urinary tract, attaching to the wall of the bladder and multiplying.  For some women, there are obvious culprits such as sexual intercourse. For others, UTIs come on randomly.  The female opening of the bladder (urethra) is very short, and bacteria have an easier time making their way into the bladder of women than men.  Therefore, women are more prone to UTI’s than men, though men can get them too.

Some factors that can contribute to bacteria entering the urinary tract include:

• Sexual intercourse – bacteria can be “pushed” into the bladder.
• Hot tubs, warm baths, or wet bathing suits (because bacteria thrive in warm, moist conditions)
• Vaginal dryness after menopause can lead to dry skin around the urethra.
• Not drinking enough water – staying hydrated flushes bacteria out of the bladder.
• Not emptying the bladder regularly or completely
• Underlying medical problems such as obesity, diabetes or chronic kidney stones
• Recent surgery of the bladder or vagina

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to promote a healthy urinary tract and ward off infections.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day.
• Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need to urinate, rather than “holding it in.”
• Women should wipe from front to back and dry well after emptying the bladder.
• Empty the bladder completely after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid wearing moist, wet or sweaty clothing for long periods of time.

Another natural option for keeping a health urinary tract is to take a daily cranberry supplement with 36mg proanthocyanidins — known as PACs. The PACs from cranberries attach to bacteria and inhibit them from sticking inside the bladder. My patients have had success using a daily supplement called ellura (www.myellura.com).

Urinary tract infections are very common, and it’s important to discuss any concerns you have with your physician.

Aricle by: Dr. Sophie Fletcher , assistant professor in the Department of Urology, and Director of Research for the Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine in Houston Texas.  You can find more information on her website: www.drsophiefletcher.com

The post Being Proactive is Key in the Battle Against UTI appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.