The Neti Pot (or Nose Bidet)
Filed Under prevention, sneezing & wheezing | Comments Off
Okay, this is just gross…..but I’m going to write about it anyway. Who knows, maybe it will help someone – just don’t ask me to do it. I’m talking about the neti pot – an old Indian practice of nasal irrigation, it was demonstrated last April by Dr. Oz on Oprah, and has been jokingly referred to as a “bidet for the nose.”
I guess the practice is more well-known amongst health conscious people who prefer to use natural, homeopathic methods for treating in this case, sinus-related problems. The theory is that bathing the sinus cavities in a solution of warm salt water will help to reduce allergy and cold symptoms, along with other sinus problems.
You are supposed insert the spout of the pot into one nostril (while your head is tilted over a basin) and let the solution of non-iodized salt and water run up one nostril and out the other.
Neti pots have become so popular that you can find them just about anywhere – health food stores, drugstores, even Wal-Mart. There are kits such as the
Here’s a demo video:
Norovirus Strikes Thousands in Britain
Filed Under assorted viruses, is it contagious? | Comments Off
Over the weekend someone mentioned to me that many people in Britain got a virus spread by contaminated computer keyboards. Now, I’m sure that contaminated keyboards were not the sole source of the virus, but it is a reminder of how we forget that just because we don’t “see” germs, they are out there and need to be dealt with – especially at this time of year.
Browsing around the internet, I did find an actual story by the Associated Press about the highly contagious Norovirus making thousands sick in Britain. Usually striking during the winter months, Norovirus is a contagious stomach virus which is transmitted between people through contact with contaminated surfaces (ie: phones, door knobs, computer keyboards, etc) or by sharing food or drink.
Also commonly referred to as gastroenteritis, the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach or intestinal cramping, diarrhea, chills, fever, aches and pains. It usually takes a few days to recover, however some cases can be very severe, requiring special medical care if they become dehydrated.
How long are people with Norovirus contagious? People infected with Norovirus are contagious from the time they start to feel ill up until about 3 days after they have fully recovered, though some people could still be contagious for up to two weeks. This is why good hygiene is important for anyone who has come down with this virus and for anyone around infected people.
Antibiotics do not work for norovirus – all you can do is to wait it out, reduce your fever and drink plenty of clear liquids in order to stay hydrated.
How can you prevent the spread of norovirus? Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before and after preparing food; clean and sanitize contaminated surfaces (or potentially contaminated) with bleach/household disinfectant cleanser; wash all linens/bedding that may be contaminated (especially after recovery).
Should You Get a Flu Shot?
Filed Under influenza | Leave a Comment
I was never one to get a Flu vaccine – didn’t believe in them, always healthy, too busy, you know, the usual excuses. After battling the worst (and first in years) upper respiratory infection and getting a lecture from my doctor, I am beginning to rethink this whole flu shot thing. Now having the shot probably would not have prevented the infection entirely, it surely would have made it less severe. Another family member came down with the same virus (but had their shot about two months ago) and it only lasted a few days. Mine? Going on 2 weeks.
There are several things that I did not understand about the flu shot – there are probably others who think the same way I thought – so this information is for you.
You cannot catch the flu from a shot. The virus in the flu vaccine has been inactivated, so its dead – not a live virus. Getting the shot gives you part of the inactive virus and your body then produces antibodies against the virus.
Flu shots are about 70% effective in preventing the flu all-together. If you do happen to get it, the vaccine will prevent a severe case (I’ve seen it work now).
I always thought that only the elderly, or those working in the healthcare profession needed to get the flu shot – not so. Flu shots benefit healthy adults and children in that they help to prevent getting the virus and thus help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Just about anyone can get a flu shot – only those allergic to eggs, or those who have had allergic reactions in the past cannot. There may be a few other instances, so check with your doctor.
Too sick to do it now, but I’m definitely getting one next year!
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