Despite it being the peak of summer, we are seeing a LOT of sick patients recently in clinic. Also, there is a major spike in COVID cases currently and some fear surrounding this. I find myself repeating myself to my sick patients nearly 4-5 times a day and want to come here and spread some firsthand knowledge~ not germs 😉
Firstly, it’s important to recognize signs and symptoms of a viral illness. Let’s start with the basic symptoms including body aches, headaches, chills, and fevers.
-When I say fever, us medical folk mean a measured temperature greater than 100.4 F or 38 C. Please do not just tell your PCP you feel hot
-Other symptoms can include: stuffy nose, watery eyes, mucous dripping down the back of your throat, sore throat, cough
**Signs and symptoms of allergies: watery/itchy eyes and throat, post nasal drip, sneezing–> all worse after being outside/exposure to allergen**
**Big and scary symptoms: (in general) productive cough with fever that doesn’t improve, sharp chest pain worse during breathing, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, severe vomiting or diarrhea causing dehydration, neck stiffness, new onset confusion, amongst others**
“Should I be testing for COVID??” “What if I have it?”
Great question. A common question we all learn to ask in medicine as well will answer this one: If it will not change your management or treatment, why is it necessary?
–> So you’re sick and feeling ill, it could be COVID, influenza, or a thousand other viruses out there. Regardless, you should stay at home until you feel better, take medicine, wear a mask and be cautious not to get others sick as well!
–> NOTE- individuals who are either immunocompromised (lung disease, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions), those over 6 years old, or under 6 months old are considered highest risk for COVID-19 complications and should absolutely test if they are sick.
The best cold and flu remedies I recommend for my patients:
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- OTC medications– Dayquil, Nyquil, ibuprofen, Sudafed, Robitussin, ricola cough drops- don’t be shy to take these!!
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- Natural remedies:
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- for cough: herbal tea with manuka honey, fresh ginger and fresh lemon
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- Vitamin C from oranges/tangerines/watermelon (weird but guava and kiwi are crazy high in vitamin C)
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- for immune support: Zinc, vitamin D, elderberry (you can get a supplement with all 3 like airborne, etc.)
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- Natural remedies:
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- MOST importantly–> hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
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- Clear liquids, sugar-free electrolytes, teas
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- Your mom was not lying when she said water flushes toxins out of your body!
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- MOST importantly–> hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Bottom line: Unless you have COVID-19 with the risk factors that make you a higher risk case, warranting a trip to the ER for supportive care, further testing, please please please, stay at home. Cancel your plans, cancel the trip. If you must go out while you’re sick at least wear a mask because you are highly contagious.
Also~~! If you’re worried about getting sick and want to start a daily immune support supplement, I recommend something with at least zinc, vitamin D and vitamin C. There’s a million of them out there right now such as AG1, Seed, Ritual, and less trendy ones like Nature Made and Zicam.
(As always, your pocket PA blog is discussing medicine very generally and if you are sick and concerned~ please consult with your primary care provider!)
With love and healthy wishes,
-Your Pocket PA
This is so helpful and easy to read!! Thank you pocket PA😍