Howcan Staph Infections Be Prevented
Here are some ways to prevent the spread of staph infections:
- Wash your hands carefully with soap and running water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Don’t share personal products, such as towels, sheets, clothing, razors and athletic equipment.
- Sanitize linens if you have a sore or cut. Wash towels and bedding using the hottest water setting in a washing machine and dry them using the hottest setting in the dryer.
- Clean abrasions and cuts and keep them covered with clean, dry bandages until healed.
- Shower with soap after participating in sports. Do not share your towel with others.
- Do not prepare food for others if you have a staph infection.
- Stay away from illicit drugs. People who use intravenous drugs have an increased risk of MRSA, hepatitis C and HIV.
If you plan to visit someone with MRSA in the hospital, know that both visitors and healthcare workers will be required to wear protective garments and follow strict hand-washing procedures to keep the infection from spreading.
Clinically reviewed and updated by Rebeca Thomas, BSN, RN, CPHQ, September 2022.
Care For Your Ears Properly
Cleaning your ears is an important part of grooming, but it’s vital that you do so properly to avoid injury. Cotton balls and swabs should only be used to clean the outside of your ear. If ear wax build-up is a concern, it’s best to use ear wax removal products rather than swabs. We carry a wide range of solutions for ear wax removal, including hydrogen peroxide-based washes.
Maintaining proper hygiene is just one aspect of ear care. Medical professionals recommend using ear plugs whenever you’ll be exposed to loud noises like the hum of machinery or the music from a rock concert. Doing so can reduce your risk of hearing loss.
Ease Congestion With Over
Nasal congestion is a common concern that can arise due to seasonal allergies, the common cold or sinusitis. Over-the-counter products are available to address the symptom and help you breathe easier.
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Treatment For Colds And Sinus Infections
All colds and most sinus infections are caused by viruses and clear up on their own without treatment. Know that antibiotics do not work against viruses. Cold and sinus infection treatment involves relieving symptoms. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help you feel better, but they do not shorten the length of the illness. Getting plenty of rest, drinking enough water, applying a warm compress to your sinus area and using a humidifier can make you more comfortable.
Over-the-counter medications can also help alleviate cold and sinus symptoms. Read labels closely when choosing a medication. Note that combination medicines contain more than one active ingredient. For example, Alka Seltzer Plus contains several active ingredients, including acetaminophen . In this case, you’d have to be careful to not also take a separate dose of acetaminophen. You also should not take medications for symptoms you don’t have. Your pharmacist can help you find an OTC product to treat your specific symptoms:
There are no prescription medications for colds, but there are prescription medications for symptom management. One of these is ipratropium bromide , which is available as a nasal spray or as an inhaler. This nasal spray can ease a runny nose, postnasal drip and a sore throat, and the inhaler relaxes airways and prevents secretion of mucus in the nose.
Clinically reviewed and updated December 2021.
Common Conditions Often Mistaken For A Yeast Infection
. But that doesnât necessarily mean weâre good at telling the difference between a yeast infection and other vaginal conditions. In fact, one study showed that only about a third of folks were correct in diagnosing themselves with a yeast infection.
Below are eight common conditions that are often mistaken for a yeast infection, plus guidance on how to tell whether they may be the cause of your symptoms. And remember â if your discharge and itchiness are causing you concern, then itâs best to get checked out by a doctor.
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Earache And Ear Infections
Ear infections are caused by a buildup of fluid in your ear. Infections can be brought on by a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection that prevents your ear from draining as it should. Ear infection symptoms include an earache, a feeling of pressure inside your ear, or difficulty hearing. You may also have a thick, yellowish fluid coming from your ear. Ear infections are common in children, but theyre less common in adults. Whether your child has an earache, or you do, you want to see someone right away. You can get fast, expert care at UHealth Clinic at Walgreens.
Most earaches and ear infections are easy to treat. Providers at UHealth Clinic at Walgreens treat earaches and ear infections at convenient locations throughout South Florida on your schedule, at the location of your choice. You get trusted care from UHealth Clinic providers who know how to relieve symptoms as quickly as possible.
Teladoc Doctors Prescribe Medical Treatment For A Wide Range Of Conditions
Our doctors can diagnose many health issues like cold and flu symptoms, allergies, rash, skin problems and so much more! Here is a small sample of things weve treated in the last year:
- Abdominal Pain/Cramps
- Vaginal/menstrual issues
- Yeast infection
National Telemed Solutions is a company specializing in providing telemedicine services on a direct to consumer basis. The corporate partnership platform provides the individual consumer household membership to the National Telemed group. The individual household is afforded the benefit of joining the National Telemed network for access to the telemedicine service.
National Telemed Solutions offers its telemedicine service through its regional centers and through a nationwide network of partners and affiliates.
We have chosen Teladoc® to power the telemedicine physician network to National Telemed Solutions members. Teladoc® is the largest, oldest and only publicly traded telemedicine provider in the U.S.
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Diarrhea Nausea And Vomiting
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of the stomach flu or food poisoning, but other digestive system problems like irritable bowel syndrome can also cause these symptoms.
If your symptoms dont go away within a few days, you should see a medical provider particularly if you have severe stomach pain, a fever over 101 F, vomiting for more than a day , lack of urination, or signs of dehydration.
If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, its natural to be concerned. You can turn to the providers at any UHealth Clinic at Walgreens location to treat diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You can get fast, expert care and evening appointments at several locations throughout South Florida. Were here for you when you need us. Your provider will examine you and do any necessary testing to find out whats causing symptoms. You get immediate treatment and advice to help you feel better and peace of mind knowing youre in capable hands.
Do I Need A Telehealth Service Like Teladoc If I Already Have Insurance
Having a doctor on call whenever you need makes a huge difference in your life. Even if you have health insurance you can still benefit from access to virtual doctors. Its a low cost expense with high value, so its certainly worth giving it a try.
Take advantage of this amazing time in telemedicine.
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How Do I Know If I Have An Ear Infection
Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause ear infections. But because you cant see inside your ear with the naked eye, your symptoms may be the only way to suspect if you have one. And they can vary depending on the area of the ear thats infected.
If you or your child have symptoms like these, an ear infection could be a possibility. To confirm an ear infection, a healthcare provider typically needs to look inside your ear using a medical device called an otoscope. They can also check to see if a bacteria, virus, or something else is causing your infection.
Keep in mind that more serious symptoms can also develop that require prompt medical attention. More on these later.
Can You Treat An Ear Infection At Home
It depends on the severity.
Mild-to-moderate ear infections frequently go away on their own. Fortunately, you can usually treat your symptoms at home in these situations. The CDC recommends rest, plenty of fluids, and pain relievers as the main home remedies for ear infections.
But severe ear infections cant, and shouldnt, be treated at home. You may need to take antibiotic or antiviral medications. Antibiotics and antivirals arent available OTC theyre only available with a prescription. In rare cases, your healthcare provider may also need to insert a small tube to help your ear drain.
If you need an antiviral medication, you should start taking it as soon as possible. For instance, if a virus like the flu has led to an ear infection, antiviral medications should ideally be taken within a few days of getting sick.
If you need an antibiotic, time isnt usually as sensitive. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking them right away, or they could recommend that you watch and wait before attempting to treat the infection.
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Do Allergy Medicines Help Ear Infections
No. Allergy medicines such as antihistamines and are often used to dry out excess fluids in the body. The latest clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians do not recommend using antihistamines or decongestants for ear infections. Using these allergy medications to treat ear infections provides little benefit and may cause more harm than good.
The Difference Between A Cold And A Sinus Infection
The common cold is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It’s also one of the most common illnesses in the U.S., with adults getting an average of two to three colds per year, and children catching between six to eight colds per year. Most of the time, colds resolve on their own within three to seven days, with some symptoms possibly lingering for up to two weeks. But in some cases, colds can temporarily weaken the immune system or cause swelling of the lining of the airways or nose. This can lead to a secondary viral or bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.
A sinus infection or sinusitis is the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose. The most common cause of a sinus infection is a virus associated with a cold. However, about 2% of sinus infections are bacterial infections. Sinus infections usually improve within 10 days, but when they last longer, they’re more likely to be bacterial infections.
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Remedies And Treatments For Dog Ear Infections
Up to 16.5% of dogs will experience at least otitis externa, and complications may involve further development into more serious dog ear infections. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and minimize the severity of such infections in your dog.
Immediate Care
Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dogs ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax. They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication.
In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet.
Long-Term Care
Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog. It is important for you to carefully follow your veterinarians exact directives and instructions. You may make the application process easier by:
- Keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats.
- Relying on a partner’s help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear.
- Ensuring that you place the applicator safely outside of the dogs ear when dispensing medication.
- Gently massaging the medication into the affected area.
Continued
Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better. Lapses or errors in treatment can prolong your pups illness.
Maintenance and Prevention
Managing your dogs hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Clean your dogs ears by:
How Does It Work
The ofloxacin otic solution ear drop is administered into the ear. This solution reaches the eardrum and cures the outer infection.
Likewise, in the case of a middle ear infection, the medicines enter the inside of the ear through the holes of the eardrum caused as a result of the infection.
On entering the inner ear, the 0.3% ofloxacin present in the medicine prevents the growing bacteria and halts the severity of the infection. Thus, simultaneously reducing the pain, which is why it also acts as a pain killer.
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Ear Drying Kits At Walgreens
Outer ear infections can cause many troubling symptoms, including pain, pressure, fever and difficulty hearing. While its not possible to completely prevent ear infections, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of them reoccurring over time. If youre prone to outer ear infections, your doctor may recommend that you use an ear drying product to lower the likelihood of future infections. Walgreens makes it simple to follow that advice, providing a diverse assortment of ear drying products that you can purchase online. You can also visit a local Walgreens store to purchase an ear drying kit today.
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Walgreens Earache Drops By
- Uses
For use I ear only, according to homeopathic indications these ingredients temporaily relieve the symptoms of fever, pain, throbbing and sleeplessness, with ear aches after diagnosis by a physician. Relieves common pain and itching due ot cold and flu “swimmers ear “& allergies.
-
Use only after diagonsis by a physcian and under the supervisor or a physcian
Keep away from eyes
- this product is intended or compliment , not replace standard medical treatment
- initial worsening of symptoms may occur
- A Physician should always be consulted to rule out serious causes
If pregnant or breast feeding, ask a health care professional before use.
Do not use
- If if you have irritation, discharge or rash in the ear, consult a physician
- with ear tube, damaged ear drums or after surgery
- If product becomes cloudy
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How To Get Rid Of Ear Infection
While some cases require medical attention, most ear infections clear on their own. Rest and some home remedies will usually do the trick.
1. Holding a Warm Piece of Cloth over the Ear
Applying a warm compress relieves pain. You can do this in the following ways:
- Dip a piece of cloth in warm water, drain and hold it over the affected ear.
- Microwave a clean sock filled with either rice or beans for about 25 seconds and hold it on the ear.
- Alternatively, do the same with one cup of salt. Heat some salt and put it in a bean bag. Place it on the infected ear while lying down making sure that the temperature is not too high to make you uncomfortable. The heated salt will draw out any fluid from the infected ear and subsequently reduce pain and swelling.
- Do this for 10-15 minutes every day until the pain subsides.
2. Garlic
Garlic is an effective natural remedy for ear infection. It has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. You can use garlic in any of the following ways:
- Start by eating one or two cloves of fresh garlic every day to boost immunity and fight the infection.
- Crush a few cloves of boiled cloves add some salt before placing them in a clean piece of cloth and putting it on the affected ear.
- Fry some cloves of garlic in mustard oil until they are dark. Strain and leave to cool before putting a few drops into the affected ear using a dropper.
3. Olive Oil
You may substitute white vinegar for ACV if thats what you have.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Are There Any Home Remedies For A Urinary Tract Infection
The best home remedy for a UTI is prevention . However, although there are many home remedies available from web sites, holistic medicine publications, and from friends and familymembers there is controversy about them in the medical literature as few have been adequately studied. However, a few remedies will be mentioned because there may be some positive effect from these home remedies. The reader should be aware that while reading about these remedies , they should not to overlook the frequent admonition that UTIs can be dangerous. If the person does not experience relief or if his or her symptoms worsen over 1 to 2 days, the person should seek medical care. In fact, many of the articles about UTI remedies actually describe ways to reduce or prevent UTIs. Examples of home treatments that may help to prevent UTIs, that may have some impact on an ongoing infection, and that are unlikely to harm people are as follows:
There are over-the-counter tests available for detecting presumptive evidence for a UTI . These tests are easy to use and can provide a presumptive diagnosis if the test instructions are carefully followed a positive test should encourage the person to seek medical care.
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