House Call - health advice - Brief Article

Ebony, Dec, 1999

Expert Advice on Health and Fitness

`With the new flu drugs, can I forget that yearly and painful flu shot?'

NEW DRUGS TO BATTLE THE FLU

Q I didn't get a flu shot last year, and I had a case of the flu that was so bad I had to stay in bed almost a week. During the past few weeks, I've been hearing people talk about a number of new drugs that are supposed to prevent the flu. I'm confused about what these drugs can do. With the availability of these new flu drugs, can I forget about getting that yearly and painful flu shot? E.M., Seattle

A In short, doctors say the answer is no--if your intent is to avoid the flu altogether. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Relenza in July, and it's expected to approve another, Tamiflu, in the near future. Although neither is intended to replace the annual flu shot, researchers say both drugs can reduce the flu's duration and its severity by 30 percent and may prevent some people from getting infected by someone else by about 80 percent.

Relenza, an inhaled drug, and Tamiflu, which comes in pill form, could soon be joined in the battle by a new vaccine called FluMist, the first flu vaccine administered as a nasal spray. In fighting the influenza infection, these drugs affect the chemical site on the virus' surface and prevent the multiplication of infected cells.

Physicians say those who will benefit most from drugs like Relenza and Tamiflu are those persons who know they have been exposed to the virus and haven't taken a flu shot. However, the key to the drugs' success, they say, is that they must be taken within the first day or two of symptoms to have any effect on the disease.

IDENTIFYING FOOD POISONING

Q My best friend and I recently went to a fancy restaurant and had a great meal. But about two hours later, I began to sweat, felt nauseous and began vomiting. I think I was a victim of food poisoning. What exactly is food poisoning, and how can it be avoided? C.M., Atlanta

A Food poisoning is an acute illness that's caused by eating food that's contaminated by bacteria that may grow in food and produce their own toxin. The germs, doctors say, usually enter the food by way of an unsanitary person or from one who has a staphylococcal infection and handles the food during processing. Although cooking kills the germs, it does not destroy the toxin that was produced.

In the most frequent cases of food poisoning, evidence of the toxin becomes obvious one to eight hours after eating contaminated food. The usual symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and piercing abdominal pain. Cramps, headache and sweating are also common. Symptoms from another type of poisoning involving salmonella may not appear for one to two days after eating contaminated food.

There are measures that can be taken to avoid this uncomfortable condition, with the adherence to strict sanitary procedures being first and foremost for those who handle the food. All fresh fruit and raw vegetables should be washed thoroughly; cooked food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria; and food that is reheated should be eaten immediately to prevent the growth of bacteria.

CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF FROSTBITE

Q I recently got a new job that requires me to work outside in all kinds of weather. Now that we are in the winter season, I'm worried about getting frostbite. What should I do if I become a victim? V.S., Grand Rapids, Mich.

A The damage from frostbite is caused by a combination of decreased blood flow and the formation of ice crystals in the tissues, with hands and feet being most vulnerable. Contrary to popular belief, the victim should not be warmed in front of a fire or rubbed with snow. The affected area should be warmed slowly in water that is comfortable then dried and wrapped in sterile bandages to prevent infection. See a physician as quickly as possible so the severity of the condition can be determined.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND YEAST INFECTIONS

Q I am 32 years old and have been sexually active with only one man, my fiance, for the past year. We practice safe sex. My problem is that I have frequent yeast infections. I never had this problem before so I have to wonder if frequent sexual activity can be the cause of these yeast infections. N.R., Washington, D.C.

A Yeast infections are among the most common types of vaginal infections and are characterized by itching, burning and a lumpy discharge. Some women, like yourself, are victimized, for a number of reasons, by recurring yeast infections, which can be associated with antibiotics, menstruation, pregnancy, birth control pills or anything that disrupts the balance of organisms in the vagina.

Although some doctors say frequent sexual intercourse can be responsible for recurring yeast infections, you should see your doctor for an examination because several sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms that are similar to those of yeast infections.

RECOVERY AFTER CHILDBIRTH

Q My husband and I are expecting our first child in February. My focus has been on what to expect before and during delivery. Now I'm beginning to think about what happens to my body after the baby's birth. How long will it be before my body returns to normal, and when can I have sex again? B.T. Louisville