• Illnesses in the classroom: You’ve heard the saying that daycares and elementary school classrooms are a petri dish of yucky stuff. Kids are coughing, sneezing and touching things without knowing they’re spreading germs. Dr. Nauman says upper respiratory infections (colds) are common.
  
  “Use a humidifier. Honey is a great natural cough suppressant. You can do steamy baths,” Dr. Nauman says, outlining what parents can try. “Teach your kids the proper way to cough and blow their nose. Teach them how and when to wash their hands. They should be washing as much as possible throughout the day.

“I also think eating healthy and maintaining good nutrition is key,” she adds. “Make sure the kids get vitamins with their daily intake of food and drink.”

Pink eye is also common in schools. It’s inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eye.

“Most pink eye is caused by a virus. But sometimes if we think there’s a bacterial cause, we’ll treat with an antibiotic eyedrop,” Dr. Nauman says. “Pink eye is very contagious. If one person in the house gets it, it can be a domino effect because kids are all over each other. Prevention involves really good handwashing. And if you have a young infant or a child that has complex medical issues, keep them distant from others.”

And, teach kids to cough and sneeze into their sleeve, and they should not touch grimy surfaces then touch their face.

• Sleep disruptions and anxiety about school: Kids tend to stay up late during the summer. Maybe they’re snacking on sugar-filled foods with their heads buried in devices. Start the back-to-school sleep routine if you haven’t already, Dr. Nauman says. As part of this routine, have the kids go to bed and wake up at the same time. Dr. Nauman says elementary school-aged kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Older kids should get 9 to 11 hours. Teenagers can sleep for 8 to 9 hours.
  
  “Everyone lacks sleep to some degree. But with kids, we don’t realize how much good sleep can affect their ability to learn, emotionally regulate themselves and carry themselves,” Dr. Nauman points out. “Sleep also makes sure that immune system gets some rest and is able to help the kid’s body stay healthy.
  
  “If you have, for example, a nervous Kindergartener, drive by the school the week before classes start,” Dr. Nauman adds. “Say ‘OK, this is the time we’ll be dropping you off here. It’s going to be part of your routine.’ Give them a fun treat that day. Make it a memory that’s positive for them so that when the time comes to go to school, they’re ready.”
  
  Some schools hold “meet the teacher” nights prior to the school year to introduce everyone to each other. Take advantage of those, Dr. Nauman stresses. Be excited for and proud of your kids.
  
• Allergies: Ragweed is a big one seen in the fall, Dr. Nauman says. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, cough and itchy eyes.
  
  “If you know your kids get allergies in August or September, start the allergy medication two weeks before. Before the symptoms are super bad, help your body get ready for them,” Dr. Nauman suggests. Also, know the child’s allergy triggers, and avoid them.
  
• Asthma: School means kids are back in sports and activities. They’re running around and exerting themselves, leading to shortness of breath or even an asthma attack. Dr. Nauman says parents should work with their kid’s pediatrician to craft a written asthma action plan. Teachers and coaches should get a copy of the plan.
  
  “Fifteen minutes before recess, gym class or practice, they need to use their inhaler,” Dr. Nauman says, giving an example of what could be in the action plan. “That’s one of the main ways we can try to prevent these asthma attacks from happening and interfering with kids’ lives.”

Learn more

Read more about keeping kids healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Pediatric care at OSF includes local clinics like the one Dr. Nauman works at and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

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Busting hygiene myths

This is part one of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part two.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: There’s a one-size-fits-all pill for common illnesses.

Fact: It depends on whether it’s a viral infection (like influenza, the common cold or coronavirus) or a bacterial infection (like pneumonia, strep throat or food-borne illnesses like salmonella).

“For the most part, with bacterial infections you need to see a health care provider. You’re probably going to need an antibiotic,” Dr. Alyami says. “Most viral infections just run their course, and you focus on the symptoms. If you have a fever, you take fever medication. If you have pain, you take pain medication. If kids are six years or older and have a cough, they can use over-the-counter cough medication.”

Dr. Alyami points out that you can take those medications to help with bacterial infection symptoms, too. But you need an antibiotic, too, to get better.

• Myth: Feed a cold and starve a fever.

Fact: You should modify your diet when sick to avoid trigger foods, like spicy or greasy foods. But reducing the amount you eat and drink won’t make you better sooner. In fact, Dr. Alyami says hydration is critical.

“When kids have infections and a fever, one of the most common reasons they end up in the hospital is dehydration,” Dr. Alyami says. “When kids are sick, they lose fluids from their body and need hydration.”

So, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods as your body can tolerate.

• Myth: I can go back to work or school as soon as I start to feel better.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says you should be fever-free (body temperature less than 100.4 degrees) for 24 hours with improving symptoms.

When you go back out, practice good habits like thorough handwashing and avoiding coughing or sneezing into the open air.

• Myth: If I don’t look or feel dirty, I don’t need to shower or bathe.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says there’s no “catch all” advice for how often to wash off. Some people will shower or bathe daily. Others will do so every other day or less frequently. Dr. Alyami advises you to shower or bathe when you feel you need to or after you’ve been in a dirty or sweaty environment, like after playing sports or a hike in the woods. People with skin conditions should also clean themselves with care.

“For people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, I recommend daily showers,” Dr. Alyami says. “But they need to be quick because the more exposure to water we have, the more we dehydrate the skin. So, showers should not exceed 15 minutes, and you should apply moisturizer right away afterward.”

Interview clips

For the thousands of people who have asthma (a chronic lung disease that impacts your airways), the thought of vigorous exercise may be daunting. They may think, “What if I’m working out alone and find myself short of breath or worse?”

Enter Brittany Delaney, an athletic trainer at OSF HealthCare who works with young athletes on a variety of conditions, including asthma. She says workout warriors and their parents need not be afraid. You can work up a sweat with asthma if you know your body and prepare for possible problems.

“Actually, we like that [people with asthma] exercise a lot because it will help maintain a healthy weight. It also strengthens the lung muscles,” Delaney says.

“It's very important for athletes to know how to manage their symptoms when they’re in sports. That way, we can reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack,” she adds.

Signs to watch for include shortness of breath, hyperventilation (where you breathe fast and deep), dizziness, a rapid pulse, skin changes (such as turning blue) and chest pain or tightness. If those happen, Delaney says to use an inhaler, rest and, if it’s a young person, call their parents. If things don’t get better quickly, call 9-1-1.

Have a plan

Delaney says short bursts of exercise are better for people with asthma. Think of sprinting to first base in a baseball practice rather than jogging a few miles on a cross country course.

Know and avoid your triggers. If it’s a pollen-heavy day, exercise inside. Chlorine can also make asthma worse, Delaney says. So if you’re a person with asthma who swims, be vigilant about symptoms and the amount of time you spend in the pool.

“Cold weather can be a trigger,” Delaney adds. “If you’re running outside and it’s cold, put a scarf over your face to avoid cold air getting deep [into your lungs and irritating them]. Experts also say breathing through the nose rather than the mouth can decrease symptoms.”

Also a must: keep up with medication as directed by your health care provider. For most people with asthma, the first line of defense is that inhaler.

“I see a lot of athletes who carry their inhaler, but are they following directions? Are they only taking their medication when they’re starting to feel symptoms? A lot of people with asthma actually have inflammation daily. They should be taking medication daily," Delaney says.

If you’re working out or competing with others, Delaney suggests giving your inhaler to a designated person, such as a coach or trainer. That way, if you show symptoms, you don’t lose valuable time digging through your bag to find the inhaler.

Lastly, a proper warm up and cool down are key for any athlete to have a successful workout.

“I prefer starting with some light cardio to warm up the muscles. Then, do a dynamic stretch as opposed to a static stretch where you hold the pose for 30 seconds,” Delaney explains. “Dynamic is more active. Your heart rate is getting up. Your lungs are expanding. You’re getting more air in.”

Jumping jacks and lunges are examples of dynamic stretches.

Then, cool down with a light jog and some static stretches.

“Those muscles can’t go from hot to cold in a minute. You need to slow the progression down,” Delaney says.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Vitamin D basics

Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall, says vitamin D is a nutrient our body needs to produce calcium. Calcium helps create strong teeth and bones. So logically, not having enough vitamin D leads to brittle bones (a risk for greater injury after a fall), plus muscle aches and pains. Others with a vitamin D deficiency may not show symptoms. Either way, a provider may order a blood test to confirm the issue and then may advise you to take a supplement. This is usually in pill form and can be prescribed or bought over the counter by itself or as part of a multivitamin.

“Or the provider may just talk about vitamin D-rich foods first before starting a supplement,” Draper says. “High fat fishes, egg yolks, some cheeses and mushrooms.”

Draper adds that pregnant women, babies (especially babies who are breastfed), the elderly and people with darker skin often lack vitamin D.

On the flip side, Draper says it’s rare, but a person can get too much vitamin D. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and heart palpitations (feeling like your heartbeat is fast, pounding or otherwise irregular). You may also suffer kidney damage.

Summer sun

Here’s advice to commit to memory: Draper says research shows 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three times a day can get you a healthy amount of vitamin D.

“You want to protect your skin while doing that,” Draper adds. “Sunscreen and protective clothing like a hat and sunglasses. There’s not any research showing that sunscreen or clothes will prevent you from getting the vitamin D you need.”

Experts say your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and you should reapply every two hours. Clothing should be lightweight and light colored (Dark colors absorb more sunlight, leading to quicker heat illness.) Stay hydrated, and watch for redness and blisters from sunburns and suspicious moles that may be skin cancer. See a provider right away if you have issues from getting too much sun.

Another thing to note: Experts say a specialized lamp can help with seasonal affective disorder, a mental health condition often seen in the winter due to decreased daylight. The same logic does not apply for vitamin D. You need natural, not artificial light to get the vitamin D you need.

The bottom line

Draper says most people don’t have to worry about getting too much or too little vitamin D.

“The average person will get it through the sun,” Draper says. “If you live in a cold and dark environment, you’re at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. People farther away from the equator are higher risk.”

If you have symptoms of too much or too little vitamin D or just have a concern, talk to your primary care provider.

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Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke: Know the difference

It’s the dead of winter, and you need to run to the mailbox or let your dog out. It’s just a minute, you think. A sweater and sandals will be fine.

Not so fast, says Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall who sees cold weather injuries often. She says exposure to frigid temperatures can have serious consequences.

Types of cold weather injuries

• Frostnip: Draper says this is a mild form of frostbite where exposure to cold temperatures turns the skin pink or red. Your skin may feel burning or numb.

“The numbness typically goes away with rewarming,” Draper says.

• Frostbite: This is a more severe case of cold exposure. Your skin may be numb and appear yellow, white, gray or black. It may feel waxy and have blisters.
   
• Hypothermia: This is when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees.

“There are different stages,” Draper explains. “The first is our natural response of shivering. It gets more severe. The person may get confused and have lethargy, memory loss and slurred speech. It can lead to a coma and death.”

Inside, too?

Yes, there’s a risk for these injuries inside, too, Draper says. Notably, there have been cases of infants getting hypothermia.

“The room may be too cold, and they’re not dressed appropriately,” Draper says. “If they’re in a bassinet or crib with just a onesie and it’s cold, that can lead to hypothermia.”

Signs of infant hypothermia are bright red skin and decreased energy. Sleep experts use a thermal overall grade scale (TOG) to suggest how much clothing a baby should wear to sleep depending on the temperature of the room.

Treatment

Draper says she usually sees cases of frostbite and hypothermia sent to the emergency department. Providers will rewarm you with warm water or blankets and may provide warm liquids to drink, warmed oxygen through a mask and nasal tube or heated fluids through an intravenous line (IV) or other methods. Medication can also help with pain and blood flow.

“The hospital has more imaging resources to see the impact of the tissue damage,” compared to urgent care, Draper says.

For frostnip, you can take steps to warm up at home.

“It’s not as fast as possible. It’s not as hot as possible. It’s just that gradual warming,” Draper says. “Get off your cool or wet clothes immediately. You don’t want to stick your hands or feet into hot, steaming water. Just warm water.”

That’s because hot water can burn your skin. And if your skin is numb, you may not feel the burn before the damage is done. If water is not available, you can place your hands in your armpits. And handle the sensitive skin gently. Don’t rub or massage it. If your feet are affected, get off your feet.

Prevention

Draper says older adults, people who work or do activities outside (like hunters or hikers), unhoused people and people with medical conditions (like peripheral artery disease, diabetes and Raynaud’s disease) are at a higher risk of cold weather injuries. Getting stranded in a vehicle without proper protection is also common in the winter. Drinking alcohol or using drugs may lead to you losing consciousness outside. And smoking impacts blood circulation, putting you at a higher risk, Draper says.

Some ways to beat the cold:

• Dress in layers. You can always take a layer off, but you can’t put one on if you leave it at home. Make a hat, scarf, gloves and winter boots part of your wardrobe. Make sure the clothes aren’t too tight to allow for blood circulation. And look for water-resistant garments when buying clothes.
   
• Have winter weather supplies, like blankets, flares, a first aid kit and food, in your vehicle.
   
• Be well fed and hydrated. Body fat, though unhealthy in excess, helps us stay warm. For drinks, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
   
• During outdoor activities, take breaks and go with a buddy. Keep a close eye on kids who may not realize how cold they are. Come inside to change from wet to dry clothes. Let others know your plans and when you’ll be back. If you’re not back in time, that’s a sign you may have fallen victim to the cold, and help should be sent.

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Running in the cold

It’s important to exercise year-round for your physical and mental health. Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, has some tips to stay active in the winter.

• Before you even pick up a weight or lace up the running shoes, set standards for yourself.

“Even if you can just make the goal to do something that day,” Spires says. “It doesn’t need to be an hour or hour-and-a-half workout. It can be 30 or 45 minutes. It can be at home, at a gym or outside. But just making those goals possible and achievable.”

• Workout in the daylight. This can give you a mood boost and, if you’re outside, ensure you have enough light to be safe. Try working out on your lunch break or just when you have 20 minutes to spare, Spires suggests.
   
• If the outdoors is not nasty (like a blizzard), a walk or run outside is doable, Spires says. Just keep your safety in mind.

“Check the weather forecast. Use shoes that have more traction for those slippery sidewalks. Stay hydrated. Dress appropriately,” Spires advises.

Proper attire includes layers of sweat-wicking fabrics, and gloves and hats to warm your hands and head. Also, have a safety plan that includes access to first aid and a phone. Workout with a buddy when you can.

Also, know your limits. Spires says if you wouldn’t go to the gym for two hours, don’t shovel snow for two hours. Do it in five-to-10-minute chunks.

“We also use something called the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale,” Spires explains. “It’s one to 10. Ten would be the hardest exercise you’ve ever done. One is just sitting on the couch. We ideally like people to stay in that four to six moderate intensity range. So, if you think shoveling snow is in the four to six range and not creeping up to an eight or nine, that would be appropriate for you to do.”

On the positive side, Spires adds that depending on your location, you can branch out and try workouts like snowshoeing, ice skating or sledding.

“It’s fun to try new hobbies that are going to get you more active,” Spires says.

• When snowed in and working out in your home, use your surroundings to your advantage. For example, Spires suggests going up and down the stairs a few times with breaks in between.

“You can do different body weight exercises like jumping jacks or squats,” Spires adds. “You can get creative and use soup cans, water bottles or even bottles of hairspray to add a little bit of weight or intensity to your workout.”

Just like working out outside, Spires says to be aware of your surroundings. Am I on carpet or hardwood, which may be slick? Is there a stray cord or a wandering child I could trip on? Is there a counter or dresser nearby for me to catch my balance?

Read more about how to keep your body in top shape on the OSF HealthCare website

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Runny noses, sore throats and coughs are back in season.

For parents, it’s a yearly dance with kids at school and family gatherings that help spread germs, colds and viruses. Since it’s impossible for every person to avoid this, how can we minimize the severity of your symptoms? That’s where Kimberly Walker, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, comes in with some helpful advice.

Over-the counter options

Not every symptom calls for a doctor’s visit, and if you address your signs early enough, Dr. Walker says the length of your cold can decrease drastically.

“Within the first 24 hours, you can take Zinc lozenges,” Dr. Walker says. “That helps inhibit the amount of the virus that’s getting into your cells and body. But it’s only working within that first 24 hours.”

For children and adults alike, Dr. Walker offers another easy to find alternative that can provide relief.

“We’ve used this for many years, the Vick’s VapoRub. Luckily, it doesn’t sting or burn as much anymore. They have the creams and rubs which are a great source to use for your children to breathe easier and to sleep easier.”

Another option that has some health benefits? Celery.

“It has properties where it will numb the back of the throat and helps with sore throats. So, you can give them celery and peanut butter, ants on a log, right? It’s a good treat and helps with their sore throat,” Dr. Walker adds.

How to treat children with a cold

First and foremost, hand hygiene is key. Turn it into a fun game with your children at home. Remind them to cough into their sleeve and not out into thin air, spreading viral particles around.

“In children we want to make sure they’re well hydrated. Make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water and not sugar beverages. For any body aches or fevers they may have, given them Tylenol,” Dr. Walker says. “You can also do children’s Motrin, and cycle that with the Tylenol. Usually those are weight-based dosing, so make sure you know how much your child weighs and pay attention to the directions on the medication boxes.”

For babies, medicine isn’t always an option. Dr. Walker offers some advice for caregivers to provide comfort to infants with a cold.

“The biggest thing is going to be nasal irrigation with saline and making sure their airways are clear of mucus,” Dr. Walker says. “Really suctioning and getting those airways clear is very important for them.”

How can decongestants help?

“This is going to be a self-limited illness. Decongestants are going to help you breathe better,” Dr. Walker says. “You can also use an antihistamine with the decongestant, something like Claritin-D. It is something that will help you breathe better and rest better.”

But when you’re walking the pharmacy aisle seeing a bunch of different options, how can you choose? Dr. Walker has some tips.

“Afrin is a good decongestant to use, but you can only use Afrin for three days. Flonase is an intranasal steroid, but Flonase has been proven in studies not to help in the common cold. It is helpful with allergies, though,” Dr. Walker adds.

Colds and viruses tend to last one to two weeks. If your symptoms are more serious or linger on much longer than that, reach out to your primary care team and schedule an appointment. You can also consider an in-person or virtual visit to OSF OnCall Urgent Care. A virtual visit is available 24/7.

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With temperatures cooling, Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says we’re approaching the peak season for sore throats. Many cases have time-tested treatments, but some can have serious complications.

Dr. Alyami says a sore throat is an infection that causes inflammation in your throat. They’re annoying and painful, bringing symptoms like difficulty swallowing or talking and swelling of glands and tonsils. Causes can include tonsil stones, heartburn and allergies. But most commonly, causes break down into two groups: viral and bacterial.

Viral infections

Dr. Alyami says many viruses can cause sore throats – the common cold, influenza, coronavirus and others. Dr. Alyami says if your sore throat comes with coughing or a runny nose, that’s a sign it’s a viral infection. You can start treatment at home with over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol and ibuprofen. You can also gargle salt water and, generally, stay hydrated. Water is good for all ages, and Pedialyte can help hydrate kids.

If your symptoms include fever and neck swelling, it’s a more serious situation. You should see a health care provider.

Bacterial infections

The main bacterial infection that causes sore throats is group A streptococcus (commonly known as strep or strep throat). Strep throat may bring the hallmark sore throat symptoms, but you should also watch for fever and white patches toward the back of your mouth.

“This is a bacterial infection that’s common in kids,” Dr. Alyami says of strep throat.  “About 30% of sore throats are strep, and about 70% are viral. It’s a big deal. We need to treat to prevent complications.”

The most common complication is dehydration, Dr. Alyami says.

“The sore throat is so bad, the child doesn’t want to eat or drink,” he explains.

Other times, untreated strep throat can lead to abscesses, or pus pockets.

“If that abscess gets big enough, it can go toward other structures in the body that are very important. That infection can spread and progress very quickly,” Dr. Alyami says. Life-threatening conditions like difficulty breathing can result.

Dr. Alyami says providers can diagnose strep throat with a throat swab. They treat strep throat with 10 days of antibiotic medication, either injected or taken orally. He says most kids will take the medicine orally unless that’s troublesome. For example, some kids have a tough time swallowing pills due to throat pain.

Prevention

It’s advice you’ve heard before, but it’s worth repeating. Dr. Alyami says good hand hygiene goes a long way to preventing sore throats. Wash your hands thoroughly, and keep them away from your face.

Early detection is also key.

“If the child is sick, especially with symptoms that could be strep, it’s better to get them to a health care professional early,” Dr. Alyami implores. “They can get checked and isolated for 12 to 24 hours before they start antibiotics.

“If you’re sure about what they have, it’s better to just bring them in and get them checked,” he adds. Or, a virtual visit is an option.

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Fall and winter could be renamed “coughing season” with seasonal illnesses in the air. But there’s more to coughing than the brief but annoying impact on your day.

Some coughing is normal. But you should see a health care provider quickly when you cough up things you shouldn’t.

The basics: Why do you cough?

Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says coughing is one way your body protects your lungs and airways from irritants. You expel the bad stuff out of our system, she says.

Some everyday things that can make you cough: breathing in smoke, allergies and mucus dripping down to your throat and irritating it. Or, you may just wake up in the morning and cough a few times to lighten your chest. These shouldn’t alarm you, Dr. Ogun says.

“We have cough receptors in our airways and lungs,” Dr. Ogun explains. “If we have mucus or an irritant, there’s a signal sent to our brain. The brain activates those receptors to have the cough action happen. So that’s why you clear your throat or cough in the morning. You’re trying to clear out your airways.”

If your cough is associated with an illness (like a cold, flu, RSV, COVID, bronchitis or pertussis, also called whooping cough) or a chronic condition (like asthma or COPD), you should be seeing a provider as often as needed to learn how to manage things.

Coughing up things you shouldn’t

Watch for signs that your cough may be linked to a more serious problem, Dr. Ogun says.

• Mucus: Our airways produce mucus to trap irritants, Dr. Ogun says. So it’s not out of the ordinary to cough up mucus from time to time. But if the mucus is thick or a different color (green or yellow), it could be a sign of pneumonia or bronchitis.
  
  “When it’s persistent [cough with mucus] and it’s affecting your breathing, you definitely want to be seen [by a provider,]” Dr. Ogun says.
   
• Vomit: Dr. Ogun says sometimes, you just cough hard enough to bring up some vomit. If it’s a “one-off,” as she calls it, you should still see a provider, but it may not be cause for great concern. But persistent vomiting while coughing could be a sign of whooping cough, acid reflux or aspiration (when food or drink gets into the lungs).
   
• Blood: Coughing blood brings a high level of concern, Dr. Ogun says.
  
  “Sometimes you have the common cold, you’re coughing for a long period and you irritated your airways. Maybe you nick the capillary artery [leading to coughing blood.] That’s fine,” Dr. Ogun says. “But more serious conditions would be a blood clot in the lung or tuberculosis.”
  
  Heart failure, lung cancer or infections are also associated with coughing up blood.
   

Diagnosis and treatment

When you see a provider for an abnormal cough, they’ll ask about your health history, specifically about your cough. How long have you been coughing? Did something trigger it? What are you coughing up? Do you have other symptoms, like a fever?

“Then the provider could do a physical examination. They look at the back of your throat. They listen to your lungs to see if they hear anything concerning. Depending on what they find, they could order a chest X-ray or a CT scan to see what’s going on inside your chest,” Dr. Ogun says.

Treatment will depend on what the provider finds. For example, acid reflux can be tamped down by an antacid or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). For an infection like pneumonia, you’ll get an antibiotic. If it is just an irritating tickle in your throat, you may get a steroid like Flonase.

What you can do

Some advice from Dr. Ogun to ensure coughs don’t derail your health:

• Parents should keep a close eye on kids and their coughing.
   
• No matter the age, don’t shake off one instance of a bad cough and assume things will go back to normal. See a provider right away.
   
• While vaccines don’t prevent coughing, Dr. Ogun says they are critically important to stomp out the illnesses associated with coughing. Talk to your health care provider about when you’re due for flu, COVID, RSV, pneumonia and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines.
  
  “Pertussis is dangerous in immunocompromised people and kids,” Dr. Ogun warns. “RSV is highly contagious, as well. It’s life-threating in infants and older adults.
  
  “What vaccines do is help prevent getting to the very severe stage [of an illness,]” she adds. “You’re trying to prevent ending up in the hospital. You’re also reducing the risk of infection. And you’re protecting people around you who may be sicker than you.”
   
• Daily hygiene habits also go a long way. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Wash your hands often. Stay home and away from others when sick. Again, these don’t prevent coughs. But they can help prevent the spread of illness that brings those rough coughing fits.

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Puede que haya tenido un virus hace dos semanas, haya tratado los síntomas con antibióticos y se sienta mejor, pero siga teniendo tos. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, es neumonólogo de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center en Evergreen Park, Illinois. Atiende a pacientes a diario, sobre todo, a personas con trastornos respiratorios y enfermedades pulmonares. Explica las posibles causas de la tos persistente.

“Muchas veces se debe a una inflamación local que persiste. No hay mucho que hacer al respecto. En general, recomendamos antihistamínicos, y a veces, hay que repetirlos”, indica el Dr. Ayala. “Suele desaparecer con el tiempo, pero si no lo hace, obviamente se debe analizar”.

Los antihistamínicos pueden ser Claritin-D, Benadryl o Allegra, entre otros, y se pueden comprar sin receta.

A muchas personas, las temperaturas frías les provocan un aumento de moco en la garganta. Para esto, el Dr. Ayala recomienda otro medicamento de venta libre, Mucinex.

El Dr. Ayala recomienda vigilar los síntomas. Dado que muchas personas se resfrían y contraen virus en esta época del año, puede tratar sus síntomas en casa ya que es importante evitar que los hospitales se saturen.

“Si presenta alguna señal de alarma, como fiebre persistente o fiebre alta que dure más de uno a tres días, o síntomas que no desaparecen con medidas temporales, como la administración de Tylenol o Motrien, y perduran por más de dos o tres días, podría necesitar consultar a un médico”, dice el Dr. Ayala.

El Dr. Ayala ha observado un aumento en los pacientes con COVID-19.

“Ha habido un aumento notable. Es posible que algunas de las cepas recientes no sean tan letales o graves, pero se propagan fácilmente de una persona a otra”, remarca el Dr. Ayala.

¿Debería consultar a un médico?

La COVID-19, el virus respiratorio sincitial, las infecciones por estreptococo y la gripe son muy contagiosas, pero se suelen tratar en casa. Si tiene síntomas como tos o dolor de garganta, pero son leves y no tiene una enfermedad de alto riesgo, puede realizarse una prueba de detección de COVID-19 en su casa y tratar los síntomas con medicamentos de venta libre.

Consulte a un médico en los siguientes casos

Si tiene síntomas que no han mejorado en 10 días, tiene dificultad para respirar o una enfermedad preexistente, como diabetes, asma o EPOC. Si tiene manchas blancas en la parte posterior de la garganta, es un signo evidente de infección, por lo que deberá realizar un tratamiento médico indicado por un proveedor médico certificado.

Cómo mantenerse sano

Lávese las manos, tápese la boca al toser y quédese en casa si está enfermo.

Vídeos de Entrevistas

As many viruses are circulating around our communities, it is paramount to monitor your symptoms and know when the right time is to seek medical care in person. Sarah Overton, the Chief Nursing Officer for OSF Medical Group, Home Care and Employee Health, stresses the importance of virtual care when your symptoms are mild.

“That way we’re not exposing you to anyone in the public and you’re not exposing the health care worker to illness,” Overton says. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in health care worker illness where our nurses and doctors have to stay home because they are being exposed to illness.”

Hospitals across the OSF Ministry have been seeing a spike in COVID-19 patients. If you suspect you have COVID-19 but your symptoms are mild, take an at-home COVID-19 test. The federal government has another stockpile of at-home tests that are free to order on COVID.gov. Every household can receive four free rapid tests. Dr. Brian Curtis, Vice President of Clinical Specialty Services with OSF HealthCare, says taking tests at home will help free up space at medical facilities.

“Coming in just to get tested takes up spots for the people that are really sick or are high-risk,” Dr. Curtis says.

“The Emergency Room is reserved for those true emergencies,” Overton adds. “We have patients that have heart attacks and lung issues with their COPD. Additional patients overflowing the Emergency Room takes away precious time from assessing those patients who shouldn’t be exposed to those viruses while being in our waiting rooms.”

But COVID-19 isn’t the only virus making the rounds in our communities right now. Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and others are being seen often as well. So how can we stop the spread of viruses?

·         Stay home when you aren’t feeling well.

·         Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly.

·         Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

·         Wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes.

·         Don’t share glasses or silverware with others.

·         Receive the flu shot.

For treating mild symptoms at home, Dr. Curtis offers some guidance for using over-the-counter options.

“You can take Tylenol or Motrin for fevers and aches. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest,” Dr. Curtis says.

Overton says to make sure you read the labels on any over-the-counter medication you buy. If you have any questions, you can ask a retail pharmacist, or send a message through MyChart to your OSF care team.

When is the right time to be seen?

“If you have a super deep cough that’s hanging on for quite a while or have a fever that lasts for several days,” Overton says. “Or if you have high-risk factors and may benefit from some of our medications for COVID, like Paxlovid, which are readily available in our retail pharmacy locations. We also have COVID-19 boosters able to be administered in our primary care offices.”

“There is a medication for influenza, but if you have a mild case, you’ll have more side effects from the medication than you are having from influenza itself. As far as RSV goes, there’s really no treatment for it except for supportive care.”

If you are sick and plan to visit a medical facility, please cover your face with a mask to decrease exposure to the health care workers.

Below you will find data about patient volumes in both the Peoria and Bloomington markets. The 7-day period covers November 28-December 4, and the 30-day period is for November 5-December 4.

Peoria Primary Care visits:

7-day period: 8,302 (1.6% increase from same 7-day period last year)

30-day period: 32,639 (4% increase from same 30-day period last year)

Peoria OnCall Urgent Care visits:

7-day period: 2,643

30-day period: 10,672 (13% increase from month before, 8.1% increase from same 30-day period last year)

Peoria PromptCare visits:

7-day period: 1,743

30-day period: 7,190 (14.3% increase from month prior)

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Department - Peoria

7-day period: 1,625 (11.1% increase from week prior)

30-day period: 6,729

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center - Bloomington

Bloomington Primary Care visits:

7-day period: 2,897 (41.5% increase from week before)

30-day period: 11,608

Bloomington OnCall Urgent care visits:

7-day period: 848 (16.8% increase from week before)

30-day period: 3,508 (10.3% increase from month prior)

Bloomington PromptCare

7-day: 1,517

30-day: 6,176 (16.2% increase from month prior)

Sarah Overton Video Interview Clips

Dr. Brian Curtis Video Interview Clips

A survivor of a 2019 heart attack, Randy Isham was already on notice.

But Randy and his wife Dawn, retirees in Mansfield, Illinois, couldn’t predict the chaotic events of May 24, 2023. An ambulance took Randy to OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in nearby Urbana, and the man was soon fighting for his life due to a second heart attack.

“I’m glad to be alive,” Randy puts it plainly.

The Ishams and their OSF care team have now joined the chorus of heart health advocates, urging others to know when everyday exhaustion or dehydration is something more serious, especially if you have a history of heart issues.

From garage to gurney

On May 24, Randy was assembling a table in the garage when he began to feel weak but had no pain.

“When I touched his arm, it was a cold sweat,” Dawn recalls. “That’s when I got concerned that this didn’t seem right. Let’s call 9-1-1.”

It was in the ambulance that first responders determined Randy was having a heart attack. That’s when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is narrowed or blocked. Heart cells begin to suffer damage and die, and the heart no longer works how it should. Serious, life-long health issues or even death can result.

Randy coded at the hospital, adding to the urgency.

“It means there is no pulse. The heart stops. There is no blood reaching the brain and the whole body,” explains Tariq Enezate, MD, one of Randy’s OSF cardiologists. “When that happens, you need to know why and act fast.”

As the hospital pastoral care team and other Mission Partners (employees) kept Dawn informed, Randy was fighting for his life. He was without a pulse for 20 minutes, Dawn says, before Dr. Enezate’s team was able to revive him. Along the way, they removed a blood clot stemming from plaque buildup that they believe was the source of the heart attack. They then put in a stent. Randy is up to three stents, he points out, after his 2019 heart attack. It’s something he can speak about with relative ease now, but the nine-day hospital stay was no laughing matter.

“It could have gone either way,” Dawn says. “They wanted me to call the family in.”

Dr. Enezate describes the scene: “I had to go inside his heart while they were doing chest compressions. I was able to open [the blocked area in] his heart. At that moment, blood flow started back to the heart, and his pulse came back.

“Minutes mean muscle,” during heart attacks, Dr. Enezate adds. “The faster you restore flow in the artery and put a stent in, it’s better for the patient. It relieves their pain. It decreases the risk of complications.”

Lessons learned

Dr. Enezate calls Randy his miracle patient, and the Ishams agree.

“It was lucky he made it,” Dr. Enezate says. “I think the fact he came in early helped him.

“When we saw him coming back, that moment I can’t describe. It’s worth the world for all of us,” he adds.

Dr. Enezate’s affirmations “just gave me a nice warm feeling,” Randy says.

“Everybody there treated me like I was the only patient they had,” he adds, noting daily visits from Pastor Dave Jassman gave the couple strength.

Randy is back at home, doing well and receiving care typical for people who have suffered a major heart event, like therapy through OSF Home Care and cardiac rehabilitation. And he and Dawn are back at the healthy lifestyles that became the norm after Randy’s 2019 heart attack. Exercise is good, but no long work periods in the summer heat, for example. You’ll find Dawn cooking fish instead of steak. A tough, but necessary adjustment, Randy chuckles. Recipes from the American Heart Association also help.

“I used to think I was invincible, but I realize I’m not anymore,” Randy says.

The Ishams are also urging others to research trusted sources and learn not just the signs of a heart attack, but how to tell the difference between those signs and everyday pain like Randy thought he had on May 24. And don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 when something is wrong.

“It could save your life,” Dawn says.

Dr. Enezate says the classic symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. Some people describe it as an elephant weighing on their chest. You may also be short of breath, sweat, feel anxious or feel like you’re going to pass out. Or you may have no warning signs, and suddenly you’ve collapsed.

“If you have symptoms and you’re not sure why, call [a health care provider] for advice,” Dr. Enezate advises.

What about prevention for people who’ve had a heart attack?

Practice healthy habits, Dr. Enezate says. Don’t smoke. Take medication as directed by your provider. Control risk factors like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Exercise and eat right.

Learn more

Read more about how to care for your heart on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips - Dawn and Randy Isham

B-roll

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In 2022, we saw a number of video trends that went viral on the popular social media app TikTok that were being portrayed as health “hacks” to try at home. Some of these included Nyquil-soaked chicken, at-home mole removals, storing avocados in a container of water, and mouth taping. Another health “hack” continues to go viral on the app: cold plunging. Everyday folks and celebrities like Hailey Beiber, Lizzo, David Beckham and Lada Gaga are trying it.

Cold plunging is not new. It involves submersion into freezing cold water and dates back to early ancient Egyptian and Greek practices. You have probably even seen professional athletes use ice baths for muscle recovery.

In the popular videos on TikTok, people are filling large tubs with water outside and, if they live somewhere that experiences cold winters, they are letting the surface of the water freeze overnight. The following day, they crack the ice and plunge themselves into the cold water. The individuals in the videos claim the cold plunging helps with many things, from improving sleep to supporting a healthy immune system. 

Anne Orzechowski, an OSF HealthCare family medicine advanced practice nurse, says to take these claims with a grain of salt.

“There are some benefits of cold plunging if it is done safely, if you are used to it,” says Orzechowski. “Some studies from the colder climates show that there might be an increase in white blood cells, so there are thoughts that you might not get as sick. There is a decrease in triglycerides, an increase in endorphins – so some people say they feel better.”

The American Heart Association says while there are some studies that suggest people who adapt to cold water immersion reduce inflammation and other cardiovascular risks, there are other studies that have found prolonged cold water immersion to cause heart muscle damage. 

So how does something that can potentially be beneficial and seem harmless to most people also pose such serious risk? First, it’s important to understand what exactly happens to our body when plunging into freezing cold water.

“The initial thing that happens when you jump into a cold body of water is that initial shock reflex – that gasp,” Orzechowski warns. “Your body hyperventilates. It tries to get your blood flowing a little faster, tries to get your heart rate moving a little faster, and get that blood moving a little bit. Then as you are in there greater than three minutes your body starts to kind of calm down and relax. But there is a real risk of hypothermia after that, so you have to be really careful with this.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold water immersion creates a specific condition known as immersion hypothermia that develops much more quickly than standard hypothermia, because water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air.

“I would especially not recommend it for somebody with any sort of peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud’s, or any vascular issues associated with diabetes. You are not going to be able to feel your extremities very well and are not going to know when it is time to really get out,” says Orzechowski.

Orzechowski adds while some people claim that cold plunging helps to calm them and relieve stress, this calm feeling could actually be an effect of the constricting blood vessels. Furthermore, the National Center for Cold Water Safety warns that because blood vessels constrict in response to sudden cooling, cold water immersion causes an instant and massive increase in heart rate and blood pressure which increases the danger of heart failure and stroke.

Overall, the bottom line is that the risks of cold plunging tend to far outweigh the benefits. Orzechowski advises people who are intrigued by these videos to avoid trying it themselves.

“If you look up the TikTok ice plunge, you see a lot of people with hats on breaking into buckets of ice and jumping in. I really don’t recommend that. There is a risk of shock and there is a risk of arrhythmia,” cautions Orzechowski. “If you really want to do this, the takeaway point is just take a shower and turn the water to cold at the end, give yourself 10 to 15 seconds. That still has a benefit and has been shown to be beneficial as opposed to jumping into a bucket of ice outside.”

Interview Clips