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KFHC mailing address: 9700 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311
family
health
staying healthy
Feeling ill? Antibiotics
may not help
Germs can travel as far
as 6 feet when a person
coughs or talks.
YOUR BEST
PROTECTION:
A YEARLY FLU
VACCINE.
Nearly everyone
older than
6 months should
get one.
FLU FACTS: Don’t let the flu get you down
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The flu sends
200,000+
PEOPLE
to the hospital
each year.
5-20
%
of the people
in the U.S. get the flu
each year.
Flu viruses can survive
on surfaces for
2-8 hrs.
MORE STAY-HEALTHY TIPS:
Wash your hands often.
Avoid touching your face.
Steer clear of people who are sick.
Have you gotten your flu shot?
Call your doctor to make an
appointment.
N
o one enjoys being sick. But
taking antibiotics won’t
always make you better.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not
viruses. And many illnesses are
caused by viruses.
The common cold is caused by
a virus. So is the flu. Most coughs?
Virus. Most sore throats? Virus.
Even some fevers are caused by a
virus.
Time is the best cure for these
illnesses. Most of them go away
in a week or two. So what are
antibiotics good for? Bacterial
infections only.
To find out if bacteria are
making you sick, you’ll need to see
your provider.
Sometimes he or she can do a
quick test to find out which kind
of germ you have. For instance, a
fast swab of a sore throat can tell
if you have strep. Strep throat is
caused by bacteria. Antibiotics can
help.
Virus? Feel better.
So how can
you feel better if you have a cold,
flu or other sickness caused by a
virus? Try these soothing tips for
adults:
■
■
Use a pain reliever to lessen
aches and fever.
■
■
Suck on a lozenge to ease a sore
throat. Or gargle with warm salt
water.
Keep in mind that a virus can
lead to more serious illness. So call
your provider if you start feeling
worse.
But don’t ask for antibiotics if
you have a virus. Save these drugs
for when you need them.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention