Frequently Asked Questions | Holmes Family Medicine

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What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?: Influenza, including H1N1, typically presents with fever, body aches, sore throat, headache, and cough or runny nose. Fevers can be quite high. Patients may have some upset stomach, but typically influenza is not a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Is there treatment for H1N1 influenza?: Yes there is, but currently the CDC recommends reserving antiviral prescriptions such as Tamiflu or Relenza for hospitalized patients or for patients who are at high risk for hospitalization. This includes children under two, asthmatics, diabetics, pregnant women, immunosuppressed patients, or patients with certain chronic heart or lung conditions.
Who is eligible for the H1N1 vaccine?: H1N1 vaccine is only available at sites approved by the state Health Department. Holmes Family Medicine is an approved site, and the vaccine is now available to all age groups.
What can I take for a cold while I'm pregnant?: You can use Tylenol, saline nose sprays, Vicks VapoRub, or use a humidifier. Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. You need an office exam if your fever or symptoms worsen or don't improve after 7 days.
What can be taken over-the-counter for cold symptoms (if I’m not pregnant)?: If you don’t have a fever and drainage is clear, you can take over-the-counter Mucinex, Vicks VapoRub, or Tylenol or Advil for aches and discomfort. Cool mist or a vaporizer can also help. If a fever develops, or discolored nasal drainage or symptoms last a week, then you need an office visit.
What can I do for an injury to an extremity, like a possible sprain?: You should rest the limb, and ice and elevate it. Advil can be used for pain. Observe the injured area, and if pain increases or there is swelling after 24-48 hours of observation, then you need an office visit.
My doctor or nurse recommended the BRAT diet — what is the BRAT diet?: Bananas-Rice-Applesauce-Toast
Does Chickenpox cause Shingles?: Shingles occurs only in people who have had chickenpox in the past. Someone with shingles can pass the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox, causing chickenpox. However, contact with someone who has shingles or chickenpox cannot cause someone to get shingles.
What are the recommended vaccination schedules for children?: The CDC recommends the following:
Age 6 and under:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2009/09_0-6yrs_schedule_pr.pdf,
Ages 7-18:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2009/09_7-18yrs_schedule_pr.pdf
My child received his/her childhood immunizations. Does he/she need any after kindergarten?: A tetanus booster is indicated 10 years after routine kindergarten immunizations. The teenage tetanus booster is a combined shot (Tdap) that also provides protection against pertussis. A yearly flu shot is also recommended, and the meningitis vaccine is recommended for teens. In addition, the Gardasil vaccine to prevent certain causes of cervical cancer is available. Talk to your health care provider about these vaccines.
My child was given an antibiotic for ear infection. May I give him/her something for pain or fever at the same time?: Yes, it is safe to use either Tylenol or Advil in addition to the antibiotic prescribed.
My child was treated for strep throat yesterday. Is he/she still contagious?: A patient is considered to be contagious until they have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours. However, if the patient is still running a fever after 24 hours, contact with others should be minimized.
Why can't I just get my prescription filled without seeing the doctor?: When you are taking medication, you need to see the doctor so he/she can monitor whether it is helping you and if any adjustments need to be made.
How long does the flu shot last?: The flu vaccine is considered effective approximately 2 weeks after receiving the shot and provides protection for the duration of the current flu season.
My baby is constipated, what can I give him/her?: If there is no distension, he/she is passing gas, is eating ok, and it has only been a few days, try diluted white grape or apple juice, 1-2oz. per day. If there is no bowel movement in 5-7 days, the abdomen is hard or distended, or there is any vomiting, call your doctor.