Protect Yourself Against ALL Infectious Diseases!

With all of the hubub regarding the flu and the swine flu, it's easy to forget that there are plenty of other illnesses out there. Some other common cold-weather ailments include:

• Cold- Colds are caused by a virus that infects the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways, and they're often spread through contact with mucus. Symptoms include sneezing, a stuffy and/or runny nose, coughing, scratchy sore throat, and red, watery eyes. Other signs: chills, aches, a mild fever, and swollen lymph glands. Since colds are viral infections, there's no ideal treatment, but fluids and rest, plus decongestants, cough syrups, and antihistamines, can help ease symptoms.
• Bronchitis- More than 25% of those affected by acute bronchitis each year are children; it's most common in kids under 5. The illness, an inflammation of the airways, is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and a severe cough that may last several weeks. Also possibly a slight fever that in severe cases will spike to above 102°. Treatment for bronchitis is rest and fluids, though antibiotics can help if the infection is bacterial. Medication can suppress a dry cough, but if the cough produces phlegm, talk to your pediatrician about giving a syrup with an expectorant to make it easier for your child to bring up the sputum. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and aches, and cool-mist humidifiers or steam vaporizers can help ease breathing.
• Sinusitis- About 10% of colds each year develop into sinusitis, an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses that's usually caused by allergies or another infection. Symptoms include nasal congestion and thick nasal discharge, as well as pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the nose. Sinusitis can cause a persistent cough, sore throat, or bad breath. If the infection spreads, it can lead to fever and chills. Treatment is usually a 21-day course of antibiotics. Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays can be used for up to three days; after that, they can cause the nasal passages to swell and might actually worsen symptoms. Use antihistamines to reduce allergy symptoms and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches. Cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers can make breathing easier.
• Strep Throat- While most expect doctors to prescribe antibiotics for sore throats, streptococcal bacteria cause only about 15 to 25 percent of sore throats; the remainder are caused by respiratory viruses, which are unresponsive to antibiotics. No physician can consistently distinguish between streptococcal pharyngitis and sore throats caused by viruses based on physical examination alone. If you suspect you may strep throat, you should have their throats swabbed to determine if streptococcal bacteria are present.

Germ Free Remotes bags would help protect you and your family from all of these illnessess, as well as the flu and the HINI.

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