Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Fall 2018

Y ou don’t have time to be sick. But here you are with a fever, sore throat, headache and overall crummy feeling. Taking an antibiotic will help, right? Unfortunately, not if you have a cold or flu virus. “In fact, an antibiotic could make you feel worse,” says Lake Regional Hospitalist Joshua Brickner, D.O. Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the bad. As a result, they can cause diarrhea, yeast infections and other problems. “Sometimes, these side effects are serious enough to require hospitaliza- tion, but even minor cases are worth avoiding,” Dr. Brickner says. There’s also the risk of antibiotic resistance. This threat occurs when bacteria mutate to survive treatment with antibiotics. The new resistant bacteria are sometimes called “superbugs” because usual treatments won’t stop them. “The more often bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the more likely they will mutate into superbugs,” Dr. Brickner says. “That is another really good reason to avoid using antibiotics for viral illnesses.” The right treatment So antibiotics won’t knock out that cold or influenza. That’s the bad news. The good news is there are still ways to feel better sooner: • Get plenty of rest. • Drink plenty of fluids. • Use a humidifier or a cool mist vaporizer. • Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and other airborne chemicals or irritants. • Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever. • Use saline nasal spray or drops. • Ask your pharmacist about over- the-counter medicines for deconges- tion and mucus relief. Also, if you test positive for influenza A or B, an antiviral drug might help you avoid severe illness. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you. Eldon 304 E. Fourth St. 573-557-2400 Osage Beach 1057 Medical Park Drive 573-302-3200 Laurie 156 Missouri Blvd. 573-374-5263 Lebanon 441 W. Elm St. 417-532-2890 LAKE REGIONAL EXPRESS CARE Got a cold or flu? Get the right care For colds, sprains and other non-life-threatening issues, Express Care is a great option, especially after hours or on weekends. Walk in to any of our four Express Care clinics for convenient, first- rate care. Even better, book an appointment online and spend most of your wait at home. Go to lakeregional.com/expresscare . New!