Monthly Archives: October 2017

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  Woofstock Benefit for the Animal Rescue Foundation

  Posted on October 5, 2017

  The 11th Annual Woofstock will take place on October 22nd in Bienville Square. The entire family, canines included, is welcome to spend the day listening to live music, shopping local vendors, and enjoying food!

  All proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation. The event will include vendor booths, canine demonstrations, a silent auction, the Weiner Dog Race and Doggie Costume Contest.

  Gates open at 11AM and admission is $15 for Adults and $5 for Children. For more information and opportunities to sponsor the event click here.

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  Who Should And Should Not Receive A Flu Shot?

  Posted on October 3, 2017

  Everyone six months and older is recommended to receive an annual flu shot. However, there are rare exceptions.

  Among adults, complications, hospitalizations, and deaths due to influenza are generally most common among those 50 years old and over. It is strongly recommended, based off of risk factor and potential for severe complications, that you receive the annual flu shot if you meet any of the following criteria:

  – People 50 years and older
  – People with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
  – People who are immunosuppressed
  – Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season and women up to two weeks after delivery
  – People who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
  – Household caregivers of children younger than 5 years and adults aged 50 years and older and of people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from
  influenza

  You should not receive the flu vaccine if you have a severe or life threatening allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine. Vaccine ingredient lists are available upon request from the location offering flu vaccines. If you have a history of egg allergy you should talk with your doctor or pharmacy before receiving a flu shot. For more information about the flu vaccine click here.

• When Is It Time For An Antibiotic For Congestion And Cough?

  Posted on October 1, 2017

  This time of year we see many patients with cold and upper respiratory symptoms. It can be hard, as a patient, to know when to call us for an appointment or if an antibiotic is needed. It is best to avoid antibiotics with a viral infection, especially if symptoms can be managed with decongestants or other over the counter medications. Antibiotics are generally used as a last resort if symptoms worsen and persist for more than 7 days.

  With upper respiratory viruses, the first few days of illness are too early to determine if an antibiotic should be used and are best treated by managing symptoms such as cough, congestion, and sore throat. A standard over the counter treatment of cough and congestion with sore throat would be Mucinex (green or blue box), Delsym Cough Syrup, and Advil or Ibuprofen for pain management. However, if you begin to worsen, run fever, or suspect that you may have the flu, it is time to come in and let us perform an examination to best choose a course of treatment.

  We encourage you to receive your annual flu vaccine at a location that is most convenient for you. If they are offering flu shots at work or at the local pharmacy, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity. In the clinic we will offer the Quadrivalent Seasonal Flu Vaccine. If you are 65 years and older and wish to receive the High-Dose Seasonal Flu Vaccine, you may receive that vaccine at your local pharmacy and we would be happy to help you with any questions you may have.