Pastors Rick and Kay Warren are the parents of a young man who suffered from mental illness and committed suicide. They are committed to destigmatizing this illness and helping other families cope.
Suicide seems random but is predictable. The majority of people who commit suicide have suffered from mental illness for a long time, and may even have had previous attempts; unfortunately, acquaintances, friends, even family may not know this.
Here are some facts about suicide
Most suicide victims in the United States are white men.
Guns are the most common means of suicide, followed by suffocation and poison.
There is often a family history of mental illness and suicide .
Major depression is the most common cause of suicide- 90% of victims.
Suicide may be triggered by recent or prolonged stress and loss, serious health problems and chronic pain.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who you think may be at risk of suicide. You may save that person’s life. Here are some resources to help you know what to do.
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The post discusses influenza, emphasizing its symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention, particularly through vaccination. It acknowledges the similarities between influenza and COVID-19 symptoms. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Xofluza are mentioned for treatment. The article promotes awareness of complications, especially for high-risk individuals, and encourages preventive measures to protect oneself and others.
If you think you have “the flu”, you probably don’t.
To many people “the flu” is any respiratory illness characterized by some combination of fever, cough, congestion, fatigue and aches. That term has become so nonspecific even we doctors use it that way. But it more correctly refers to influenza, which is just one of many viruses that cause illness. The illnesses caused by the other viruses are usually called “colds”, upper respiratory infections, aka URIs, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and pneumonia.
The respiratory tract including the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, trachea, bronchi in blue and the lungs (pink). Infections can involve the breathing organs from the nose all the way down to the lungs. (photo complimentary from Pixabay)
If your doctor thinks you have “the flu”, you probably do.
Prior to the availability of the “rapid flu” test, we doctors diagnosed influenza the characteristic symptoms, confirmatory findings on exam, and knowing there was an outbreak in the community. The test is not absolutely necessary but is helpful for confirmation in the event the illness doesn’t progress as expected. Besides, we can charge for it and patients have come to expect it now.
3. The best way to prevent influenza is by vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) , the National Foundation for Infectious Disease and every other reputable medical organization recommends vaccination against influenza. People refuse vaccination (some even at recommendations of physicians) because they believe it is ineffective, unnecessary, dangerous, toxic, unnatural, subversive, and who knows what else. And I don’t think I or anyone else am going to change their minds.
My family and I always get vaccinations which have successfully protected us without side effects or adverse reactions. There are risks, just like there are with any medical procedure, or lots of other things we do in life. In this case we have decided the benefit outweighs the risk.
If you want to avoid getting influenza, avoid being around people who may be infected.
This means everyone, since one may be contagious 2 to 3 days before symptoms. It’s not a coincidence that influenza outbreaks coincide with the American holiday season (approximately November through January). So to protect us all,
Stay home if you are sick, and ask your family, co-workers and employees to do the same.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Wash your hands frequently.
Wash frequently touched surfaces frequently.
If you do get sick, don’t ask your doctor for an antibiotic.It will not help.
Antibiotics attack bacteria. Influenza and 99% of all respiratory illnesses are due to viruses.
There are 4 antiviral drugs that will “shorten the duration and severity of symptoms” by 1-2 days, if started early. The effectiveness is uncertain for an illness that will resolve within 10-14 days regardless. But if it gets you back to school or work a day earlier, it may be worth the cost-they are not cheap drugs.
Otherwise, the treatment is“symptomatic” or “supportive” care:
Rest; eat and drink as normally as possible; extra fluids if running a fever
You can die from influenza, but you probably won’t.
I cringed last year when a friend wrote on her social media page, “My doctor said, ‘No one dies of the flu’.” And, technically, that is true. People die from complications of influenza, and infants, young children and the elderly have greatest risk.The most common fatal complication is bacterial pneumonia, infection in the lung. Influenza can also attack the nervous system causing brain inflammation (encephalitis and/or meningitis) and paralysis in the form of Guillain Barre syndrome .
Healthy lungs with no signs of pneumonia.
Persons with chronic illnesses like diabetes, lung disorders, depressed immune systems and cancer are at greater risk of complications and should always consult a physician if feeling ill. If you are not sure if you fall into that category, ask your doctor.
Influenza is a disease to take seriously; consider my suggestions, talk to your doctor, and stay healthy this season.
Exploring the HEART of Health
I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.
I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.
Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 