Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is spread through direct contact with an infected person, ingesting food or water that is contaminated, or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth. Interestingly, norovirus has caused many outbreaks, specifically on cruise liners. Norovirus […]
Winter weather is here and with it comes some hazards that can cause potential safety hazards.. The following are some tips to help keep you and your family safe. #1 – Prevent falls. Reduce your risk of falling by: wearing proper footwear with good traction taking slower, smaller steps holding onto railings protecting your head, […]
Many people may use the term “medicine allergy or “drug allergy.” The majority of reactions caused by medications are more correctly termed “adverse reactions to drugs.” Many are a manifestation of a side effect rather than an allergy (for example nausea with erythromycin). True drug allergies are rare and caused by the immune system. What […]
What Kinds of Insects Cause Allergic Reactions? There are many different kinds of insects or “insect-like bugs” that can cause an allergic reaction: Stinging Insects Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow-jackets and fire ants are the most common stinging insects that cause an allergic reaction. When these insects sting you, they inject a toxic substance called venom. […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. Allergies to pets with fur are common, especially among people who have other allergies or asthma. In the United States, as many as three in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. People […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. It’s the season for ticks! Learn how to identify, prevent and treat tick bites. Preventing Tick Bites Use DEET 20-30% when going outside. For children make sure you only apply this ONCE a day (in contrast to sunscreen, which should be applied often). Do not apply DEET […]
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as “hay fever.” Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as “seasonal allergic rhinitis.” Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions […]
Old Man Winter’s visit to the Triangle made for a busy few days at WakeMed’s seven emergency departments. A winter wonderland is beautiful, but it’s often icy and dicey when we start to venture out. WakeMed Emergency Departments treated approximately 70 patients with winter weather-related injuries. Here is a breakdown of winter weather injuries from January 17-18: […]
Since October 1, 2017, WakeMed has had 360 positive flu tests, with 208 of those occurring within the last 10 days. (updated 1/11/18) Currently, WakeMed is seeing more adults than kids being admitted with flu. That said, it is important to remember that the flu is contagious a full day before symptoms occur. Often, rapid […]
You are on that shaky old ladder you have been meaning to replace and stretch beyond where you should to get that string of lights placed just right. Maybe you have had a holiday beverage or two and decide it’s a great idea to ride your son’s new hover board. We know we aren’t supposed to […]
