Homer Alaska - News -

Story last updated at 8:14 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2008

AHH- choo

'Tis season for 'Homer crud'

By M. Jackinsky
Staff Writer

Runny nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing are no fun. However, they are as much a part of approaching winter as chilly temperatures, snow and less daylight.

"This is the time of year when the weather gets cooler and more stressful with rain and snow and the need for more clothing. It also keeps people together in crowded environments so there's more opportunity to spread illness," said Clarence Novotny, physician at Seldovia Village Tribe Health Center in Homer.

"This season in Homer is similar to all northern tier states. There's an abrupt rise in respiratory illness this time of year. The majority of infections are viral and it's very contagious."

The two most common viruses are rhinovirus and adenovirus, according to Novotny. Rhinovirus is the common cold virus. It lasts three to five days and comes complete with a runny nose and congestion.

Adenovirus includes a number of strains that, when they settle in, stay for several weeks and usually result in sore throat, congestion and coughing.

"Usually neither one of these conditions requires antibiotic treatment," Novotny said, adding, however, that the catch is bacterial overgrowth, which can bring on bouts of bronchitis, sinusitis and strep throat, conditions that do frequently result in trips to the doctor.

Another condition associated with fall and winter months is influenza. For that, there's an annual vaccine available.

"People -- children and adults -- are encouraged to get flu shots to prevent the illness," Novotny said. "It's most important for people with other medical illnesses that affect the immune system."

Safeway in Homer has already begun offering flu shots. They are available through the week by appointment or during an Oct. 18 clinic from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and an Oct. 29 clinic from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $30 and can be paid by Medicare. Safeway also has pneumonia and shingle vaccines available.

The state of Alaska Homer Health Center has flu shots available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. They also will given daily at the same times during the week of Oct. 27. Cost is $24, with no one denied service for an inability to pay. The clinic also offers a sliding fee scale and accepts Medicare. Center personnel offered flu shots at the Homer Senior Center yesterday (Oct. 15) and will be at the Anchor Point Senior Center Nov. 3. Pneumonia vaccines are available year round.

Naomi Walsworth, health services supervisor for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, said the district has flu shots available to teachers at cost.

Walsworth had some good news: The number of students and staff out with colds is beginning to diminish.

"A couple of weeks ago, it was worse. Now there's less than 5 percent out at any school, which is ordinary numbers," Walsworth said, comparing the current number of absences to that of previous weeks. "A couple of weeks ago is was more significant, so we're probably at the end of it."

She encouraged a common sense approach.

"Stay hydrated, dress for the weather, eat healthily and get exercise," Walsworth said. "And always have kids stay home if they have a cough, a temperature (more than) 100, diarrhea or other symptoms within the past 24 hours."

Walsworth also is a strong believer in the power of cleanliness.

"The best thing is to encourage people to wash their hands, keep hand sanitizer in your pocket when you are in some place public," she said, adding that some stores even have antibacterial hand wipes available at the door.

"When you're in a place with a lot of different people or at work, wipe the phone off before using it, your (computer) keyboard if you don't just use your own and anything other people use that are the same things you use," she said. "Good hand-washing is the key."

Novotny also stresses the importance of good hand-washing techniques, avoiding crowded environments where people may be ill and being sure you're dressed for the weather.

"Take care of yourself so you don't get complications," Novotny said. "A little common sense helps."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.

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