Recent Questions
Influenza update
Flu activity is high across Iowa. Reports of influenza-like illness at sentinel surveillance sites are at the highest level in three years. School-age children, adolescents, and otherwise healthy adults through age 64 are being impacted more than in typical flu seasons.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is emphasizing a three-point approach to combat flu. The following should be practiced by health care providers and communicated to patients:
? Get an influenza vaccine. While the vaccine is not a perfect match to two of the flu strains circulating in the U.S and Iowa, the vaccine will still provide some protection (about 50%) against these, and good protection (70-90%) against the other strains.
? Protect yourself- wash hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.
? Take antiviral medication if recommended by a health care provider. Patients with influenza who go to the doctor within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms may benefit from antiviral medication.
For more information on influenza activity in Iowa, view this week¡¦s Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network report at Flu Report
Source:
Iowa Dept. of Public Health
EPI Update
Written: 2/21/08
Symptoms from Anti-anxiety Medications
Though different types of anti-anxiety medications do sometimes have side effects like those that you are reporting, they usually do not show up after a couple of months without having any. It is unusual to have delayed side effects unless something has changed. This could be the dose or a different medication that might interact with the anti-anxiety medication and raise its level. It would be a good idea to speak with your pharmacist or health care provider about the symptoms that you are having to determine the best course of action. University of Iowa students can call 335-9200 to speak with a pharmacist at Westlawn Pharmacy or 335-8394 to make an appointment with a Student Health Service provider.
Trisha Schiltz, BA, CHES
Graduate Assistant
Health Iowa/Student Health Service
Paul Natvig, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Student Health Service
Written 1/29/08
Pass or Fail: Alcohol test?
In general, the liver can process one ounce of liquor or just a little less than one standard drink in one hour. So if you drank 10 oz. of vodka it would take 10 hours for it to be processed through your body. So, if the last time you drank was on Friday and the urine alcohol test was on Wednesday, your body would have had enough time to process the alcohol.
Individuals who drink large amounts of alcohol in a single sitting are considered binge drinkers. For women, binge drinking is considered more than 3 drinks during a single occasion and for men it is more than 4 drinks. Drinking 10 oz. of vodka would be between 6-7 drinks, which would be binge drinking for women and men. The reason we are concerned about binge drinking is that the more one drinks, the more likely they are to experience negative consequences, including getting into trouble, hurting oneself or someone else, or missing class/work. If you would ever like to talk to someone about your alcohol consumption you can make an appointment by calling 335-8394.
For more information about alcohol, check out these other questions:
Yummy In Your Tummy
Killing Brain Cells
Urine Alcohol Testing
Alcohol in the System
Ashley Musselman
Health Iowa Intern
Health Iowa/Student Health Service
Written 1/28/08
Mono and Alcohol?
Mono, which is officially called Infectious Mononucleosis, is a viral illness. It is commonly called the kissing disease because it is spread through saliva; however kissing is not the only way you can get it. People can infect other individuals by sneezing, coughing, or sharing a glass. Mono is contagious, but one is more likely to catch a cold than mono. Mono is very common in adolescents and young adults who are many times in close quarters with each other.
Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which remains in the body for life. If properly treated mono is normally not very serious. Since it is a virus, it cannot be treated by using medications. Individuals with the virus are recommended to rest and get plenty of fluids. Although getting plenty of fluids is recommended this does not include alcohol. Many people who have mono have mild liver inflammation which can inhibit the liver. Since alcohol is processed by the liver it is not recommended that alcohol be consumed during the illness or until about two months after. Alcohol can do serious damage to your liver when you are healthy let alone when your body is in a vulnerable state. Besides not drinking it is also recommended that contact sports/activities are avoided until at least a month or two after the mono has subsided in order to prevent spleen rupture.
Mono can last for four to six weeks and can have symptoms such as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in neck and armpits, and a sore throat that does not get better with antibiotics. A soft, swollen spleen is another symptom of mono. If you experience any of these symptoms schedule an appointment with a Student Health Service healthcare provider by calling 335-8394.
For more information on this topic, check out these web questions:
The Kissing Disease
How Contagious Is Mono?
Mono Symptoms
Mono and Sex
Mono – The Dorm Disease?
Ashley Musselman
Health Iowa Intern
Health Iowa/Student Health Service
Written 1/25/08
Relationship Problems?
The University of Iowa provides short-term counseling services for students. These counseling services can be accessed through Student Health Service (SHS) and/or The University Counseling Service (UCS). SHS has two staff psychiatrists while UCS has a staff of twelve psychologists available for counseling services.
Counseling services at SHS are provided free of charge to students who have paid the health fee (all students enrolled in four or more semester credit hours will automatically be assessed the health fee). Students who are not covered by the health fee can still see our psychiatrists, but they will be expected to pay a fee for the time and services provided. If you would like to make an appointment with one of the psychiatrists, call SHS at 335-8380.
Counseling services at UCS are also free. The UCS provides short-term counseling for individuals, groups, and couples. At least one of the individuals in the relationship/group needs to be enrolled at The University of Iowa. An initial consultation with a staff member is needed to determine the type and level of counseling needed. If you would like more information or would like to make an appointment, call UCS at 335-7294.
For more information on either of these services check their websites. Also check out these other questions:
Student Health or University Counseling Service
Counseling Services on Campus
Ashley Musselman
Health Iowa Intern
Health Iowa/Student Health Service
Written on 1/22/08