Winter illnesses strike Sisters
By Jim Cornelius

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Your joints feel like they're full of ground glass, your muscles ache, and you've got a nasty cough and a fever.

You have what folks commonly call "the flu." It's miserable, but it may not be actual influenza --Êwhich is a good thing, because influenza would really lay you low.

"People call every virus influenza," said Dr. May Fan of Bend Memorial Clinic. "Actual influenza (Influenza A) is not prevalent right now. We're not in a flu epidemic."

But the real deal may be creeping in.

"There are some reports from the state board of health that there have been blood samples sent in that confirm that it is flu," said Dr. Frank Trostel of High Lakes Health Care.

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Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that there's plenty of misery to go around. Some sufferers also have stomach symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. Trostel reports seeing cases of sinus infections and even infectious mononucleosis in students from Sisters High School.

Whatever the cause, suddenly lots of people are getting sick.

"Holiday travel has a lot to do with that," Dr. Fan said, noting that airplanes are a prime environment for swapping and transporting germs.

Dr. Fan recommends getting plenty of rest and fluids if struck by a virus. Fluids loosen up mucus and soothe sore throats.

She noted that people make a mistake by using antihistamines to fight stuffy noses due to colds. Antihistamines dry you out and "can predispose you to getting a sinus infection on top of the cold."

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In fact, doctors Fan and Trostel both warn, that people should look out for symptoms of secondary bacterial infections -- chest pain from respiratory problems, bloody sputum or sputum that continues to be discolored for several days, sinus pain or pain in the ears.

"That's when to go to the doctor," Dr. Fan said.

It seems inevitable that the "flu" will continue to sweep through Sisters.

"A lot of people don't feel good, a lot of people are sick, but they have to go to work anyway so they infect their co-workers," said Pharmacist Julie Goelzer of Sisters Drug Co.

Goelzer says that Vitamin C and zinc can be good preventatives and can help even if symptoms do appear.

"These kinds of products can help to ward it off," Goelzer said. "It can shorten duration (as well)."

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Like Dr. Fan, Goelzer discourages the use of antihistamines. She is also opposed to heavy use of nasal decongestant sprays.

"I strongly urge people not to use the inhaled nasal decongestants over the counter," she said.

People rapidly become dependent on their use, Goelzer said. If someone absolutely must use a nasal decongestant inhaler, it should be used only for two or three days at the most.

"Anything beyond that, you get an addiction cycle going," she said.

Those suffering from vomiting and diarrhea can avail themselves of several products to help them keep food down, according to Goelzer.

And it's important to replace fluids and electrolytes, especially in small children, who can easily become dehydrated.

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The key to avoiding coming down with a virus, according to Dr. Fan is "good hand washing. And of course staying generally healthy with good sleep and eating habits."

If you're best prevention efforts fail, get as much rest as you can, health professionals say. It should all be over in a few days.

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