We have been hearing a lot about “Staph” infections in the last couple of years. Staph infections have been a big problem in many schools, hitting predominately in the locker rooms. So what is it? Staph is shortened from the word Staphylococcus. It is a bacteria that can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces, such as around the mouth, nose, and genitals. When the skin is punctured or broken for any reason—shaving, pimples, poison ivy, scratches, cuts, etc.—the staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Types of infections that most people are familiar with are infected hairs, styes, boils, and cellulitis. But once staph enters the bloodstream it can cause more serious infections in other parts of the body including the lungs, heart, joints, bones, and the central nervous system. Anyone can get a staph infection; however, warm, humid environments contribute to a higher risk of contracting the infections. Excessive sweating increases a person’s chance of getting the infection. It is spread from person to person and occasionally through droplets in the air or on contaminated surfaces. To reduce your risk of getting a staph infection avoid sharing linens, towels, razors, and other hygiene equipment. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water frequently and take a shower or bathe everyday. Try singing the whole song “Row, row, row your boat,” while washing your hands to make sure that you scrub for at least 10 seconds. Keep areas of skin that have been injured and areas that have a rash, such as poison ivy, clean and covered. If an infection becomes severe and turns very red or becomes very sore, is accompanied by a fever or general ill feeling, you should see a doctor right away. Remember frequent hand washing and good hygiene can prevent many infections!

What is influenza? Influenza, commonly referred to as the “flu,” is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The virus attacks the respiratory track (nose, throat, and lungs) of humans. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include the following “flu-like” symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.

The flu usually lasts for one to two weeks. Some people may develop more serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, or even death. People over the age of 65, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to develop serious complications.

How does the flu spread? When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks they send the flu virus into the air and other people inhale the virus. The virus enters the body through the nose and mouth and then lodges in the nose, throat, and lungs. When the virus begins to multiply we begin to see the flu-like symptoms. A person can begin to spread the virus to others starting one day before symptoms appear, and continue to pass the virus up to 10 days after the start of symptoms.

What should you do if you get the flu? Influenza is a virus, so antibiotics will not work to cure the flu. Doctors usually say “treat the symptoms”—rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco, take medications to relieve the symptoms. However, NEVER give aspirin to children or teens without first consulting the physician. Aspirin can cause a serious illness known as Reye-syndrome.

While nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can sometimes be related to the flu, these problems are rarely the main symptoms of the flu. Many people often refer to illnesses with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as the “stomach flu” yet these illnesses are not caused by the influenza virus. They can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. The flu is a respiratory disease, not a stomach or intestinal disease.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. It is a virus that can cause cervical cancer in women. Every year in the U.S. about 10,000 women get cervical cancer and 3,700 die from it. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. There is no treatment for HPV infection, but the conditions it causes can be treated.

HPV vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine which protects against 4 major types of HPV. There are about 40 types of HPV in all. The vaccine covers 2 types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and 2 types that cause about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is currently recommended for girls 11-12 years of age. Doctors may give it to girls as young as 9 years. It is also recommended for girls and women 13-26 years of age who did not receive the vaccine when they were younger. However, if a girl or woman is already infected with a type of HPV, the vaccine will not prevent disease from that type.

The vaccine is a 3-dose series:
1st Dose: Now
2nd Dose: 2 months after dose 1
3rd Dose: 6 months after dose 1

Providing the HPV vaccine doesn't promote sexual promiscuity anymore than providing the Hepatitis B vaccine promotes drug use. It protects women's health.

Check out the immunization website for more information.