Posting in Flemish
If you want to read a great post by Wil Wheaton on poker and head colds, go read give me a chance to catch my breath. Be sure to read the amusing comments with all the suggested solutions for a head full of phlegm.
Note: The preceding sentence was awfully gross, and shouldn't have been read by the squeamish.
Blog Tag: Links
Posted 5/13/2005 11:11:00 AM
L
On 5/13/2005 1:36 PM, 
Melissa said...
On 5/13/2005 8:28 PM, Michelle said...
On 5/13/2005 8:41 PM, Melissa said...
3 Comments:
What a coincidence. I'm in day 2 of a cold. I usually do nothing for a cold other then rest more, but I have to work today so I may take an antihistamine. It's embarrassing when my nose drips on my patients. (I don't think that they like it much either.)
It was irritating reading so many wrong opinions on what to do about colored snot. Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only work on bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a cold will do no good and it does harm by increasing the rate at which bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. On a daily basis I take care of patients with infections for which there is no treatment anymore due to bacterial resistance. It's scary for all invoved.
Even though it does no good, some doctors will prescribe antibiotics for viral infections because it is easier than arguing with the patient. As far as the color of the snot is concerned, any inflammation, even those caused by allergies, will cause colored snot.
If symptoms continue for more than 2 weeks, then it might be time to see a doctor. Secondary bacterial infections can occur. Antibiotics should be the last resort, not the first. Okay, I'm done. I'll get off my soap box now.
By the way, the grossness factor of phlegm is nothing compared to the stories that I could tell. Tuesday's story is particulary gross and sad, but I'm not going to share it here because I don't want to start crying again. It can be tough to be a nurse.
Suggestion, can you put the "Note" at the beginning of the post next time?!!
The note is funnier at the end of the post. (Goodness! It's just snot.) :)
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