Here you will find important information about problems like the common cold, cough, sore throat, and fever. There are also links to other sites that contain useful health related information.
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Community Services
Congestion / Runny Nose
Congestion is caused by swollen mucous membrane surfaces and excessive secretion of mucous.
Water is Essential
Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses per day). It will help break up the mucous and moisten the mucous membranes.
Vaporizers and Humidifiers
Vaporizers and humidifiers will increase environmental humidity. Humidifying room air, especially in the winter, will help relieve congestion. Steam from a hot shower can also open congested air passages and relieve a raw, dry, sore throat. Hot, moist compresses may help relieve sinus congestion.
Decongestants
Decongestants may help relieve sinus congestion. They may, however, interfere with sleep. People with high blood pressure should not take decongestants without first consulting their personal provider.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines have a drying effect on drippy mucous membranes. Antihistamines are mostly for allergies. Drowsiness is a common side effect. People working with machines or driving should not take antihistamines.
Combination Antihistamine / Decongestant
This combination can reduce the congestion of a stuffy head and can dry up a runny nose. These medications have both the side effects of decongestants and antihistamines. People with high blood pressure should not take these medications without first consulting their personal provider.
Menthol Products
Menthol products, lozenges or ointments can help relieve congestion.
Coughs
Coughs
A dry, irritating or course wet, cough is common with viral respiratory infections (colds).
Water
Water is the best initial treatment. It breaks up the thick mucous, moistens the mucous membranes and decreases the stimulation to cough.
Cough Syrups
Cough may be treated with over the counter cough syrups such as Cheracol D.
See your personal provider if:
Over the counter cough syrup does not work to control the cough.
You are coughing up green, brown or pink phlegm.
You have wheezing or shortness of breath.
Fevers
Fevers
Fever is one of the body’s natural defenses against infections, viral and bacterial.
Normal
Normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). Your normal temperature may vary 1 to 2° throughout the day, with lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon or evening. A fever is considered 100°F or greater.
Guidelines
For fever between 100° and 102°F
Drink plenty of fluids.
Rest.
Dress lightly.
Take acetaminophen, aspirin, or Motrin IB for headache or body aches according to the directions below.
For fever over 102°F
Drink plenty of fluids.
Take acetaminophen, aspirin, or Motrin IB for headache or body aches according to the directions below.
Take a lukewarm shower if fever has not lessened in 30 to 40 minutes.
See your personal care provider if fever of 101°F persists for 48 hours or longer.
Common Medications That May Help
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)– 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
Aspirin– 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
Motrin IB– 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
WARNING: Do not give children aspirin due to aspirin’s association with Reye’s Syndorome.
WARNING: Aspirin and Motrin IB may cause stomach irritation and should be taken with food. Do not take aspirin or Motrin IB if you have a history of ulcer disease, a bleeding disorder or are allergic to aspirin.
Flu/Influenza
Lifestyle Information
Medical Information
- Center for Disease Control
- Center for Science in the Public Interest
- Michigan Department of Community Health
- Michigan Public Health Institute
- HealthLine
- Michigan Childhood Immunization Registry
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- US Department of Health & Human Services
- American Public Health Association
- CDC Foundation
- Michigan Cancer Consortium
- WebMD
Preventative Health
Sore Throat
Sore Throat
Sore throats may be due to viral infections, bacterial infections, irritation from smoking, excessive loud talking, dry heated rooms in winter months or secretions from the nose running down the throat.
Gargle with Salt Water
Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. of table salt in an 8 oz. glass of water) every three to four hours. Gargling helps reduce pain, swelling and reduces the excess mucous secretions. It is the safest and least expensive treatment for a sore throat.
Drink Fluids
Sip warm or cold drinks. Liquids are soothing and will help keep mucous membranes moist and comfortable.
Hard Candy or Ice
Suck on hard candy or ice chips for the soothing, moisturizing effects.
Steam
Steam inhalation helps sooth dry, raw throats. You can stand in a hot, steamy shouwer; drape a towel over you head and stand over a hot steaming sink or use a vaporizer.
Voice Rest
Rest your voice, avoid voice strain as much as possible.
Other
Avoid smoking, alcohol, highly spiced foods, extremely hot foods / drinks and extremely cold foods / drinks as they irritate mucous membranes.
Common Medications That May Help
Lozenges– for soothing, mucous clearing effect.
One of these pain medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)– 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
Aspirin– 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
Motrin IB– 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
WARNING: Do not give children aspirin due to aspirin’s association with Reye’s Syndorome.
WARNING: Aspirin and Motrin IB may cause stomach irritation and should be taken with food. Do not take aspirin or Motrin IB if you have a history of ulcer disease, a bleeding disorder or are allergic to aspirin.
See your personal care provider if:
- Your throat becomes increasingly sore.
- A severe sore throat lasts more than three days.
- You have been exposed to strep throat.
- You have a fever over 101°F.
- You have white patches on the back of your throat.
Marketplace
Covid 19 / Cornavirus