Spring Health Tips 2006

Spring Health Tips

Mumps
Sunburn
Insect Bites and Stings

Key Facts about Mumps

Description: An acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus.

Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite; followed by swelling of salivary glands. The parotid salivary glands (which are located within your cheek, near your jaw line, below your ears) are most frequently affected.

Complications: Severe complications are rare. However, mumps can cause:

inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis/meningitis)
inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)
inflammation of the ovaries and/or breasts (oophoritis and mastitis)
spontaneous abortion
deafness, usually permanent

Transmission: The mumps virus replicates in the upper respiratory tract and is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions or saliva or through fomites. The infectious period or time that an infected person can transmit mumps to a non-infected person is from 3 days before symptoms appear to about 9 days after the symptoms appear. The incubation time, which is the period from when a person is exposed to virus to the onset of any symptoms, can vary from 16 to 18 days (range 12-25 days).

Diagnosis: Should be made by your physician and laboratory testing may be required.

Treatment: Currently, there is no specific treatment for mumps.

Prevention: The mumps vaccine, which is contained in the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, can prevent this disease.

For more information about the Mumps and recent outbreaks, please visit the CDC Website.

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Sunburn

Sunburn is the result of over-exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. While the symptoms are usually temporary (such as red skin that is painful to the touch), the ski damage is often permanent and can have serious long-term health effects, including cancer.

Symptoms

The first signs of sunburn may not appear for a few hours. The full effect to your skin may not appear for 24 hours or longer. Possible symptoms include:

Red, tender skin that is warm to touch
Blisters that develop hours to days later
Sever reactions (sometimes called “sun poisoning”), which may include fever, chills, nausea, or rash
Skin peeling on sunburned areas several days after the sunburn

First Aid

Try taking a cool bath or shower. Another method is to place wet, cold wash cloths on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. You can mix baking soda in the water to help relieve the pain (small children may become easily chilled, so keep the water tepid)
Apply a soothing lotion to the skin
Aloe gel is a common household remedy for sunburns. Aloe contains active compounds that help stop pain and inflammation of the skin
An over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) may be helpful. (Note: aspirin should not be given to children.

Do not

DO NOT apply petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), benzocaine, lidocaine, or butter to the sunburn. They make the symptoms worse, and can prevent healing
DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap

Prevention

Avoid sun exposure during peak sun ray intensity (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Apply generous amounts of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, paying special attention to face, nose, ears, and shoulders. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow penetration. Re-apply after swimming and every 2 hours while you are outdoors
Wear sun hats. There is also SPF clothing and swimwear available
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Use a lip balm with sunscreen

Review Date: 7/28/2003

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia , PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/18/2002).

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Insect Bites and Stings

The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets usually cause an immediate painful skin reaction. Mosquitoes, fleas, mites, and spiders have bites that are more likely to causing itching than pain.

In most cases, bites and stings can be easily treated at home. However, some people have a severe allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and it requires urgent emergency care. Severe reactions can affect the whole body and may occur very quickly, often within minutes. These severe reactions can be rapidly fatal if untreated. Call 911 if you are with someone who has trouble breathing or goes into shock.

Some spider bites, like those of the black widow or brown recluse, are also serious and can be life-threatening. Most spider bites, however, are harmless. If bitten by an insect or spider, bring it for identification if this can be done quickly and safely.

Symptoms

The non-emergency symptoms vary according to the type of insect and the individual. Most people have localized pain, redness, swelling, or itching. You may also feel burning, numbness, or tingling.

Prevention

Avoid provoking insects whenever possible
Avoid rapid, jerky movements around insect hives or nests
Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned or dark clothing
Use appropriate insect repellants and protective clothing
Use caution when eating outdoors, especially with sweetened beverages or in areas around garbage cans, which often attract bees
For those who have a serious allergy to insect bites or stings, carry an emergency epinephrine kit (which requires a prescription). Friends and family should be taught how to use it if you have a reaction. Wear a medical ID bracelet.

First Aid

For emergencies (severe reactions)

Check the person’s airway, breathing, and pulse. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR
Reassure the person. Try to keep him or her calm
Remove nearby rings and constricting items because the affected area may swell
Use the person’s Epi-pen or other emergency kit, if they have one (some people who have serious insect reactions carry it with them)
If appropriate, treat the person for signs of shock. Remain with the person until medical help arrives

For non-emergency bites and stings

Remove the stinger if still present by scraping the back of a knife or other straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers – these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released
Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water
Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process
If necessary, take an antihistamine or apply creams that reduce itching
Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain)

Do not

DO NOT apply a tourniquet
DO NOT give the person stimulants, aspirin, or other pain medications unless prescribed by the doctor
DO NOT allow the person to be physically active. If necessary, carry the person to safety.

Call for assistance if

Call 911 or other emergency number if the person is having a severe reaction, which may include:

Trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath
Swelling anywhere on the face
Throat feels tight
Feeling weak
Turning blue

Review Date: 7/31/2003

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia , PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/11/2002).

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Acknowledgements

The articles above were provided by A.D.A.M. A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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