Health Briefs TV Explains Fevers and Its Origins

Digital thermometers work great for taking a temp

A fever can signify many health conditions from the flu to heat stroke. Health Briefs TV explains fevers and its origins.

A normal temperature starts at 98.6 and can go up to 100.2 degrees. Healthcare professionals consider an elevated temperature to be 100.4. There are a variety of reasons as to why a healthy person’s temperature could rise above 100.4:

• Women experiencing menstruation will have a fluctuating temperature depending on where they are in their monthly cycle.
• Heat stoke can cause a body temperature to rise above 104.
• People who are coming down with flu will have an elevated temperature.
• Viral and bacterial infections can cause a fever.
• Some medications can cause a fever.

Health Briefs TV encourages readers who travel internationally to be aware that airports screening passengers for fevers with handheld devices may believe the traveler could have been exposed to Ebola.  Know what can cause a body’s temperature to rise and counter misinformation with facts. Fevers can originate from a variety of sources. Shouldn’t the people scanning travelers for fevers know the facts before making erroneous decisions that affect people’s lives in adverse ways? And shouldn’t U.S. state governments know them too? Ignorance and lack of information cause hysteria and hysteria harbors irrational fears. This helps no one.

***********************************************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on Youtube
View Heath Briefs Blogs

Health Briefs TV Reminds Readers of the More Common Viruses

Please cover your mouth much better than this.

There are several viruses which are more worrisome than the Ebola virus. Health Briefs TV reminds readers of what they are and how to prevent catching one.

The Flu – Droplets from an ill person’s sneeze or cough can travel up to six feet away.  Please remember to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing around others.

Enterovirus – This is the virus that is mostly affecting young children. It can be passed by touching an infected person or surface. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Don’t touch the face anywhere.

Norovirus – This virus spread when an infected person touches a surface, food or water and other people tough or eat the same surface or food. Again, wash hands thoroughly before touching food or any common surface.

HIV – HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids and shared needles. To prevent transmission, don’t shares needles and wear condoms or other items to block transmission during sex.

Hepatitis – The virus is transmitted through sharing dirty needles. Don’t share needles and be sure any medical worker is using a clean, sterilized one on you, if needed.

RSV – RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It mostly affects very young children and the elderly. It is spread through coughing and sneezing.  Health Briefs TV urges readers to teach young children to cover noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing, and reminds seniors to do the same.

These six viruses are more contagious and easily spread than the Ebola virus.

***********************************************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on Youtube
View Heath Briefs Blogs

Health Briefs – Why Flying is Safe to and from Africa

The devastating Ebola disease is causing great fear for international travelers. While it is mostly affected those who live in Western African nations, the panic of catching it is worrisome. Health Briefs shares why it is safe to fly to and from Africa, as a whole.

Ebola is transmitted by bodily fluids and is not an airborne-related disease. The World Health Organization states that the disease can be passed from person to person through direct contact with a sick person’s body fluids such as blood, vomit, sweat or diarrhea. The health organization further adds that people who are sick with Ebola are not well enough to travel. As with most illnesses where the affected person is sick with fever, vomiting and diarrhea, the likelihood of traveling via air is practically nil. Dehydration and weakness prevent many from traveling in any form of transportation. The WHO emphasizes that banning air travel is not to and from affected countries is not recommended.

A few airlines with routes to the countries where Ebola is present have canceled some flights. Health Briefs learns that that travel to other African nations such as South Africa is fine.  Any air traveler should know that there are personal steps to take to reduce catching any common germs in flight. These include using sanitizing wipes to clean arm rests, trays, toilet seats, bathroom door handles, sinks and their hands. Never put a bottle of water or any other object which will go near the mouth, in the seat pocket. This is the most bacteria-laden part of the cabin. For those who are planning travel to African countries, always check with the airline to see if there are any restrictions. International travelers in the United States can also check with the Department of State for more information.

***********************************************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on Youtube
View Heath Briefs Blogs

Health Briefs TV Explains the Basic Facts about Ebola

Ebola is a life-threatening disease which is mostly found in countries outside of the U.S. Two American healthcare workers have been infected in West Africa where the disease is widespread. One of these healthcare workers is already back in America and in an isolated hospital unit in the Georgia. The other healthcare worker is due back this week. Health Briefs TV shares the basic facts about Ebola and why it is not a real threat in the United States.

Ebola is a highly-infectious disease which produces flu-like symptoms and is usually fatal. It is contracted through bodily fluids like blood. Its symptoms are: the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and sometimes internal and external bleeding. It takes two weeks from time of infection to the onset of symptoms.

Health Briefs learns that the threat of Ebola being transmitted from the two infected healthcare workers to rest of the population is not very likely.  The staff taking care of these two people is protected from catching it, and the two infected care workers are in heavily isolated spaces.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued an alert for all medical professionals to ask patients presenting Ebola-like symptoms about recent travel. In truth, panic spreads faster than the Ebola virus. Have questions? Ask your doctor. 

***********************************************

Visit Health Briefs on Google+
Watch Heath Briefs videos on Youtube
View Heath Briefs Blogs