THE OFFICIAL "WHAT TO DO"
FOR THE FLU, COLD, OR STOMACH VIRUS
Cold or Flu?
The CDC helps you determine if you have the common cold or influenza. Follow the links on the left of the CDC's website for key facts about the flu, how to prevent the flu, what to do if you get sick, and there's a color-coded map of the US showing flu activity.
Sinus Infections: When to Take Antbiotics
The above link is a little bit technical, but this is what the CDC advises your physician on when to dispense antibiotics. The CDC also writes to consumers to inform them when to take antibiotics. Read more
here.
Follow the links at the bottom of the page to answer all of your questions, including alternatives to cough & cold medicines for young children, when you should give your child antibiotics for fluid in the middle ear, and the skinny about antibacterial products.
Stomach Virus and Diarrhea
The CDC explains that individuals infected with the stomach flu are contagious for 3 days after recovery, some as long as 2 weeks. And did you know that the norovirus (stomach flu) cannot be prevented with a flu vaccine? Learn how to prevent the norovirus and what to do if you get it.
What's Making Me Sick?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has provided this table to help you determine just what is making you ill. Do you have an unusual taste or burning in your mouth along with nausea & vomiting--and it started less than an hour from your last meal? Metallic salts could be the culprit. Learn to identify the cause from your symptoms, but
please call your doctor or 911
when appropriate.
STOP! Before You Take Any OTC Medications...
...check this table from the FDA on possible interactions you may have from Over The Counter meds you might use for that cold or intestinal problem.
You can also obtain specific medication information on
Caremark.com
and
Webmd.com.
How to Stop the Spread of Infectious Disease
Is someone sick in your family? Are you feeling under the weather? The Mayo Clinic explains how you can reduce your risk of infection--or infecting others.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
California Department of Health Services
As part of its mandate, the CDHS administers a broad range of public and clinical health programs that provide health care services to Californians. CDHS is part of the
California Health and Human Services Agency.
California Health & Human Services Agency
CHHSA administers state and federal programs for health care, social services, public assistance and rehabilitation.
California Poison Control Action Hotline
800-222-1222
The California Poison Control System (CPCS) is the statewide provider of immediate, free and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous, hazardous or toxic substances. Call us toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Los Angeles County Health Department
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. The Department of Public Health works closely with the
Department of Health Services
which manages County Hospitals and ambulatory services on safeguarding the health of all citizens in Los Angeles.
NON-PROFIT RESOURCES
American Cancer Society
661-298-0886
The American Cancer Society is a nation-wide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund
661-430-2000
BMCF supports patients 18-40 currently undergoing cancer treatment. Their goal is to help young adults in treatment maintain self-respect and minimize the stress of associated financial challenges.
Foundation for Childrens Dental Health
661-254-7048
The Foundation for Childrens Dental Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide dental care to the underserved and unserved school children in the Santa Clarita Valley who would not otherwise have these services available to them.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
661-299-2888
The NCADD of the San Fernando Valley is a community-based prevention and recovery program. They support the disease concept of alcoholism as defined by the American Medical Association, seeking to modify social and economic patterns and to promote healthful behaviors.
Northeast Valley Health Corporation
661-287-1551
Northeast Valley Health Corporation is one of the nation's largest community health centers. They are a nonprofit organization that is community owned and controlled. They are available to provide health care services to adults, children, adolescents and families who are medically underserved, regardless of their ability to pay-- providing culturally competent, quality health care with dignity.
Pediatric Safety Group
The Pediatric Safety Group provides prevention education for families through attention-focused planning, in and around the house. They see your home through your children's eyes. They offer home safety literature and products; distribute and install child passenger seats; and provide educational seminars for hospice and childcare providers.
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center
The mission of the SDFHC is to enhance wellness by providing quality outpatient health care services and programs, health education, community resources, and referrals. They make a special effort to serve the unserved and underserved residents of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Santa Clarita Medical and Mental Health Services
661-288-2644
To provide health, as well as mental health, services to underserved, low income, and underinsured communities on a cost-effective and high quality basis.
SCV Pregnancy Center
661-255-0082
The Pregnancy Center exists to empower women regarding pregnancy related decisions through information, education and practical assistance. Resources are geared towards crisis pregnancy situations with services including options counseling, free pregnancy tests, support for teen moms, community referrals, material resources, and support for parents of pregnant teens.
St. Francis Psychotherapy & Counseling Center
661-294-2880
SPCC is a non-profit, self-supporting professional counseling center dedicated to providing counseling to all regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity or socio-economic status.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Center for Disease Control
Although this is technically a government resource, it is not local and best serves Santa Clarita residents with its informative website. Many health and safety topics are covered including brain injury, travelers' health, vaccines & immunizations, as well as wildfires.
Gateway to Government Food Safety Information
Food safety alerts & warnings, consumer advice, federal & state government agencies, and holiday food safety.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Mayo Clinic's three main Web sites provide information and services from the world's first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group medical practice. Manage your health with information and tools that reflect the expertise of Mayo's 2,500 physicians and scientists, learn how to access medical services, and discover Mayo's medical research and education offerings.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Information is available to specific groups such as consumers, patients, seniors, and health educators on topics from losing weight to toxicological research. Find out here how to gain access to unapproved products and drugs.
