2025 January issue of InMaricopa Magazine

HEALTH & WELLNESS

C OLD AND FLU SEASON IS UPON US, and with it comes the annual wave of sore throats, sniffles and fevers. While most cases can be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications, it’s crucial to recognize when symptoms become serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. As an emergency physician and medical director of Maricopa’s Exceptional Community Hospital, I want to provide some guidelines to help you stay safe and make informed decisions this season. Recognizing symptoms Understanding the difference between a cold and the flu can help you better manage your symptoms. Both are viral infections, but their severity and onset differ. Cold and flu season Recognizing symptoms and knowing when to seek emergency care BY DR. BRAD RUSSELL GREEN

• Severe dehydration. Inability to keep down fluids. No urination for eight hours or more. Dry mouth, dizziness or confusion. • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of dehydration or inability to manage symptoms at home. • Confusion or lethargy. Sudden confusion, dizziness or trouble staying awake. • Worsening symptoms in high-risk groups. People with underlying conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease). Infants, young children, pregnant women and older adults. • Blue or gray lips and fingernails in infants or children. Special considerations for children and the elderly For children: • Rapid breathing, trouble eating or drinking, high fever with rash or irritability warrants immediate care. • Infants under three months with a fever should be evaluated promptly. For elderly adults: • Symptoms like confusion, weakness, or a sudden worsening of chronic conditions are red flags. Preventing the spread of cold and flu • Get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is your best defense against severe illness. • Practice good hygiene. Wash hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. • Stay home when sick. Limit contact with others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. Most cold and flu cases are mild but knowing when to seek medical attention can make a difference. Take care of yourself, listen to your body and don’t hesitate to visit the ER if your symptoms become severe. Wishing you a safe and healthy cold and flu season!

Decongestants or antihistamines can alleviate nasal symptoms. • Monitor symptoms. Track your temperature and any changes in your breathing or energy levels. You can stay home if: • Your fever is below 102° and manageable with medication. • Your cough or nasal symptoms are improving. • You can stay hydrated and eat small meals. When to visit the emergency room Certain symptoms can signal a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you or someone you are caring for experiences: • Difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath, rapid breathing or wheezing. Chest pain or tightness. • High fever. Fever over 103° that does not improve with medication. Fever that lasts more than three days.

Common cold symptoms: • Runny or stuffy nose • Sneezing

• Sore throat • Mild cough • Mild fatigue • Low-grade fever (rare) • Gradual onset, over a few days Flu symptoms: • Sudden high fever (+100.4°) • Severe fatigue, body aches • Headache • Dry, persistent cough • Chills • Sore throat • Nasal congestion • Rapid onset, often within hours When to stay home

Dr. Brad Russell Green is the medical director at Exceptional Community Hospital in Maricopa. With extensive experience in emergency medicine and medical leadership, Dr. Green held medical director roles at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital and Carlsbad Medical Center. A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Green completed his residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and has served on faculty at institutions such as NYU and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. His dedication to innovative, patient-centered care will guide the hospital in continuing its mission of medical excellence.

520-534-0700 EHC24.com/Maricopa 19060 N. John Wayne Pkwy Maricopa, AZ 85139

Most people with mild to moderate cold or flu symptoms can recover at home. Here are some tips for home care: • Rest and hydration. Get plenty of sleep and drink fluids like water, broths and electrolyte solutions. • Over-the-counter relief. Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce fever and aches.