Flu Vaccinations Now Available
We are now carrying flu vaccinations. Please call to schedule an appointment today for your shot.
Call Now: (561) 627-2727
Lyme Disease Now Found In All 50 States
In case you thought we here in Florida didn’t have to concern ourselves with Lyme disease because it’s been confined to the Northeast U.S., new data demonstrate that’s no longer the case. Your concierge family practice doctors in Jupiter want to warn you that living here is no longer protection from this tick-borne disease, and to outline the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your family.
Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Arbree
Joseph Arbree, to quote the adage, was slightly ahead of his time. A patriotic American, Joe graduated from bombardier school on September 11th, but many decades before that date was forever etched into the nation’s memory. It was 1943, shortly after the US entered War II. Then Lt. Arbree, of Tenafly, New Jersey was training to become one the nations newest bombardiers during an extremely dark period in US history. And he had just landed a very dangerous job.
Antibiotic Overuse is a Serious and Growing Problem
For over 70 years, antibiotic-store.com have been a type of wonder drug that can cure a wide range of medical conditions. Unfortunately, because they have performed so well, we have come to rely on them for too many problems, and have put ourselves and our children at risk of possibly fatal consequences.
Valsartan Tablets FDA Recall
There is a Food and Drug Administration RECALL of Valsartan Tablets. The Pharmaceutical companies that are being recalled are Teva Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare and Major Pharmaceuticals. Please click here to read more information on this recall from the FDA.
If any of our patients are currently taking this medication, you can either call your local pharmacy, or call our office and we can call your pharmacy for you.
Recent Cases of Food Poisoning Highlight Need for Caution
Although the United States’ food system has never been safer in the history of the country, cases of widespread food poisoning continue to surface. This is to be expected given our industrialized food manufacturing and distribution processes, but since our focus at our Jupiter concierge family practice is our patients, we would like to take the occasion of the two most recent outbreaks to review steps you can follow to minimize your risk.
Facts and Fallacies About the Flu
Last week’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report on this year’s influenza outbreak was not positive: 49 states reporting widespread flu activity for the third week in a row; 37 children dead so far (the CDC does not track adult deaths); the highest level of activity reported since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
The Florida Department of health reports this week that flu activity throughout the state is high and continues to increase.
Your concierge doctors, in Jupiter, Florida, at MD. 2.0 have become concerned about the various flu-related myths that have been spreading like a virus. Here’s a quick quiz on some of the facts and misconceptions many have about the flu.
- You can get the flu from the flu shot
False. You may get the flu even after you receive the shot because: (a) you became infected before you got the shot (it takes about two weeks to take effect); (b) you got a strain of influenza that wasn’t protected against in the shot; (c) the shot wasn’t effective for you. But studies have shown that even if you get the flu after getting the shot, the symptoms will likely be less severe.
- Pregnant women shouldn’t get it
False. The flu shot is not only safe for pregnant women, it may also confer a measure of immunity to the baby for several months after birth.
- If you’ve already had the flu, you don’t need a shot
False. There are several types of flu virus circulating, and you can still catch a type you haven’t already had. In addition, your immune system may be stressed from fighting off the first flu, so you may be more susceptible to attack from other viruses.
- You’re only contagious in the first 48 hours
False. People can catch the flu from you a full day before you are experiencing any symptoms, and for up to a week after your symptoms subside. If you have the flu, stay home and sleep alone. If someone in your home has the flu, change and wash their bedding frequently, and disinfect the phone, remote controls, and other surfaces after they touch them.
- You can catch flu from breathing
True. Yes, it’s important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, to use hand sanitizer when you can’t, and to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, the portals for the flu virus into your body. But it’s also the case that you can catch it simply from breathing the air from anyone within six feet of you who is sick. That’s why it’s vital that flu sufferers stay home.
- It’s not too late to get the flu shot
True. Since no one can say for sure when this current outbreak will end, you can obtain a measure of immunity within two weeks. Although the typical flu season normally ends by the February-March timeframe, it can last as long as May. The current flu shot is at least 30% effective, and we believe 30% coverage is better than none at all.
- Getting a second shot will boost your immunity.
False. The first shot will stimulate your immune system to fight off the virus. A second shot, which will contain the same strains as the first shot, will do nothing to boost your immunity further.
- The “stomach flu” is not really the flu
True. Except in children, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea-often called “stomach flu”-are not associated with influenza. Symptoms of the flu include: fever over 100.4 degrees; aching muscles; headache; a dry, persistent cough; chills and sweats; fatigue and weakness; and nasal congestion.
- Antibiotics will help once you get sick
False. Antibiotics may be used once you’ve contracted the flu and you experience a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia, but they are totally ineffective against a virus. Instead, we will prescribe an antiviral such as Tamiflu to relieve your symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu, especially if they seem to be growing worse, see your primary care doctor as soon as you can.
Watch the Eclipse – Carefully
On Monday, August 21, 2017, the United States, Canada, and even northern South America will be treated to a rare event, an eclipse of the sun by Earth’s moon.
How Botox Can Help Treat Depression
Can a product that was developed to plump up wrinkles actually relieve social anxiety and even depression in some people? If so, how?
Flip Flops & Bow Ties Gala Weekend
The upcoming 2016 Gala Weekend will be held at the famous PGA National Resort & Spa just two weeks prior to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic. This year’s event will honor our U.S. Veterans of the Armed Forces, with all proceeds going to our research collaboration with RAND Corporation and the National Association of Veteran Serving Organizations.
View more information on the North American Spine Foundation website here.