Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
NOLA In 'Hangover Phase' After Celebrations
Doctor Says More People Out Sick After Mardi Gras, Super Bowl Parties
NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans doctors are reporting a spike in visits and attributing a number of illnesses to some unlikely culprits.
Dr. Corey Herbert, WDSU medical editor said the Saints' success, Mardi Gras and a recent spell of cold weather may have left the city feeling like it has a hangover.
"We had the NFC championship that made almost everyone have a heart attack. Then, we had the Super Bowl. Then, with the cold weather, that's just what happens," he said, noting that high levels of stress, cold weather and close quarters can lead to many illnesses.
Herbert said he saw about 100 patients in the past few weeks dealing with a number of symptoms including runny noses, coughs, congestion and fever.
"We have to remember, people aren't really being very hygienic with the things they're doing. Everybody's hugging and kissing. Then, with the cold weather, that's just what happens," he said.
Song Park said several of his co-workers have called in sick in recent days.
"One of my co-workers -- he was out sick for six days. So, I think half of the staff has been out sick at one point or another," Park said.
Michael Ball said sick co-workers have been avoiding him.
"I've run into a couple at the office who had colds or they avoided me a little bit or kept their distance because they don't want to spread it and I don't want to get it," he said.
Herbert said most of the illnesses can be cured with over-over-the-counter medicines such as decongestants and expectorants. He also urged residents to remember to wash their hands and to sneeze and cough into their arms. He advised those feeling ill to stay at home and take vitamins.
http://www.wdsu.com/health/22607805/detail.html
Doctor Says More People Out Sick After Mardi Gras, Super Bowl Parties
NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans doctors are reporting a spike in visits and attributing a number of illnesses to some unlikely culprits.
Dr. Corey Herbert, WDSU medical editor said the Saints' success, Mardi Gras and a recent spell of cold weather may have left the city feeling like it has a hangover.
"We had the NFC championship that made almost everyone have a heart attack. Then, we had the Super Bowl. Then, with the cold weather, that's just what happens," he said, noting that high levels of stress, cold weather and close quarters can lead to many illnesses.
Herbert said he saw about 100 patients in the past few weeks dealing with a number of symptoms including runny noses, coughs, congestion and fever.
"We have to remember, people aren't really being very hygienic with the things they're doing. Everybody's hugging and kissing. Then, with the cold weather, that's just what happens," he said.
Song Park said several of his co-workers have called in sick in recent days.
"One of my co-workers -- he was out sick for six days. So, I think half of the staff has been out sick at one point or another," Park said.
Michael Ball said sick co-workers have been avoiding him.
"I've run into a couple at the office who had colds or they avoided me a little bit or kept their distance because they don't want to spread it and I don't want to get it," he said.
Herbert said most of the illnesses can be cured with over-over-the-counter medicines such as decongestants and expectorants. He also urged residents to remember to wash their hands and to sneeze and cough into their arms. He advised those feeling ill to stay at home and take vitamins.
http://www.wdsu.com/health/22607805/detail.html
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