Have you had the “crud” that’s been going around?  Sniffling?  Sneezing?  Hacking cough?  Even in sunny San Diego, it’s hard to escape.  The common cold or “rhinovirus” is uncomfortable and annoying….but usually isn’t a big deal and runs its course in a week or so.  But if your symptoms include respiratory distress, body aches and fever…..it’s time to pay attention.  You could have the flu!

    County healthy officials are reporting an increase in the number of influenze cases in San Diego.  The annual trend is always a concern because “flu” is a contagious, respiratory virus that can not only cause miled to severe illness.  It can also lead to death.  In fact, every year in the U.S. some 36,000people die from the flu.

     Fortunately, if diagnosed quickly and accurately…there are ways to manage the symptoms and shorten the duration of your bout with the flu.  That’s why local health experts are touting the benefits of flu testing.  If you think you might be sick….a rapid flu test can provide a result quickly.  The new FluSTAR tracking and reporting system uses a simple nasal swab and provides results in 10 minutes.  You can even take the flu test challenge by answering a few questions to find out if a flu test is right for you.  Check out http:www.flutest.com.

   Stop by your nearest clinic without an appointment if you need a flu test.  The spread of flu is a major public health concern and health officials want to stop a possible epidemic in its tracks.  You can also visit your doctor’s office or urgent care center.  If a test is administered within 48 hours of flu onset….a healthcare practitioner may recommend medications to treat the symptoms.  (FYI…There are 18 CVS Pharmacy MinuteClinic locations in the San Diego area where you can get immediate assistance!)

….According to pediatrician Dr. Nicholas Levy…professor at UCSD School of Medicine and Director of El Camino Pediatrics….if influenza is diagnosed in adults within 48 hours of onset…it CAN be treated.  “In children,” says Dr. Levy…diagnosis avoids the unnecessary use of antibiotics…which are ineffective in treating the flu.”  Dr. Levy goes on to explain, “If you feel symptomatic or your child is exhibiting these symptoms…a flu test is highly recommended.  The results will help your doctor appropriately diagnoses and treat you.”

   Need more encouragemnt?  Check out these facts:

* A recent study shows that diagnosis based on symptoms alone generates six times more false positives for flu than diagnosis with the aid of a  rapid test.

* Flu CAN be treated if diagnosed within 48 hours.

* If, in fact, you have the flu….you can make decisions that reduce the risk of transmitting it to others by staying home…avoiding  public places and limiting contact with infants and seniors.

* Symptoms include fever, aches chills and fatigue.

    Bottom line.  Although everyone is likely to be affected by flu…children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years….and adults over the age of 50…are at higher risk for having serious flu-related complications.  So take extra caution during this flu season.  At best…the flu is miserable.  At worst…it can be deadly.  Stay on top of it and you or someone you love won’t have to be a statistic.

   At last week’s appointment with my dermatologist….I learned the little brown, crusty thing on my forehead was no big deal.   Dr. Susan Stuart zapped away the little spot with a tiny squirt of liquid nitrogen….then told me about something new in the field of health and beauty that really IS a big deal.   Have you heard about LATISSE?  Medically speaking….it’s “bimatoprost ophthalmic solution.”   The FDA recently approved it for what’s called “hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.”   In simple terms, the solution has been found to be effective in treating “inadequate or insufficient” eyelashes. 

    What does that mean for you?   Well, if you’re among the women who can literally count each eyelash…..or invest in every new mascara and eyelash-thickening product that comes along….you might just want to check this out! 

   Dr. Susan Stuart of La Jolla Skin is among the first to carry Latisse in San Diego.   “This simple application grows luxurious eyelashes.”  says Dr. Stuart.   “It literally makes them longer, thicker and darker!”   And the studies on Latisse back up her claims.   The solution is easy to use.   It’s applied once a day to the base of the upper eyelashes (like eyeliner!) with a sterile single-use-per-eye disposable applicator.  According to the studies…in as little as eight weeks, users can expect to see improvement in the form of longer, fuller and darker eyelashes.   After 16 weeks, the results are significant.  Ongoing treatment is required to maintain the effect.  If treatment is discontinued…eyelashes will gradually return to their original state over a period of weeks to months (the average eyelash hair cycle.)

    A few possible side effects were noted during clinical trials on Latisse…including darkening of the eyelid skin and hair growth in other areas of the skin the solution frequently touches.  (Could my husband’s receding hairline be next?   Don’t get too excited Honey!   More clinical trials are needed!)  A small percentage of study participants reported itching or eye redness.  Obviously, for people with existing eye conditions….a doctor’s advice is necessary before using the product.

     Latisse was developed by Allergan and it’s the first science-based treatment approved by the FDA for thin or spotty eyelashes.   Only time will tell just how effective or well-received the new Latisse solution will be.   But after decades of glopping sticky, black mascara on my nondescript eyelashes….I’m going to keep a close eye on this cosmetic breakthrough.   Just think….no more racoon eyes!!    Questions? contact lajollaskin.com  or www.latisse.com.