N E W S

Vol 14, No. 4      LINCARE is a National Supplier of Home
Winter '02           Oxygen and Respiratory Therapy Services

Protection Against Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections

Washing hands thoroughly and often is a simple way to avoid some communicable infections. People with emphysema should be vaccinated against influenza each year at least six weeks before flu season. For patients who have not been immunized during an outbreak of flu, the drugs amantadine and rimantadine have been found to provide effective protection in three-quarters of patients. The other important vaccination is the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against the major bacterium that causes pneumonia. The vaccine remains effective for years. Flu and pneumococcal vaccines can be administered at the same time without increasing any adverse effects. Some experts recommend protective antibiotic therapy for patients with chronic bronchitis who develop signs of respiratory infection, including fever and heavy coughed-up sputum.

- WebMD

"In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer."
- Albert Camus

What you eat affects your body's ability to resist infections. How you eat is equally important. The way you eat may affect the way you breathe. If shortness of breath interferes with the enjoyment of your meals, here are a few helpful guidelines:

Breakfast Shake

1 cup milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or molasses
1 banana, slice

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for about 10 seconds or until well mixed.

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