Tips for Common Symptoms

• Allergies or Itchy Eyes
• Colds
• Cold Sores or Fever Blisters
• Constipation
• Cuts and Scrapes
• Diarrhea or Vomiting
• Headaches
• Heartburn/Indigestion
• Sore Throat
• Sprains or Strains
• Sunburn

Allergies or Itchy Eyes

For minor symptoms:

• Avoid the problem agent if possible
• Take an antihistamine: Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, or Claritin
• Use eye drops such as Naphcon-A for allergic conjunctivitis
• Use a decongestant such as Sudafed for nasal congestion, but do not use if you have high blood pressure
• Apply hydrocortisone cream to bites or allergic skin rash

See your health care clinician if:

• Throat or chest tightness, swelling of lips or tongue — call immediately.
• Problem recurs frequently or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications.

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Colds

For minor symptoms:

• Get rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
• Take a decongestant such as Sudafed to relieve nasal congestion, but do not use if you have high blood pressure.
• Take a cough suppressant such as Robitussin DM for hacking cough

See your health care clinician if:

• Cold or cough lingers more than one week.
• Fever persists for more than a few days.
• You have painful breathing or shortness of breath.
• You have discolored mucous.
• You have severe headache or sinus pain.

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Cold Sores or Fever Blisters

For minor symptoms:

• Apply ice for 5-10 minutes to reduce pain
• Apply topical agents such as Herpecin-L® or Campho-phenique® for comfort
• Use moisturizers such as Blistex® to hasten healing
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
• Be patient: cold sores usually go away in 7-10 days
• Be cautious: cold sores may be due to herpes simplex virus and may be contagious

See your health care clinician if:

• Sores are excessive or do not heal.
• Pain prevents you from eating or drinking.
• You have severe or frequently recurring sores.

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Constipation

For minor symptoms:

• Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
• Take a stool softener such as Colace or fiber product as Metamucil®
• DO NOT use laxatives, such as Ex-Lax, regularly
• Increase activity and exercise

See your health care clinician if:

• Condition persists for several days.
• You have a fever.
• You experience stomach cramping, bloating, rectal bleeding or nausea.

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Cuts and Scrapes

For minor symptoms:

• Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water
• Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure
• Keep area clean and dry

See your health care clinician if:

• Wound is deep.
• You cut yourself on something rusty or dirty.
• Bleeding won't stop.
• Red streak appears around wound.
• Wound doesn't heal.
• You haven't had a tetanus booster in 10 years.

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Diarrhea or Vomiting

For minor symptoms:

• Rest and sip clear fluids such as ginger ale, Gatorade® or broth
• Eat light foods such as crackers or toast
• If diarrhea persists, take Imodium A-D
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

See your health care clinician if:

• Symptoms last more than two days.
• Fluids won't stay down.
• You experience high fever or dizziness.
• There is blood in stool.
• You have diarrhea during the night.

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Headaches

For minor symptoms:

• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
• Apply hot or cold packs
• Avoid bright lights
• Take sinus medication if head/nose is congested, but do not use Sudafed if you have high blood pressure

See your health care clinician if:

• Headache persists or recurs.
• Headache follows injury or trauma.
• You experience fever, vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion.
• The headache is severe or associated with neck stiffness.

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Heartburn/Indigestion

For minor symptoms:

• Avoid spicy, acidic or other aggravating foods, and alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Eat smaller amounts of food at one time, especially if near bedtime
• Take antacids, such as Maalox, or acid-suppressants such as Pepcid-AC
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen products

See your health care clinician if:

• Problem recurs or pain is severe.
• Pain occurs with shortness of breath or other symptoms that suggest heart problems.

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Sore Throat

For minor symptoms:

• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe throat
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
• Use throat lozenges
• Increase fluids

See your health care clinician if:

• Sore throat lasts more than a week.
• Fever accompanies the sore throat.
• You have difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking.
• There are white patches on back of throat or tonsils.
• You have been exposed to someone diagnosed with strep throat.
• You have tender neck lymph nodes.

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Sprains or Strains

For minor symptoms:

• Apply ice
• Rest and elevate injured area
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen

See your health care clinician if:

• Problem lasts more than three days or pain is severe.
• There is dislocation or misalignment.
• You have difficulty moving the affected area.
• There is black and blue discoloration.

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Sunburn

For minor symptoms:

• Avoid further exposure to the sun
• Apply cool compresses to the area or take a cool bath
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (note warning for children under 16)
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
• Apply aloe gel to soothe area
• To avoid sunburn, wear protective clothing and sunscreen

See your health care clinician if:

• Burn is accompanied by fever, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion.
• Blisters form on large areas of the skin.
• Blisters break and appear infected.

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