SMH Primary Care physician gives tips to avoid the seasonal sniffles

Although schools take measures and offer a clean environment to learn and grow for kids, with the beginning of the school year comes exposure to viral infections leading to colds, stuffy noses and coughs. 

An Air Force veteran and a graduate of the University Of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Emily Denney chose family medicine as her focus due to her passion of working with people of all ages. A primary care physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care Clinic, she sees and treats colds, flu variations and respiratory infections of all kinds in all age groups. 

A working mom herself, Dr. Denney stopped by Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to give some tips and tricks to staying ahead of the sniffles this season. 

According to some studies, depending on age, it is not abnormal for kids to have between 5-6 or even more colds a year and still have a healthy immune system. But taking measures to prevent the spread of illness can save time and tissues in the long-run. 

Dr. Denney said the best way to prevent the spread of many common illnesses is as simple as good hand washing habits with a typical soap. Antibacterial soaps are abundant and popular, but Dr. Denney takes an admittedly controversial stance on their use and recommends using them sparingly, if at all, outside of a medical profession.

Dr. E. Denny 

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20% of respiratory infections (colds). 

Parents can use antibacterial wipes on items that come and go from schools. But again, Dr. Denney said simply washing or wiping the item down with typical soap and water will usually do the trick. 

When the inevitable does happen and kids become ill, Dr. Denney gave some signs to watch for should parents be considering if a trip to Primary Care Clinic or Urgent Care is needed. 

Dr. E. Denny 

With flu season just around the corner, according to SMH, flu shots will be available at any Sheridan Memorial Hospital clinic including Internal Medicine, Primary Care and Urgent Care, as well as at most local pharmacies and Sheridan County Public Health. Most insurance plans cover the cost of vaccinations, so flu vaccinations can often be received without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.

Dr. Denney said it’s a good idea to get the flu shot for any member of the family who can receive vaccinations. She believes those could be available as soon as next month. 

Dr. E. Denny 

Find the full interview with Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care physician, Dr. Emily Denney, by clicking here. To schedule an appointment or learn more about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care Clinic, click here.