Ask the Visiting Nurse Archive

Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE Archive

Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.

I have a slow, pulsing pain in my chest and back, just below my rib cage. I've had the back pains for some time, and the chest pains started just this week. The back pains are usually associated with breathing, but the chest pains are not.

If I quit smoking now, can it help me reduce the chances of a second heart attack?

I've heard a lot in the media about the "Sydney" strain Type-A Flu. Does the currently available flu vaccine help protect against Sydney strain, and is it too late to get the shot?

Do I need a physician to be able to receive home care under Medicare?

Can acupuncture really help relieve my pain?

The symptoms you describe are caused by a variety of diseases involving the lungs, muscles, internal organs of the abdomen and possibly the cardiac septum. By all means consult with your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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If I quit smoking now, can it help me reduce the chances of a second heart attack?

One year after quitting, ex-smokers cut their extra risk of heart attack by about half or more, and eventually the risk will return to normal in healthy ex-smokers. You can reduce your chances of having a second attack if you quit.

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I've heard a lot in the media about the "Sydney" strain Type-A Flu. Does the currently available flu vaccine help protect against Sydney strain, and is it too late to get the shot?

Unfortunately, the current vaccine is not for the Sydney strain, but, even now, health authorities continue to advise people to get the available flu shot, especially the elderly and chronically ill. Besides "Sydney," other strains of influenza can be quite serious and this vaccine can provide protection against these and help prevent complications. [Flu shots -- and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinations -- are now covered under Medicare.]

Those most at risk for influenza-related complications are:
People 65 and older
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
Adults and children with chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders (including kids with asthma)
Adults and children requiring regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies or immunosuppression, including that caused by medication
Kids and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years, receiving long-term aspirin therapy and possibly at risk for developing Reye syndrome following influenza
Women who will be in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy during flu season

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Do I need a physician to be able to receive home care under Medicare?

Yes, under Medicare, a patient must be under the care of a primary physician and be homebound.

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Can acupuncture really help relieve my pain?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese procedure that has been gaining increasing acceptance in the U.S., and many people are reporting positive results. We recommend that you consult with your physician to determine if "it's for you."

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