Gotta Catch 'Em All

I only have to collect heart, kidney, liver, and lung disease before I win something!

Got my flu shot today. It was actually awesome for two reasons: 1) it was the first time I ever got to check yes to the question: "Are you a healthcare worker?" and 2) needles just keep getting smaller! It was literally painless.

It was also, somehow, free. So thanks America, for always having my back (it's the least you could do after you presumably gave me asthma.... we need cleaner air damn it!!!) But still, Walgreens' Pharmacy, specifically at my Walgreens, is always a pleasure and has re-instilled my faith in  health care.

Now I just need to find a family physician... to deal with my multitude of health problems (see above).

On Call

So my friend just called me to tell me that her twelve year old roommate has been really sick for an entire day. I got to run a differential! So, patient has had nausea for a day, with intermittent vomiting and diarrhea over the same period. Abdominal pain crampy. Pain is also diffuse and not localized to the RLQ (if it were, suspect appendicitis). Patient is afebrile (almost entirely rules out appendicitis). Most likely diagnosis: considering the age of the patient, most likely cause of pain is gastroenteritis, or stomach flu. Patient is advised to stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes. It is recommended that patient also go to school tomorrow if she feels any better at all.