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Steven Patton

@medman4u

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Medical Director of Community Outreach: Participates in educational health programs and events with a focus on addressing equity in undeserved areas.

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Bacteria and viruses can both make you sick, but they are very different, and understanding the difference helps explain why antibiotics don’t work for every infection.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce independently. Some bacteria cause infections like strep throat and certain ear infections, while others are actually beneficial to our bodies.

Viruses work differently. They invade our cells and use our cells’ machinery to reproduce. Common viral infections include the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the common cold.

Antibiotics work by targeting specific structures or processes in bacteria. Viruses don’t have those same targets, which is why antibiotics cannot treat viral infections.

Giving antibiotics for a virus won’t help your child recover faster, but it can cause unnecessary side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Understanding the difference between bacterial and viral infections is an important part of knowing when antibiotics are actually needed. #bacterialinfection #viralinfection #virus by @medman4u

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6 days ago

Staph (Staphylococcus) Infections: Common bacteria that can live harmlessly on the skin, but can turn into painful, pus-filled boils or abscesses. Key takeaway: Keep wounds clean and covered!

Cellulitis: A common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. It causes red, swollen, tight, and shiny skin that feels hot to the touch and tends to spread quickly.

Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissue. More common from viral infections. If a severe bacterial skin infection like MRSA or cellulitis goes completely untreated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. While this more commonly leads to bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis, or localized abscesses elsewhere.

Dermatitis: A general term for skin irritation (like eczema or contact rashes) that causes itchy, dry, or swollen skin.

Melanoma: A serious form of skin cancer that develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce skin pigment. Watch out for moles with asymmetrical shapes, uneven borders, or fading dark colors—and always get checked early! by @medman4u

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9 days ago

Flu can cause high fevers, dehydration, pneumonia, hospitalization, and other serious complications, even in otherwise healthy kids and adults. The flu vaccine may not prevent every case of influenza, but it lowers the risk of getting sick and, importantly, lowers the risk of severe illness if you do get infected.

Flu season is coming. If you’re eligible and haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now is a good time.

#FluShot #FluVaccine #Influenza by @medman4u

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12 days ago

Get Your Preventative Check Up Today 🔥
#wellness #holistichealth #Dirty30WorkoutChallenge by @medman4u

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13 days ago

For those who live elsewhere in the Bluegrass: Get your Flu vaccine between now and Election Day! It will give you protection against the flu for about 6 months into spring. It’s one step to make your body smarter against illness. And while you’re setting up your appointment, make sure you’re registered to vote by October 5th!

#louisville #vaccines #kyhealth #kentucky #fluvaccine by @medman4u

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17 days ago

Taking time to move your body, dive into a hobby you love, or simply rest isn’t taking away from others—it’s preparing you to give them the healthiest version of you.

You can’t serve your purpose if you burn out the vessel carrying it.
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#selflove #hobbies #pourintoyourself #honoryourtemple #ᴡᴇʟʟɴᴇssᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ by @medman4u

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21 days ago

by @medman4u

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23 days ago

Looking for a Challenger October 30th. 🤓 👊🏾 by @medman4u

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a month ago

The Dating Pool Isn't The Problem !
#healthylifestyle #dating #relationships by @medman4u

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a month ago

Kentucky is now reporting 50 measles cases across 10 counties, and the outbreak is continuing to spread.

Measles is extraordinarily contagious, and people can spread it before they even know they’re sick. That’s why waiting until there’s a case at your child’s school or in your community is not the best time to start thinking about protection.

If your child is due for MMR, or you’re an adult who isn’t sure whether you’re protected, check your vaccine record now.

The goal is to already be protected before you’re exposed.

#Measles #MMRVaccine #Kentucky by @medman4u

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a month ago

Meal Prep: Turkey Legs, Greens (Turnip, Collard, Kale), and Sweet Potatoe: 75 g Protein, 15 g net Carbs + whole lot of micronutrient 👨🏾‍🍳 by @medman4u

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a month ago

Passion 🔥, Chemistry 🧪, and Compatibility ❤️
#passion #chemistry #Compatibility by @medman4u

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a month ago