• Infection of the inner lining of the heart including the heart valves
• Symptoms may include fever, chills and red-blue painless spots on the palms and soles of the hands and feet
• Caused when bacteria or fungus infects the heart which often occurs after rheumatic heart disease, heart valve replacement, surgery or in intravenous drug users
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in males
• Can occur at any age but more common in the elderly
• May be mild to severe
• Life threatening without appropriate treatment

Brush and floss your teeth daily

FOR FEVER

• Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)

FOR COUGH

• Increase fluids (especially water)
• Suck on cough drops or hard sweets (candy)
• Use a cool air humidifier in room
• Avoid lung irritants such as smoke, household cleaners or allergens
• Over-the-counter cough medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Guaifenesin
  • Dextromethorphan