In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Thursday, January 6 – the Worcester Art Museum screens classic film “Doctor Zhivago,” Music Worcester adds virtual options to its January 14 concert, the Worcester Chamber Music Society reschedules its January 16 performance, Dunkin’ is serving $2 hot or iced coffee for the rest of the month and how to navigate diagnosis of a sore throat during cold and flu season and COVID-19 surges.
Worcester Art Museum Screens “Doctor Zhivago”
Worcester Art Museum’s holiday display “Deck the Halls,” includes a series of artfully decorated trees designed by Sally Jablonski of Herbert E. Berg Florist, Inc. Jablonski’s inspiration came from “Doctor Zhivago,” the 1965 classic movie, and the current “Love Stories” exhibition at Worcester Art Museum.
On Sunday, January 9, at 1 PM, Worcester Art Museum marks the end “Deck the Halls” with a screening of “Doctor Zhivago.” The screening is free with museum admission.
Pre-registration for the screening is required.
Music Worcester Adds Virtual Options to January 14 Concert
The 2021 – 2022 season of Music Worcester continues with The Knights orchestra on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 8 PM at Mechanics Hall with soloist Aaron Diehl.
In-person attendance remains open with tickets available, but a live stream of the performance was added for $20.
The Knights hold a special place among US orchestras, as they take an innovative and collaborative approach to programming, engagement of guest artists and partnerships, and recordings. Recent years have witnessed them working with Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Bela Fleck, and Gil Shaham, in addition to exploring traditional concerts halls across the US and Europe along with bars and parks to present novel experiences.
For more information and tickets, visit the Music Worcester website.
Worcester Chamber Music Society Reschedules January 16 Performance
The Worcester Chamber Music Society announced it has postponed its Spotlight Concert featuring Joshua Gordon and Randall Hodgkinson scheduled for January 16.
The Spotlight Concert will take place on Friday, March 4, at Jean McDonough Arts Center BrickBox, at 20 Franklin Street, at 7:30 PM. Virtual options will be available.
January tickets will be honored in March. Tickets are on sale at the Worcester Chamber Music Society website.
Dunkin’ Introduces Winter Blend Coffee with $2 Deal
The newest addition to Dunkin’s Limited Batch Series, Winter Blend Coffee is available at Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide this month.
The full-bodied, smooth medium roast boasts notes of gingersnap and is available hot or iced.
From now until Feb. 1, Dunkin’ is serving up the Winter Blend hot or iced or just $2.
Also, from now until Feb. 22, anyone who joins the DD Perks loyalty program can get one free medium hot or iced coffee when they sign-up online or on the Dunkin’ app.
Diagnosing Sore Throats in Cold and Flu Season as COVID-19 Surges
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 surges right in the middle of cold and flu season, and strep is making the rounds, it can be hard for patients to determine the cause of their illness.
The physicians and providers at American Family Care (AFC), at 117 Stafford Street in Worcester, say that appropriate testing, based on symptoms and an exam by a medical professional, is the key to getting proper treatment.
“We’re seeing more patients than ever at our urgent care centers who are reporting sore throats,” said Dr. Vincent Meoli, regional medical director of AFC. “We know much of this relates to the resurging COVID-19 pandemic, which is why we’re continuing to provide rapid testing in Worcester. But we’re also still seeing cases of the common cold, the flu and strep throat, which we can diagnose as well.”
Dr. Meoli explained that a sore throat that accompanies a cold, flu or COVID-19 typically includes other respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, headache, congestion and cough. Over-the-counter treatment options are recommended for symptom control, such as throat lozenges, decongestants, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. With an early diagnosis, anti-viral medications may also help shorten the duration of the flu.
Strep throat, however, is caused by the bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, and the condition typically requires antibiotic treatment. Strep symptoms may include fever; severe sore throat pain and pain when swallowing; swollen lymph nodes in the neck; and red, swollen tonsils or tiny white patches on the back of the throat. Other respiratory symptoms are usually not present.
Dr. Meoli noted that while strep throat accounts for only a small percentage of cases they see, it can lead to complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation if left untreated, so seeking medical care is recommended.
“We perform a quick throat swab in our office,” he said. “If the results are positive for strep, we prescribe antibiotics, which tend to effectively clear it up.”
Dr. Meoli added, “With the resurgence of COVID-19, your best bet is to seek testing if you are feeling unwell. We strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as well as the annual flu vaccine, as preventative measures to help reduce your risks of serious illness.”
AFC in Worcester is locally owned and offers walk-in care seven days a week for patients of all ages, including flu vaccinations, diagnostic rapid tests and antibody tests for COVID-19, physicals, on-site x-rays, care for minor bone breaks, burns and stitches for cuts and lacerations. Learn more at the AFC website.
