The RSV affecting kids in Coachella hasn't cleared up since last week. Children will start wheezing, and those younger than one can end up in the hospital. Dr. Frank Curry also says he hasn't seen any waves of the flu so far. But he does expect allergies to flare up soon because weeds are starting to bloom. So make sure you have your allergy medication on hand!
Desert flowers watered by recent rains are the culprit in La Quinta, where Dr. Erica Ruiz says allergen counts must be high. She's seen an increase in asthma flare-ups this week. Patients are also coming in with cold symptoms that last two weeks! This upper respiratory infection causes extreme fatigue, congestion, and a mild sore throat and cough. Try and rest to kick this cold. Expect a two to three day recovery for a bout of gastroenteritis that's affecting children right now.
In Cathedral City Dr. Seema Bir is seeing a lot of bronchitis with flare-ups, asthma and COPD exacerbations. She's also seen walking pneumonia and acute sinusitis. However, no real cases of the flu or H1N1. Remember wash your hands frequently, and stay home to avoid spreading illness.
What strikes Dr. Clifton Cole the most this week is that he's not seeing much of the seasonal flu yet in Palm Springs. He tells us normally, he would, by the middle of February. Remember, the flu is passed by close contact, and with recent rain, many people have been inside. "It is a good opportunity to be getting outside and begin or resume walking for exercise," Dr. Cole says. "In the meantime, a reminder to wash hands, and not touch your face in public."
In Palm Desert a nasty upper respiratory infection is progressing into pneumonia. People start with a cold-like issue, which turns into a sinus infection and burning cough in the chest. In kids this same issue is usually RSV, so be aware. Dr. Stephen Steele also tells us the seasonal flu is still happening, although he's seen very few people for H1N1.
In Mecca gastroenteritis is still going around, along with mild dehydration. Dr. Randolph Gibbs also reports more rashes, including a self-limited skin eruption. "Erythema nodosum typically presents as tender nodules localized to the pretibial regions (lower legs)," describes Dr. Gibbs. "The most common cause is streptococcus pharyngitis however oral contraceptives and sulfas are also possibilities." Lastly, he's seen asthmatics with chronic atopic dermatitis.
Watch "What's Going Around" every Tuesday evening on KPSP Local 2 News at 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday morning on KPSP Local 2 This Morning at 6:45 a.m.
