Week of February 23- RSV, Few Seasonal and H1N1 cases
- A few colds and sore throats are reported in Palm Springs this week at Dr. Clifton Cole's practice. He says this may be the start of something, but it's too soon to tell. In the meantime, wash your hands. The good news is he's not seeing any fevers or intestinal symptoms, so there's nothing to indicate the flu in going around.
- RSV season is in earnest in Rancho Mirage. This viral illness affects almost all infants and can be deadly to at-risk babies. Dr. Arturo Quintanilla explains it starts like the common cold, but quickly turns into high fevers, wheezing and shortness of breath. Kids with these symptoms need to be seen right away.
- An important health note for those a little bit older who live or work in Rancho Mirage. Dr. Sara Azar reports several viral upper respiratory illnesses with symptoms that include a hacking cough, a sore throat, nasal congestion and a headache. " Fever is usually not present." Using a humidifier, over the counter cough suppressants and a nasal saline rinse can help. Pneumonia is also a big concern right now, so Dr. Azar says the pneumonia vaccine is a very important way to protect yourself. "The difference between this and the viral upper respiratory illness was significant shortness of breath, productive cough, fever. These patients required antibiotics and even hospital admission." She also saw some patients for the flu. Most had not been vaccinated for both strains. "Tamiflu was offered to shorten the course and they required plenty of fluids and tylenol for fever," explains Dr. Azar.
- Your typical cold with a runny nose, sore throat and non-productive cough is hanging around Rancho Mirage. But it's lasting a lot longer. Dr. Carol Renke also tells us her older patients are developing pneumonia, and need to see the doctor.
- In the east valley Dr. Randolph Gibbs tells us he treated some children for cases of gastroenteritis. He believes it was caused by a virus, or may have been related to food or drink contamination. These patients got better with symptomatic treatment. "We have been seeing an increased frequency of urinary tract infections in children," adds Dr. GIbbs. "Childhood urinary tract infections are somewhat common and usually caused by bacteria. Antibiotic treatment usually resolves this condition." Recurrent infections may be indicative of malformations or malfunction. Symptoms include: pain, urgency in urination, fever or flank discomfort. "Children less than two yrs old or those who have had recurrent infections may require further diagnostic studies. Prevention includes: avoiding caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate and excessive citrus. Avoiding bubble baths, encouraging cranberry juice consumption and complete bladder emptying is also recommended."
- In La Quinta, coughs are a common complaint. Dr. Erica Ruiz says this is a viral infection, and those who suffer from asthma may need to be treated with steroids. And be prepared for the cough to hang around two to three weeks. With the onset of flowers, allergies are back, which means asthma sufferers are in for it! A 36-hour bug that comes with nausea and diarrhea is also going around. You'll just have to drink plenty of fluids and wait this one out.
- The common cold is a common complaint in Palm Desert this week. Dr. Andrew Cyrus is also seeing bronchitis and strep throat.
- Seasonal allergies are on the rise in the valley, and especially in Cathedral City. At Dr. Seema Bir's practice, she's seeing bronchitis that lasts for more than five days, asthma and COPD exacerbation and community acquired pneumonia.
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.
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