Week of July 27- Whooping Cough Concerns, Fever Blisters

• In Palm Springs, Dr. Clifton Cole is continuing to treat dehydration. The humidity makes this worse for people with chronic conditions. Eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are recommended for people who are not on fluid restrictions. Dr. Cole is also getting many questions about who needs to get vaccinated when, for the whooping cough. The regular tetanus shot given to those who are between the ages of 16 and 64 include whooping cough, but now those over the age of 65 are also being advised to get immunized by the California Department of Public Health.

• Gastroenteritis is the most common complaint among Dr. Andrew Cyrus' patients in Palm Desert. He's also treating heat related illnesses and bronchitis.

• Strep throat continues to be a problem for patients in La Quinta. This includes a sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Antibiotics are necessary for treatment of this one. Sun exposure and stress can bring on outbreaks of fever blisters, which is why Dr. Erica Ruiz is seeing so much of this right now. " They are usually caused by immune system being worn down," explains Dr. Ruiz. She's also seeing lots of ear infections, which also requires an antibiotic for treatment.

• Dr. Randolph Gibbs reminds us that women of childbearing age, and other people who come into contact with pregnant women or infants should make sure they get vaccinated against pertussis, or whooping cough. "The state says this could be the worst year for pertussis in more than 50 years," says Dr. Gibbs. "Remember that neither vaccination nor illness from pertussis provides lifetime immunity and that the series of shots that most children receive wears off by the time they finish middle school." Symptoms of pertussis starts with cough, runny nose followed by weeks of rapid coughing fits (whooping cough). At the Mecca Clinic, he's also seen several cases of impetigo, which is contagious, and most common in children younger than five. The rash becomes a blister, and eventually a honey colored scab.

• Our warm and humid weather is making people prone to ear infections, even more prone to picking up swimmer's ear. That's what's being reported in Coachella this week, where Dr. Frank Curry suggests buying drops to put in your ears after hitting the pool. He's also noticing bronchitis cases in younger children, who seem to be passing it around to each other.

• Dr. Sara Azar explains she's receiving many calls from patients about the whooping cough vaccination. Although the adult vaccine is usually for patients up to 64, the state is now recommending vaccination for everyone, including people over 65. Swimmer's ear is also an issue in Rancho Mirage. Expect ear pain because of moisture building up in the ear canal. Strep pharyngitis is also making the rounds. This comes with a sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. "Documented cases benefit from antibiotics. Seek the opinion of your doctor if these symptoms develop," says Dr. Azar.

• This is also a week of sore throats in Cathedral City. In fact, Dr. Vivien Pacold says it seems like more than she would ordinarily see in the winter!  Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and strep are the culprits. If you have strep, your sore throat will not go away, so see your doctor early to avoid potential heart and kidney problems down the line. "[Strep] is particularly serious because if left untreated can have potentially lifelong sequelae, such as heart problems and kidney problems," says Dr. Pacold. "Your sore throat may not 'just be a sore throat' that will go away. See your physician who can make the determination and always finish the medication as it was prescribed for a full recovery." She also has this tip: "Remember, in this hot weather, avoid sharing of water bottles and sharing drinks as well as not sharing cosmetics like lipstick. Keep your cosmetics fresh, and as always handwashing/sanitizers."

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