Sinus Infections: What’s Going Around for the Week of July 24

You need to be especially careful about drinking enough water because of the stomach bugs going around. That’s just one thing local doctors are talking about when looking at “What’s Going Around” the area where you live.

There seems to be an intestinal bug hitting many folks in Palm Springs this week. Dr. Michael Jardula says it appears to be long-lasting and leaves people rather dehydrated and ill, especially with our hot temperatures. Keep cool, and stay hydrated.
The folks at Desert Oasis Healthcare Pediatrics in La Quinta are still seeing lots of “seasonal” allergies. Dr. Daniel Fraschetti and Nurse Practitioner Gabrielle Schwilk say it’s the time of year for swimmer’s ear. If you’ve got a headache, it may be time to rethink how much fluid you’re getting, they remind us. Dehydration is a big factor. You may feel fine, but probably don’t drink enough water. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your children’s weight this summer. If they’re spending a lot of time inside, they’re probably less active and snacking more, so be careful.
Dr. Randolph Gibbs is seeing an increase in the number of cases of atypical hand, foot and mouth disease at the Mecca Clinic. This predominately affects children under the age of 5. Severe skin rashes that often look like large blisters appear on the bottom, torso, arms, legs and face. The bacteria known as C Diff (Clostridium Difficile) is popping up among patients who are taking antibiotics. “This infection can be spread from person to person and more specifically the hands of health care providers and hospital visitors,” reports Dr. Gibbs. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea and loss of appetite. Prevention is key. Constantly washing your hands and using disinfectants can help. Dr. Gibbs is also treating salmonella gastroenteritis. This disease is transmitted by contaminated food or water. When trying to avoid salmonella poisoning, remember this simple saying: “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.”
Dr. Arturo Quintanilla is seeing plenty of swimmer’s ear in Rancho Mirage this week. Children usually show up with pain, or even discharge from the ears, along with a fever. Topical antibiotic drops are often needed. Applying one drop of rubbing alcohol to each ear after swimming can help prevent this.
In La Quinta, Dr. Erica Ruiz is treating lots of pink eye. This will usually go away on its own, but is very contagious, and the virus hangs out on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Warm compresses on the eye can help patients feel better. Urinary tract infections often get worse with dehydration, so keep up the water intake, Dr. Ruiz tells us. Sinus infections are also going around, but usually go away in about two weeks. Sinus rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers can help with the symptoms.

Watch “What’s Going Around” Tuesday evenings at 5:30 and Wednesday mornings at 6:45 on CBS Local 2 News.