Allergies: What’s Going Around for the Week of August 28

Allergy season may be checking in a little early this year. That’s just one thing local doctors are talking about when looking at “What’s Going Around” the area where you live.

At the Mecca Clinic, doctors are on the lookout for a variant of the swine flu. There’s been an increase in human cases in several U.S. states. More than half of recent human infections have happened after contact with pigs. Dr. Randolph Gibbs says symptoms and severity of the illness is similar to seasonal flu — fever, cough, sore throat and headache.
The folks at Desert Oasis Healthcare Pediatrics are starting to see colds in La Quinta. That’s in addition to allergy flare-ups and mild cases of asthma that flare up because of uncontrolled allergies. Nurse Practitioner Gabrielle Schwilk says “Lots of handwashing will keep your little ones from getting sick now that school is underway.”
The little ones in Rancho Mirage are coming in to see Dr. Arturo Quintanilla for treatment of bronchitis — it’s probably related to a summer virus. Asthmatic patients are especially at risk. Any young patients with a cough, fever and shortness of breath should immediately be seen by their pediatrician.
In Palm Springs, Dr. Michael Jardula suspects the increase in humidity may be behind a significant number of sore throats and throat infections. Flu season is also around the corner, and he is telling patients to consider their vaccines.
Warm weather and lots of summer barbecues are the perfect environment for gout. Dr. Frank Arian says drinking copious amounts of water– and decreasing your intake of red meats, wine, and aged cheeses can help reduce or even eliminate gout attacks.
This week Dr. Erica Ruiz is seeing viral sinusitis in La Quinta. She says it lasts about five days. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, nasal drainage and sore throat. Allergies are back, along with itchy eyes, ears and nose. Plus ear infections are on the rise now that the swim season is wrapping up. You’ll probably want to stay out of the pool to keep your inner ear dry while this heals.
In Indio, Physician’s Assistant Mitch Claire is keeping an eye on multiple cases of gastrointestinal virus. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal upset are some symptoms. Try to stay hydrated. Also flu-like symptoms abound, along with a sore throat and congestion. Claire says over-the-counter medications can be helpful, but you should see a doctor if you have a persistent fever, and a productive cough with green or yellow phlegm.

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