Seasonal Illness

Throughout the calendar year, we see a seasonal cycle of infectious diseases, such as influenza, tick-borne and mosquito borne diseases, allergies and environmental illness like heat and cold induced illness . While it can be possible to contract these illnesses at any time, we tend to see an uptick during certain times of the year. 

Our concierge medicine practice is readily prepared to test and treat a wide range of these illnesses in our clinic or from the comfort of our patient’s home, hotel room or office. Should hospitalization be required, our trusted doctors can admit the patient to the hospital and become the attending physician. 

West Nile Virus

West Nile is most often a mosquito-transmitted virus where those infected either don’t develop symptoms or have only mild ones, such as a fever and headache. However, it is possible to develop a life-threatening neurological infection. In the United States, we tend to see an increase in cases of West Nile Virus during the summer and fall when mosquitoes are most prevalent. 

Exposure to mosquitoes increases your risk for contracting West Nile virus, therefore it is important to protect yourself with insect repellent and clothing that covers your skin. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please contact our office. 

Mild Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Skin rash

Severe Symptoms

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Disorientation or confusion
• Stupor or coma
• Tremors or muscle jerking
• Seizures
• Partial paralysis or muscle weakness

Tick-borne Diseases

Tick species prefer warm weather, therefore we see an increase in tick-borne diseases from spring through summer, and into autumn. In the US, the most common illnesses we see are Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, and tularemia.

Many of these diseases have similar signs and symptoms, including:

• Fever/Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Rash

These symptoms can range from mild and treatable at home to severe and requiring hospitalization. If you have been bitten by a tick and experience any of these symptoms, please contact our office. We offer testing and treatment, including rapid Lyme Disease testing in our clinic with results in 15 minutes. 

Heat-related Illness

Intense or prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Symptoms can include:

• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Heavy Sweating or Lack of sweating (depending on the severity of illness)
• Confusion
• Headache
• Abdominal Cramps

We tend to see an increase in heat-related illness during the summer months when temperatures are higher. These illnesses can be avoided by reducing your exposure to extreme heat. However, if you do find yourself with any of these symptoms, please contact our clinic. If you are experiencing an emergency or severe symptoms of heat-related illness, please dial 911.

Colds and Flu

Colds and Flu have similar symptoms and can be contracted year-round. However, we tend to see a rise in colds and flu during the winter months. With so many symptoms in common, it can sometimes be hard to tell which one you’ve come down with. They are both caused by viruses that infect your airways and can leave you feeling quite miserable. Here are some clues to help determine which illness you may have:

Colds

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Wet cough with yellow/green phlegm or mucus
• Sore throat
• Mild body aches
• Symptoms come on slowly over the course of a few days

Flu

• Dry cough
• Severe body aches
• Fever 
• Chills and sweats
• Symptoms come on fast, usually within a few hours

Flu is usually much worse than a cold and can lead to serious health problems, especially in children and elderly people. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please call us to schedule an appointment. Click to download the Influenza Vaccine Questionnaire to ensure you are eligible to receive the flu vaccine.

Cold-related Illness

In the winter months, we see an uptick in cold-related illnesses, especially when temperatures are extremely cold. 

Hypothermia

Results from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. This can affect the brain making it difficult to think and move. Symptoms include blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse, shivering, fatigue and slowed breathing. 

Frostbite

Caused by freezing and results in the loss of feeling and color in the affected area. Most commonly, it is the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin that are affected. Those with poor blood circulation have a higher risk for frostbite, which can lead to amputation. Symptoms include tingling/stinging, bluish or pale skin, numbness and aching. 

To prevent frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses, it is important to wear proper, warm protective gear and avoid prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures and avoid alcohol when participating in outdoor activities. If you are experiencing these symptoms or other signs of cold-related illness, please contact us. 

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergy triggers vary based on the time of year and your geographic location, but include many of the same symptoms. In addition to outdoor allergens, you can also experience allergy symptoms related to mold, pet dander and more.

Symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Ear congestion
• Postnasal drainage
• Irritated sinuses, ear canals or throat

While these symptoms may be anywhere from mild to extreme, one thing is for certain: it’s not a fun thing to deal with. If you are experiencing these symptoms, our knowledgeable team of physicians can help you get to the bottom of what is triggering these reactions and how to properly manage your symptoms so you can go about your daily life.