Flu Season Is Winding Down, But Spring Ailments Are Taking Its Place
By: Matthew Farrell
Updated: March 12, 2013
PERMIAN BASIN -- Flu season is winding down, but as long as pollen and dust fill our skies, there are new dangers to look out for.
From allergens to bacteria, it's important to keep your immune system strong this time of year.
It's a time of change as we transition from Winter to Spring.
We see a constant slew of cold fronts move through and that can have an effect on our health.
If you see an increase of people taking sick leave or making doctors appointments it's all part of the changing season.
"When you see a cold front come in, usually that brings a strong wind with it. That can blow in things that aren't native to our area. You'll find different dust particles or pollen from plants. Things like that that can definitely affect people," Dr. Lawrence Voesack told us.
Dust is very common, especially on windy days, here in West Texas but it can adversely affect those not used to it.
"When they breathe it in through their nose, it gets up into their sinuses and does give irritaton which if it's short term, it's not a really big deal, but with some people they can be sick from it for 3-4 weeks," Dr. Voesack said.
Beyond pollen and dust, there seems to be another threat in the air currently: Strep Throat.
It's been very prevalent the last several weeks.
"It has been stronger than what i've ever seen before. I've also seen it where people get treated for it, and their good for a short period of time and they wind up getting recontaminated," Dr. Voesack continued.
According to Dr. Voesack all of these ailments will be of concern as we head into Spring itself.
It's getting warmer out there but the possibility of seeing those cold fronts run through is still very high.
How can you protect yourself?
Some say Vitamin C supplements, but Dr. Voesack has other advice:
"One, make sure that you're using hand sanitizer, or use soap and water when washing your hands. Do not touch your face. That's how people contaminate themselves. Stay away from areas where people congregate, because there'll be alot of sick people coughing and sneezing and you can contaminate yourself," he said.
He also mentioned that Probiotics are a good way to keep your immune system healthy, and those can be found in yogurt.
From allergens to bacteria, it's important to keep your immune system strong this time of year.
It's a time of change as we transition from Winter to Spring.
We see a constant slew of cold fronts move through and that can have an effect on our health.
If you see an increase of people taking sick leave or making doctors appointments it's all part of the changing season.
"When you see a cold front come in, usually that brings a strong wind with it. That can blow in things that aren't native to our area. You'll find different dust particles or pollen from plants. Things like that that can definitely affect people," Dr. Lawrence Voesack told us.
Dust is very common, especially on windy days, here in West Texas but it can adversely affect those not used to it.
"When they breathe it in through their nose, it gets up into their sinuses and does give irritaton which if it's short term, it's not a really big deal, but with some people they can be sick from it for 3-4 weeks," Dr. Voesack said.
Beyond pollen and dust, there seems to be another threat in the air currently: Strep Throat.
It's been very prevalent the last several weeks.
"It has been stronger than what i've ever seen before. I've also seen it where people get treated for it, and their good for a short period of time and they wind up getting recontaminated," Dr. Voesack continued.
According to Dr. Voesack all of these ailments will be of concern as we head into Spring itself.
It's getting warmer out there but the possibility of seeing those cold fronts run through is still very high.
How can you protect yourself?
Some say Vitamin C supplements, but Dr. Voesack has other advice:
"One, make sure that you're using hand sanitizer, or use soap and water when washing your hands. Do not touch your face. That's how people contaminate themselves. Stay away from areas where people congregate, because there'll be alot of sick people coughing and sneezing and you can contaminate yourself," he said.
He also mentioned that Probiotics are a good way to keep your immune system healthy, and those can be found in yogurt.
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