Summer colds are like common colds that happen during the summer. But why do they feel worse? To break it down, even though colds are virus-based, some viruses that cause colds are more prone to warmer weather; hence, making them summer colds.

As the climate shifts, so does the viral landscape. This shift introduces enteroviruses into the mix. They’re a group of viruses that usually cause mild infectious illnesses similar to that of the common cold, and often cause these infections during the summer and fall seasons. 

The various strains and versions of enteroviruses cause multiple symptoms, some of which are uncommon for summer colds, such as sudden fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Common Symptoms of Summer Colds

• Pressure in the sinuses or head

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Congestion

• Body and muscle aches

• Sore throat

• Low energy 

Alleviating Symptoms

Although there aren’t any cures for colds, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms: 

• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. Stay away from drinks that can cause dehydration, like coffee or energy drinks. 

• Rest, rest, and more rest. Getting lots of rest is very important. Allowing yourself to rest during this time allows the body to heal and recuperate faster. 

• Cough medicine/pain relievers/fever reducers

• Decongestants 

• Humidifier to help with coughing and to reduce air dryness 

Please note that antibiotics do not treat colds. This is because antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones, like colds. 

Ways To Prevent Summer Colds

There may not be a cure for colds, yet you can still prevent yourself from catching one by:

• Frequently wash your hands

• Get plenty of sleep to strengthen your immune system

• Eat well-balanced meals

• Remain well-hydrated 

• As much as possible, avoid contact with those who are sick

Conclusion

All in all, colds are not fun in any season. If you do catch a summer cold, know that there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. 

Summer colds typically last a few days up to a week. But if you develop more concerning symptoms, take the time to speak to your healthcare provider, drop by one of our 10 locations, or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

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This is a current topic of discussion in the media. Now, let’s apply some simple logic.

We’re constantly learning about the behavior of COVID-19 and how we can fight back against it. We’ve learned that COVID-19 may be transmitted by people who are asymptomatic or not showing signs of illness. The reality is that unsuspecting folks may infect others without even knowing it.

It’s predicted that more than 200,000 people may die from COVID-19 in the USA without strict mitigation measures.

A n95 is the standard mask, but it’s hard to find and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. That said, we’ve learned that wearing a regular surgical mask with frequent handwashing reduces the transmission of the virus in a regular setting. This approach is easily implemented and may be cheaper than other more costly mitigating measures.

If our goal is to overcome this COVID-19 situation sooner than later, it’s necessary encourage masking-wearing, in addition to social distancing, at least for the short-term. What’s key is making masks available to the public. This is not counterintuitive to what we are trying to solve: Prevention is better than a cure.

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“We have zero tests,” said Dr. Dacelin St Martin. “We do have a lot of high risk people … therefore a lot of people may not be getting the test due to the rigid criteria that we are currently using.”​

Dr. St Martin said his Quick Care Med clinics began turning away dozens of patients last week, that he believes need to be tested for the coronavirus.

“At least 100 but there are more patients that we think are qualified to be tested or that are seeking to be tested and not being tested,” he said. “We definitely need more tests and also equipment.”

For example, Dr. St Martin said one of his patients who recently gave birth to premature twins had someone stay in her home who’s from a coronavirus hot spot state.

“She called me over the weekend and said, ‘Doctor, I think I have the coronavirus.’ I said, ‘Why do you think so?'” Dr. St Martin asked. “‘I was exposed to someone who lives in Washington state and now I have chills and fever and sore throat and I don’t know what to do and I’d like to be tested.'”

St Martin said he told his patient to contact the Department of Health for a test but she was denied because the woman did not fall in the category to be tested.

“This is an example of what we are facing,” he said. “Reversely we tried to find a way to keep this person in isolation for now waiting for the opportunity to test her.”

St Martin said he hopes to have 10 coronavirus tests from a private lab available at all of his urgent health care clinics by the end of the week.

This past weekend, Citrus County saw its first official coronavirus case. The 60-year-old woman’s case is being classified as travel-related.

BY JOSH ROJAS CITRUS COUNTY
PUBLISHED 6:19 PM ET MAR. 16, 2020

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Basically, bacteria are everywhere. They’re in the air we breathe, living on your skin, and on everything we touch. Most bacteria are harmless with only 1% of bacteria causing disease, according to the Mayo Clinic; however, they can make you really sick, just ask someone who has had strep throat.
If you feel like you’re getting sick, go see your provider to determine if it’s a virus or a bacterial infection. The two can share similar symptoms and there are instances where illnesses can be caused by either bacteria or viruses, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea.
Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history and do a physical exam. He or she may also order a blood or urine test to help identify the infection. It may be a necessary step for determining a suitable treatment.

You could be doing yourself more harm than good by arbitrarily popping an antibiotic when you feel under the weather. That’s because antibiotics can’t differentiate between “good” and “bad” bacteria. We have good bacteria in our intestines that aid with digestion and help to obliterate disease-fighting microbes. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Both viral and bacterial infections start with exposure to infected people or contact with contaminated surfaces, food or water. Although it’s impossible for us to live in a bubble, a good start to avoiding sickness is to practice a dedicated handwashing regimen: wet, lather, scrub (20 seconds), rinse, and dry.

Drop by your neighborhood Quick Care Med if you’re feeling under the weather. We offer extended hours and 10 locations to provide the best care possible to get you back on your feet and feeling better. Visit our locations page for your closest urgent care.

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Flu season starts in October and runs through to the end of March; however, you can still catch the flu in the off-months. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take year-round measures to ensure optimal healthfulness, like thorough hand washing; proper sleep; nutritious meals; and a consistent exercise regimen.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop an immune response to the vaccine, making October is the best time to get vaccinated. Even if you’re not vaccinated prior to peak flu season, it’s still important to get a shot; particularly if you’re surrounded by sick individuals.

There’s a misconception that a flu shot can make you sick. Flu shots are comprised of an inactive virus, meaning that the virus present in the flu shot cannot infect you. However, it does take 2 weeks for the flu shot to offer protection, so it’s possible to contract the flu within this span of time. Moreover, it’s possible to catch a strain of the flu virus that’s not covered by the shot. The shot is a great defense against catching the flu, but it’s not perfect.

Side effects from getting a flu shot are minimal, and include headaches, nausea, fever, and soreness at the injection site. If you have an allergic reaction, your symptoms include hoarseness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips and eyes. In this type of situation, you should seek urgent care immediately.

There are tried-and-true steps you can take to remain healthy during flu season. Of course, getting a flu shot should be your go-to defense against developing the flu, but a comprehensive approach is best:

• Choose a flu shot option that fits your situation, like a “typical” flu vaccine; Flu Mist, which is a nasal spray; an egg-free flu vaccine if you have an egg allergy; or Fluzone, which is a high-dose version for individuals who are 65 years old or older.

• Wash your hands often throughout the day with warm soapy water.Refrain from touching your eyes, mouth or nose without first washing your hands.

• Do not share cups or utensils.

• Make healthy Lifestyle Choices by eating a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, and exercising regularly.

Stay healthy this flu season and be proactive in your approach to staving off the influenza virus, not only during its most active months, but year-round. Click here to find your closest Quick Care Med location.

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The Influenza virus, otherwise known as the flu, is highly contagious and infects the nose, throat and lungs of its sufferers. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can last for up to two (incredibly) painful weeks. You can be infectious the day before you exhibit symptoms, up to 7 days after your symptoms appear. Children and those with compromised immune systems can remain contagious for an even longer period of time. Obviously, quarantining to avoid spreading the flu virus can be tricky business.

Symptoms

The flu presents itself in a number of different ways, and comes on abruptly; unlike cold symptoms, which appear gradually (2 to 3 days) and slowly go away. Surprisingly, vomiting and diarrhea is not a typical flu symptom, and mostly affects children and only 10% of flu sufferers. If your primary symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, then you’re probably battling gastroenteritis or a stomach virus, not the flu. Common flu symptoms include:

• Intense fatigue that’s marked by extreme weakness

• Body aches / chills and fever

• Chest discomfort / cough – dry or with phlegm

• Sore throat

• Runny nose or congestion

• Headache

• Vomiting and diarrhea

  Treatment

Antibiotics are for infections caused by bacteria, so they’re ineffective for the treatment of viruses, like the flu. You can request an antiviral from your provider if you have a chronic condition or suppressed immunity. These drugs work best if you take them within 48 hours of exhibiting symptoms. Although general, the following treatments can help ease your symptoms:

• Rest

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Treat aches and pains with over-the-counter pain reliever

• Take a cough suppressant or throat lozenge

• Sit in a steam bath / use a humidifier to ease congestion

• Use saline nasal spray to open nasal passages

When to Seek Urgent Care

Most likely, you will get over the flu without having to see a provider; however, there are instances where it’s in your best interest to seek urgent care:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or abdominal pain

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough

• Swelling in the mouth or throat

Quick Care Med has 10 locations, across 4 counties in central Florida. We’re open extended hours and weekends to serve you. Consider us your affordable and time-saving alternative to the ER. Click here to find the closest location to you.

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