Month: July 2018

Heat-Related Illnesses In The Hot Summer Months

heat-related illnesses

 

We all love to get out and work in the yard, start a building project outdoors, or just relax in the sun during the summer months. We however forget to always prepare ourselves for the sun’s rays and heat. Hyperthermia, (heat-related illness) is common when we overdue it. We at On Call Medical Clinic want to make you aware of what the illnesses can be from becoming overheated as well as the symptoms to be on the lookout for.

Hyperthermia is overheating of the body. This occurs as a result of heat exposure. Here are heat-related illnesses.

  • Heat Stroke
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Heat Cramp
  • Heat Syncope (fainting)
  • Heat Rash

Heat Stroke is the most severe of all heat-related illnesses and this requires immediate medical attention.

The elderly, infants and young children, the obese, outdoor workers, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses vary based on the condition, but they include the following

  • An elevated body temperature
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Coma

Treatment includes moving the individual out of a hot environment. Implementing cooling measures, rest, and rehydration.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 7,415 deaths due to heat-related illnesses in the USA from 1999 to 2010, which is an average of 618 deaths per year. So, become overheated is not something to take lightly.

The key to preventing heat-related illnesses is proper planning and preparation. Taking in increased amounts of fluids, wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreens are always helpful.

If you have any of the above heat-related symptoms, we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help.  Please call us at 228 818-5115, one of our medical staff is ready to answer your call and set up an appointment. You are also welcome to visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com  to review all the medical services we offer.

 

Mosquitoes This Hot Summer

mosquitoes

 

The hot damp summer has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes along the Gulf Coast. Mosquito bites can be a concern to you and your family. We at On Call Medical Clinic would like to share the most common illnesses associated with a mosquito bite for your information.

West Nile Virus

Most people who get West Nile virus don’t have any symptoms. About 1 in 5 will have a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Feeling worn out could take months to go away completely. A few people get a more serious infection that causes brain swelling, or meningitis. There’s a very small chance you could die.

People in 48 of the 50 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and West and Central Asia have had West Nile.

Encephalitis

Mosquitoes can pass on viruses that cause inflammation around your brain and spinal cord. (The brain swelling with a serious West Nile infection is a kind of encephalitis.)

What type you could get depends on where you are:

  • LaCrosse — the 13 states east of the Mississippi River
  • Louis — throughout the U.S., especially Florida and Gulf of Mexico states
  • Eastern Equine — Atlantic, Gulf Coast, and Great Lakes states; the Caribbean; Central and South America
  • Western Equine — states west of the Mississippi River, areas of Canada and Mexico
  • Japanese — Asia and the Western Pacific

Zika Virus

First found in Africa in the 1940s, this virus has spread to South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Most people don’t know they have Zika. The symptoms are mild and usually run their course in less than a week. You may have a fever, joint or muscle pain, pinkeye, or a rash.

The virus has been linked to more serious problems: cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome and a birth defect called microcephaly.

If you have been bitten by mosquitoes and are feeling any of the symptoms mentioned above, we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help. We have a complete on-premise laboratory, which helps us quickly diagnosis your illness. Please call us at 228 818-5155, one of our medical staff is ready to answer your call and set up an appointment. You are also welcome to visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com  to review all the medical services we offer.