The Sicknesses of Spring

Consider this scenario: You and your children have had your flu shots, and made it through the winter season with relative ease. The future looks bright, and spring has finally arrived, when all of a sudden your little one breaks out with a strange red rash on his/her cheek. Or perhaps you've begun to experience some strange nasal activity going on. Whether or not these incidents have occurred recently is a moot point. While most people are mainly concerned with keeping themselves warm, dry, and flu-free in the winter, there are some seasonal illnesses which seem to only crop up during the spring and summer months. You'll want to take a peek at these...

FIFTH DISEASE

No, this isn't the disease of Five Year Olds. Nor is it a disease which just occurs on Thursdays (the 5^th day of the week). Fifth Disease refers to the fifth illness in a series of common childhood illnesses (measles, mumps, etc.). The official name of this condition is called Parvovirus B19, a sickness very ordinary amongst elementary school-age children. This disease, which is NOT the same parvovirus affecting cats and dogs, spreads in the same manner as a cold. It is customarily recognized by a bright red rash on the cheek. This rash resembles the redness resulting from a facial slap, and often occurs AFTER the contagious period of the affected individual.

The rash usually occurs on the face, but can also pop up on other parts of the body, like the limbs or torso. On these parts, the rash appears with a bit more "texture." A child with the Parvovirus B19 will more than likely experience a low fever and slight chills right before the rash breaks out. So it's important that during this time, symptoms are monitored closely. This is the time when the little one will be most contagious. The rash typically lasts only a week or so. Adults may also contract this condition. But most are affected a bit differently. Grown-ups may undergo the rash, accompanied by pain and swelling in the joints (usually in the knees and wrists).

There are no vaccines against Parvovirus B19. But at the first signs of fever or malaise, it's best to see a doctor so that a blood work up can be performed. At this time, doctors will perform tests to see if antibodies to the parvovirus are present.

LYME DISEASE

The great outdoors can be wonderful. And with the outdoors comes wildlife. Out of the wild, come bugs like ticks. With ticks, comes Lyme Disease. If you're planning on any number of outdoor activities in the spring or summer, you should certainly be aware of Lyme Disease. This condition is caused by the bite of an infected tick. It is quite rare that a tick is infected with Lyme Disease. Since ticks live on the vegetation in wildlife, and because people typically spend a great deal of time outside during spring and summer, there is greater risk of being bitten. And in the event that you're bitten by a "sick tick", there are some things that you'll want to know.

Similar to the Parvovirus B19, Lyme Disease also causes a rash. But unlike the Fifth Disease, lack of treatment for Lyme may have some serious repercussions, like heart conditions or nerve damage. Symptoms can be rather pesky to put a finger on because they vary so much. But typically Lyme Disease occurs in three stages:

• Stage 1: Rash occurs similar to a bullseye at the location of the tick bite. The rash will be red in color and will feel "warm" but not particularly itchy. It will increase in size in a circular shape and may blister in the center. Other symptoms at this stage include fatigue, joint stiffness, and chills, amongst others.
• Stage 2: Problems with nervous system occur. This usually takes about a few weeks (or even months) to take place after the rash has disappeared. But if earlier symptoms are ignored, Lyme Disease may serve as the catalyst for meningitis, or even cranial neuritis (condition responsible for Bell's Palsy).
• Stage 3: Significant Joint swelling and pain generally occurs within a few weeks (or even years!) after the beginning of the infection. Many infected people feel the effect of the arthritis all the time. More serious symptoms tend to arise during this stage. Those include numbness in the extremities, weakness, or even difficulties in concentration.

The best way to determine for certain whether you've been infected with Lyme Disease is to have a blood test performed by your physician. Make sure to advise your doctor if you've been in heavily wooded areas, or outside for extended periods of time. Associated Content producer Laura Minning, provides a more extensive account of the mysterious Lyme Disease in her article titled, "Lyme Disease: Where it Comes From, and How to Treat It."

ALLERGIES

With the beauty of spring comes a host of sinus and nasal issues, mainly due to the release of pollen from weeds, trees, and grass. The pollen floating around in the air wreaks havoc every year on the nasal passages of many. Adverse reactions to pollen are generally called hay fever, or rose fever. These conditions are also called allergic rhinitis.

Because of the abundance of pollen in the air during spring time, it is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to escape breathing in these itchy molecules. As a result, there is a plethora of allergy medications which supposedly provide relief for the watery eyes, itchy/ runny nose, and sneezing. Over the counter antihistamines and decongestants are the best kinds of over-the-counter drugs to take. Using steam therapy to clear out nasal passages is also a great drug-free way to obtain relief.

Though it is not typically common, some people who are exposed to large amounts of pollen can develop asthma. Since many believe that their symptoms are attributed to a spring/summer cold, the best thing to do to determine whether you're allergic to pollen is to receive a skin test or a blood test (also called RAST test-radioallergosorbent test). Because avoiding pollen during this time is virtually unattainable, your doctor may simply prescribe immunotherapy, or suggest specific OTC medication.

HOW TO AVOID SPRING "BUGS"

Springtime just wouldn't be springtime without its fair share of bothersome illnesses. The warm weather and inviting landscape draws many out of their homes and into more natural environments. It's important to be aware of one's surroundings and wear proper attire when walking through particularly tall grass or heavily wooded areas. Pay attention to strange symptoms you may experience while at play outside. Bug bites are common during this time of year. But if you develop any kind of peculiar rash, it's a great practice to have some tests run as soon as possible.

As for airborne assailants, the same principles apply as they do to preventing colds and flus during the winter season. Make sure to wash hands thoroughly and frequently during the day. Help to make this practice part of your child's daily routine. Many illnesses are born of common bacteria. So it's always a good idea to prepare for the worst.