Weather and Your Health

      If Lubbock's recent weather is making you sick, you're not alone.  Doctors in the area say their offices have been flooded with patients in the last couple weeks and the weather is causing a lot of the problems.

       Dr. David Long with the Lakeridge Primary Health Center in Lubbock says when he saw the brown sky on Monday, he knew is office would be packed with asthma patients and people suffering from allergies.  He says all the dirt and dust in the air can make it impossible for some people to breath and lead to upper respiratory infections for others.   He also says when temperatures go from 70 one day to the low 50's the next, it can weaken your immune system and make you susceptible to any number of illnesses.  Long says, "Drastic changes in temperature and barometric pressure has an effect on your immune system and your mucus membranes.  Just like when the wind picks up, it stresses your immune system and leaves you vulnerable to some infections when you might otherwise not be.  The flu has hit like a ton of bricks in the last few weeks."
     Long says he and other doctors are happy to treat any one who is feeling under the weather because of the weather, but he advises not to rush to the doctor's office too quickly because it may end up being unnecessary.   He says, "A runny nose and stuffed up chest is not a reason to run into the doctor.  I would try some over the counter medications first and see if that improves your symptoms."  But, Long says if your symptoms don't improve and you're running a fever, you should head to the doctor.   He says it's not to late to get a flu shot, and it may sound simple, but washing your hands many times during the day does help you stay healthy.