As the temperatures rise and wildflowers begin to bloom across Cameron Park, many residents find themselves dealing with sniffles, coughs, or allergy flare-ups. Spring is a beautiful season, but it also brings a set of health concerns that are especially common in California’s foothill communities. Here are the top four spring illnesses to watch for—and how to protect your health this season.
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger allergic reactions for many people in Cameron Park. With the increase in wind and outdoor activities, pollen exposure is hard to avoid this time of year.
Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
If over-the-counter allergy medications aren’t helping, it may be time to talk to a provider about prescription options or allergy testing.
Spring allergens like pollen and mold can easily trigger asthma symptoms—even for individuals with normally well-controlled asthma. Exposure to outdoor allergens and increased physical activity can lead to flare-ups.
Watch for:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Make sure your asthma action plan is current and that you have access to your rescue inhaler when you need it.
While colds are often associated with winter, rhinovirus tends to peak again in the early spring. It’s one of the leading causes of upper respiratory infections and can spread quickly, especially in group settings.
Typical symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Fatigue
- Mild fever
Unlike allergies, colds are contagious. Practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with people showing symptoms to reduce your risk.
With spring comes more outdoor activity—and more bugs. Bee stings, wasp bites, and mosquito encounters are more frequent, and for some people, they can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe.
Mild symptoms: redness, swelling, and itching
Severe reactions: trouble breathing, facial swelling, or dizziness
If you or a family member has a history of insect allergies, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and seek urgent care if symptoms escalate.
How to Stay Healthy This Spring
A few simple steps can help you enjoy spring without the seasonal health setbacks:
- Track local pollen counts and limit time outdoors on high-pollen days
- Keep windows closed and use air filters inside your home
- Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors
- Stay hydrated and get enough sleep to support your immune system
- Practice frequent handwashing to prevent spreading germs
- Check in with your provider if you have ongoing symptoms
When to Visit Jovive Urgent Care in Cameron Park
If you’re experiencing lingering cold symptoms, allergy flare-ups, asthma-related concerns, or insect bites that aren’t improving, our team at Jovive Urgent Care in Cameron Park is here for you. We offer walk-in visits and same-day care to help you get back to feeling your best this spring.
