Summer is officially here and as temperatures continue to be sweltering, Centra Care physicians say that heat can be an indirect cause of certain illnesses.
A few weeks back we shared a 3-year study showing the increase in Swimmer’s Ear in the weeks that follow Memorial Day. This week, What’s Going Around is consistent with the data from previous years – Otitis Externa, better known as Swimmer’s Ear, is What’s Going Around.
The spike in Swimmer’s Ear last week coincides with the spike in temperatures. In addition to more people swimming to stay cool, heat and humidity are well known to cause Otitis Externa, due to increased ear canal moisture.
So far the increase across all Centra Cares is up nearly 60%. That number is expected to continue to rise throughout the summer months.
LEARN MORE:
Swimmer’s Ear is a painful outer ear infection that develops due to water being trapped in the ear canal. Besides swimming, it can also develop after bathing or scratching the ear canal with fingernails or cotton-tipped swabs.
PREVENTION:
The Best Way to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
- Use a blow dryer set on low to dry ears after swimming or bathing.
- Over-the-counter, alcohol-based drops to evaporate trapped water in the ear.
- Don’t put any foreign objects in your ear.
And the Worst Prevention?
Earplugs. They can irritate the skin surrounding the ear canal and can cause infection. Silicon earplugs can get stuck in the canal if not used properly.
If you think you or your child has Swimmer’s Ear, seek medical care. If bacteria caused it you will be prescribed prescription antibiotic eardrops, oral antibiotics, or both.
If you need to see a doctor, Centra Care’s No Wait, Online Reservations allows you to secure a time at any of our locations that fits with your schedule. Now if you are sick or injured, you can schedule to see a doctor during your lunch break, after work, on the weekend, or whenever is convenient for you. There are 19 Centra Care Urgent Care locations – and a Florida Hospital certified physician on site – 7 Days a Week. For more information visit: www.CentraCare.org
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3