Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – As the winter chill finally fades, Central Illinois residents are eager to trade their flu medicine for fresh air, but medical experts warn that the transition into spring brings a new set of health challenges.

In a recent segment on WTAX’s Morning Newswatch, host Will Stevenson spoke with Dr. Kate Viotto, an urgent care physician at Memorial Health, to break down what is currently circulating in the community.

While many feel they are finally out of the woods, Dr. Viatto noted that several winter staples are still making the rounds, with Memorial Health continuing to see cases of Flu A, Flu B, COVID-19, and RSV.

Fortunately, these numbers are steadily trickling down as the community spends more time outdoors and away from the crowded indoor environments.

As the weather warms up it is triggering significant allergy symptoms, including increased mucus and post-nasal drip that can often mimic the feeling of a sinus infection.

Before rushing to request antibiotics, Dr. Viotto recommends starting with over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin, or utilizing nasal sprays such as Flonase.

“If you come in and you haven’t tried anything and it’s only been three days, there’s not a whole lot more we’re going to offer you at that point,” Viotto said.

A true sinus infection, which is typically viral and lasts about ten days, is usually distinguished by more severe symptoms, including intense sinus pressure, fevers, and headaches.

Perhaps the most surprising trend this spring is an early surge in tick activity. Due to unseasonably warm spells, ticks are already active in the region’s tall grasses and wooded areas.

Dr. Viotto advises that if you find a tick, you should use tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull sharply.

While the risk of Lyme disease is very low for a fresh bite, a preventative dose of antibiotics may be offered if a tick has been attached for 48 to 72 hours. To stay protected, residents are encouraged to wear high socks in tall grass and apply bug spray.

As families head back outside for sports and yard work, Viotto reminded the public of the distinction between Urgent Care and the Emergency Room.

For now, the best advice for staying healthy is to stay hydrated during early heat waves, manage allergies early, watch for pecky ticks, and enjoy the fresh air once the spring storms pass.