As leaves begin to change, the arrival of fall brings more than just cozy sweaters and pumpkin flavors – it also marks the return of seasonal illnesses, such as the flu and common cold. Each year, families across the U.S. may experience a spike in respiratory illnesses and other seasonal health trends, which greatly affect schools, workplaces, and households. During this challenging season, Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is committed to helping limit the spread of seasonal illness.

Common respiratory illnesses that spike in the fall are the flu, RSV, common cold, COVID-19 and other emerging viruses.

Flu activity often begins to increase in October and typically peaks between December and February, affecting people of all ages. While often mistaken for a cold, flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and be more severe. Symptoms may include fever, body aches, fatigue, cough and sore throat.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be more serious for infants, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. RSV season typically starts in the fall and peaks in winter. However, the common cold circulates year-round but tends to rise in the fall. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. While typically mild, colds can still lead to missed school or workdays.

COVID-19 continues to circulate and may cause seasonal upticks similar to other respiratory illnesses. Staying informed on local health trends can help people respond appropriately when symptoms arise. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases but may come with a new loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Those experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness should consult their primary care provider or seek treatment at their local urgent care. Providers and staff at the PMC Urgent Care & Family Wellness Center are prepared to diagnose, treat and care for patients with respiratory illnesses – no appointment needed.

For more information about PMC’s Urgent Care services, visit www.pmcky.org/urgent-care-and-family-wellness-center-pikeville-ky  or call (606) 430-2230.

Allergies vs. Illness: Know the Difference

With fall approaching, many people will experience sniffles and sneezes. For some, this is due to fall allergies, but for others, it could signify seasonal illness. Although fall illnesses and seasonal allergies share similar symptoms, they are very different diseases that require different treatment.

Both allergies and illnesses can cause runny noses, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing, but there are key differences to look out for. Allergies usually do not cause fever, while illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 often will. Instead, allergies tend to peak when exposed to an allergen like dust, pollen or certain foods. Illnesses are also more likely to cause more severe symptoms like body aches and fatigue, which are less common with allergies.

If unsure whether symptoms are due to an allergy or illness, it is always best to avoid caution and schedule a doctor’s appointment. Allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications, while seasonal illnesses may require prescription drugs. Some cases of allergies or seasonal illness require immediate medical attention. If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency care as soon as possible:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your eyes and throat
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Lips or fingernails turn blue

The best way to determine the difference between allergies and illness is to consult a licensed medical provider. To schedule an appointment with a PMC provider, visit www.pmcky.org/primary-care-clinic or call (606) 430-2213.

Staying Healthy This Season

Monitoring seasonal trends in the region can help people anticipate and respond to potential outbreaks more effectively. It is important to keep an eye out for signs that illness is increasing in the area, which may include:

• Increased absences from school or daycare
• Local news coverage about rising illness rates
• Over-the-counter medication shelves becoming sparse
• Family or friends mentioning similar symptoms within a short time frame

If someone in the household begins to show signs of fall illness, it is always a good idea to take early action – encourage rest, hydration, get tested and monitor symptoms closely.

While exposure to fall illnesses can be hard to avoid entirely, families can take practical steps to reduce the risk and lessen the impact. This includes practicing good hygiene by encouraging frequent handwashing, teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick and staying informed on what illnesses are circulating in the area.

One of the best ways to stay healthy during the fall season is by staying up to date on vaccinations for the flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses. The PMC Outpatient Pharmacy offers walk-in vaccines from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday. The PMC Diagnostic Center Drive Thru Lab is also open 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, so patients 18 and older can simply drive through and get their vaccines.

For more information about the PMC Outpatient Pharmacy, visit www.pmcky.org/pharmacy or call (606) 218-3576. To learn more about the PMC Diagnostic Center Drive Thru Lab, visit www.pmcky.org/diagnostic-center or call (606) 430-4673.

Physical therapy (PT) is a highly beneficial care option for many individuals and plays a crucial role in the recovery process. To help raise awareness about this important field and the numerous benefits it offers, October is designated as National Physical Therapy Month.

Physical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve ambulation, increase strength and range of motion, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health. Therapists examine patients’ medical histories, then test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration and motor function.

PT develops treatment plans that utilize exercises, various exercise equipment, ultrasound, electricity, traction, heat, ice, braces, etc. These services have been provided at the hospital since 1973. PTs treat patients of all ages with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

PT is a crucial component for patients who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery, but can also be beneficial for those who are battling illnesses or other health conditions. Therapists work one-on-one with patients, utilizing a wide range of techniques and equipment to reduce pain for the patient and strengthen and increase the range of motion of muscles in a part of the body that has been weakened or injured.

PT is beneficial for people of all ages with a wide range of medical or physical conditions. It has many benefits for patients and can help with a wide range of conditions, many of which are common problems, such as neck and back pain. PMC provides PT services for both adults and children.

Some of the most common conditions that can be helped by outpatient physical therapy include:

• Sports injuries
• Repetitive use injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Lymphedema
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neck and back pain
• Osteoporosis
• Headaches
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Joint replacement

Physical therapy can also be beneficial for patients experiencing pain from overuse or repetitive strain issues, which can occur over time.

To learn more about physical therapy and other outpatient therapy services available at PMC, please visit https://www.pmcky.org/outpatient-rehabilitation-services or call (606) 430-9300.

PMC Offers the Only Hand Therapy Program in the Region

One of the most common reasons patients participate in outpatient physical and/or occupational therapy services, whether post-surgery, by physician referral or for other reasons is due to an injury to the hand or arm. It is crucial for patients who experience these injuries to receive specialized care to regain the function of their arms and hands to carry on with their careers or with daily tasks. Physical therapists (PTs) at PMC are dedicated to treating hand injuries and helping patients regain mobility in their hands.

Hand therapy can be utilized in overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, fractures, dislocations, crush injuries, burns, arthritis, tendon/nerve injuries and more. PMC has provided hand therapy services for several years, resulting in many patients regaining strength and the ability to resume their daily activities through this specialized service. PMC offers the only high-level hand therapy treatment facility in the region, allowing patients to remain close to home to receive this specialized care. Therapists at PMC utilize a variety of techniques and interventions to treat hand injuries and promote recovery.

The specific methods used are determined by the nature and severity of the injury and the patient’s needs. Treatment plans employ a range of devices such as TENS Units, which stimulate muscle activity and reduce pain, grip strength trainers, manual massage, past range of motion flexing and stretching. Patients also work on performing daily activities such as buttoning a shirt and gripping pens and pencils. Other exercises include using Velcro tool exercise boards, resistance bands and more.

In addition to the medical center’s hand therapy program, the Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Institute at PMC offers two board-certified hand surgeons. Anil Duggal, MD, FRCSC, FACS, Devesh Sharma, MD and Sydney May, PA-C each specialize in hand surgery, dedicated to treating various injuries, diseases and disorders of the hand.

For more information about the PMC Hand Therapy program, please visit https://www.pmcky.org/outpatient-rehabilitation-services or call (606) 430-9300.

Stay Healthy, Stay In Touch With Your Provider

Staying healthy does not always require physical therapy. Scheduling regular doctor’s appointments is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. A primary care provider can provide treatment for various illnesses, offer preventive screenings, referrals to specialists and more. PMC Outpatient Internal Medicine Physicians, Kamala Ojha, MD, and Ahsen Ali, MD, are currently accepting new patients.

At PMC’s Urgent Care & Family Wellness Center, Dr. Ojha is prepared to treat conditions such as the common cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses. In addition, she helps patients manage various chronic conditions that require long-term care. For special conditions, Dr. Ojha can provide referrals to specialists so patients can receive the specialized treatment they need. Additionally, she can help patients get preventive screenings such as low-dose CT scans, MRIs and more. Conveniently located beside Walmart on Cassady Boulevard, the facility also provides on-site X-rays and offers an on-site laboratory for quick diagnosis and treatment, which Dr. Ojha is ready to provide.

Located at PMC’s Primary Care Clinic in Downtown Pikeville, Dr. Ali is also accepting new patients. He is prepared to treat various illnesses like the common cold, flu, respiratory illness, and other emergent illnesses. He also helps patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and more. For special conditions, Dr. Ali can provide referrals to specialists and can help patients get preventive screenings such as low-dose CT scans, MRIs and more.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ojha or Dr. Ali, call (606) 430-2213.

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in the lungs, often causing wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. For many people, it can be managed with the right treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments. Primary care providers serve as the first point of contact for patients, making them well-positioned to recognize early symptoms, provide testing and create individualized treatment plans.

By scheduling regular appointments, patients can track their progress, review medications and adjust treatment strategies as needed. This consistent care helps prevent asthma flare-ups and reduces the risk of emergency situations.

In addition to treatment, primary care providers can educate patients on how to identify triggers, use inhalers properly and make changes that improve overall respiratory health. For children and adults alike, proactive management through a trusted provider can make a significant difference in quality of life.

PMC encourages patients with asthma symptoms or concerns to speak with their primary care provider. Early diagnosis and routine management can help individuals breathe easier and live healthier lives.

To schedule an appointment with a PMC primary care provider, call or text (606) 794-3750, visit www.pmcky.org/primary-care-providers or scan the code provided.

Locations:

Urgent Care and Family Wellness Center
238 Cassady Blvd
Pikeville, KY  41501
606-430-2230

Primary Care Clinic
184 S. Mayo Trail
Pikeville, KY  41501
606-430-2213

Prestonsburg Primary Care and Urgent Care Clinic
723 South Lake Drive
Prestonsburg, KY  41653
606-886-8175

S. Williamson Primary Care and Specialty Clinic
285 South Side Mall Rd.
S. Williamson, KY  41503
606-237-3969

If specialty services are needed, a child’s pediatrician can also refer them to expert specialists at the Mettu Children’s Hospital (MCH). Specialty services include cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and more.

The Family Wellness Center is also recognized as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This certification means the providers and staff have undergone training to understand and support children with autism and sensory needs, so all children can receive the care they need.

PMC’s Pikeville Urgent Care, located directly beside the Family Wellness Center, accepts patients aged 2 and up. Appointments are not necessary for pediatric urgent care services – families can simply walk in and see a provider when needed. Urgent care services are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for both children and adults at Pikeville and Prestonsburg.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a PMC pediatrician, call 606-430-2207.