Doctor’s Advice: April’s Embrace
By James McGuinness, M.D
Spring is here and we can all look forward to longer daylight hours, April showers, warmer weather and flowers bursting open everywhere. It is the perfect time to celebrate new beginnings. Some important dates this month include Passover, Easter, and Earth Day. April is also noted for Child Abuse Prevention, Autism, Parkinson’s disease, Sexual Assault Awareness and National Volunteer Month.
National Volunteer Month recognizes the impact of volunteering and the power of volunteers to build stronger communities. You might donate your time or make a contribution to a volunteer organization such as the Parker Family Health Center, JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Warming Center, and First Baptist Church Heart Warming Center. Choose a cause and make a difference in someone’s life. You will feel better about yourself. As a volunteer myself, I often reflect on how lucky I am compared to those less fortunate than myself. When I volunteer with the homeless people and speak with them, I find that some of them had a good life but then things unexpectedly deteriorated. Other people never got to experience a ‘good’ life. The difference between where I am in life and where they are can be mind boggling. We should all count our blessings.
As of March 28, 2025, the amount of acute respiratory illnesses causing people to seek health care remained at a low level. Seasonal influenza (Flu) activity remains elevated nationally but has decreased for many weeks. Although the Flu season has peaked, flu-related medical visits and hospitalizations remain elevated. COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity is declining across the nation.
Last month, the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) reported that norovirus outbreaks were continuing, with an increase in cases compared to previous years. The outbreaks are particularly affecting cruise ships and health/social care settings. Norovirus outbreaks are most common between November and April, with cases typically peaking in February, making it a winter illness. The norovirus causes symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, which usually resolves within a few days.
The avian influenza (‘Bird Flu’) outbreak continues, in both wild and domestic birds with some cases in humans, primarily among those with animal contact. While no human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, it remains a public health concern. The current outbreak has been detected in wild birds, commercial poultry, and dairy cattle. There have been 70 human cases reported in the US, primarily among those with exposure to infected dairy cows and poultry. People with job-related or recreational exposures to infected birds or animals are at greater risk of infection. Suggested precautions can include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, ensuring that poultry and other foods of animal origin are cooked to safe internal temperatures, and taking off your shoes before entering your home to avoid bringing in bird droppings that may be contaminated. A seasonal flu shot won't protect you from bird flu, but it can reduce the risk of serious illness and help protect you from coinfection with both avian influenza and seasonal flu. If you're suspected of having bird flu, stay at home and isolate yourself to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Bird flu symptoms in humans can include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, and in some cases conjunctivitis.
For all illnesses, good hygiene practices and prevention are key to keeping yourself healthy and safe. Get enough sleep, eat right, keep hydrated, avoid stress, exercise regularly, and get vaccinated. We all know the drill: Wash your hands, wear a mask when necessary, and keep your distance around sick people.
Go for a walk in the warm Spring weather. It can enhance your vitamin D level. Maybe try bird watching, gaze at the stars, go camping, go for a walk, plant a garden or ride a bike. Whether you are involved in family activities or just enjoying the sun’s warmth, it is important to try and make new memories whenever possible. Appreciate the smell of flowers, stay hydrated and be safe. Happy Spring!
The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. – Hippocrates
James McGuinness, M.D., is a family physician in Middletown, and is the Medical Director Emeritus of the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank