Recognizing Seasonal Illnesses in Phoenix

Key Takeaways

Common seasonal illnesses in Phoenix include respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, as well as to seasonal allergies.
Illnesses in Phoenix can be affected by the season as people’s behavior changes depending on the weather and the temperature outside.
Symptoms of common seasonal illnesses most often include congestion, a sore, itchy throat, and in some cases, a fever.
See a medical provider if symptoms worsen and lead to conditions such as a high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Introduction

Don’t let the heat and year-round sunny weather fool you, there are still a few seasonal illnesses going around Phoenix at any given time. Common seasonal illnesses that can catch youinclude COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the flu. However, your runny nose or fatigue could also be caused by something else, like allergies or a heat-related illness.

Knowing what seasonal illnesses to watch for can help you prevent them, seek the appropriate treatment, and find relief as soon as possible. If you’re trying to find the source of your runny nose, this guide highlights some of the possible culprits and what you should know about each of them.

How Phoenix’s Climate Impacts Seasonal Illnesses

Phoenix’s desert climate can have several impacts on seasonal illnesses, ranging from heightened allergy risks to air conditioning systems that can spread diseases throughout a home or business. Keep in mind that seasonal illnesses spread not because of the change in temperature, but often because of the change in human behavior that occurs resulting from these changes in temperature.

For example, extreme hot weather in the summer can push people indoors where pathogens and diseases causing respiratory infections can spread. Blasting the air conditioning can pick up particulates and pathogens and pass them throughout a room to other people indoors. When the weather gets colder, this happens too, especially during holiday travel as snowbirds look to escape their snowy homes and bring diseases into the valley.

The desert climate in Phoenix can also make allergies worse, as the hot and dusty climate with moderate temperatures creates a year-round allergy season. The desert environment features allergens like dust, tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen that can spark symptoms, especially when kicked up by the fall and spring desert breezes. The discomfort of allergies can cause some confusion around whether you may be experiencing or a more severe seasonal illness.

Of course, it’s important not to discount the impact of the Sonoran desert heat itself. Phoenix’s hot desert climate can cause heat-related illnesses that should be taken seriously from prevention to treatment.

Common Seasonal Illnesses in Phoenix

The most common seasonal illnesses in Phoenix are colds and upper respiratory infections, but the spring winds and summer heat can also take their toll. Below are some of the most common seasonal illnesses to be aware of.

Winter

Winter is often peak season for particularly the flu, RSV, and COVID often carry over into the winter as Maricopa County health data for respiratory infections show a spike between December and January. Common winter illnesses still include respiratory infections, flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus as a rise in infections can last all the way until March.

Winter and holiday gatherings might also bring other conditions as people are more likely to be indoors where they can pass disease along to each other. Norovirus is more common during colder months from November to April, causing symptoms like gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Strep throat is also more common in the winter, as the bacteria thrives in cold and dry conditions. A severely inflamed and uncomfortable sore throat may be the result of the A Streptococcus bacteria, especially for children aged between 5 and 15.

Fortunately, outside of a few holiday allergies, winter does bring a lower risk of allergies, which can provide some relief to those who are susceptible to the occasional sore throat or asthma.

Spring

Spring seasonal illnesses in Phoenix are often driven by hay fever, also known as allergies from tree and grass pollen. In the spring, allergy symptoms can often be confused for more severe illnesses. Beware of symptoms like a runny nose, itchy throat, and itchy or watery eyes, which are common signs you’ve been hit with allergies.

However, colds and upper respiratory infections may also be passed along in the spring. A spike of winter infections can carry over into the spring and usually do not subside until around March.

Summer

It’s a common misconception that viruses like the flu, RSV, and COVID will not spread in the summer. The truth is in most places, the summer brings a downtick in virus transmission solely because more people spend time outside in nicer temperatures. However, Phoenix is a special case, as the extreme summer heat pushes more people indoors, where viruses can spread, leading to a unique case known as the “summer flu”.

If you are feeling tired and lethargic during the Phoenix summer, you may be experiencing a heat-related illness. The high temperatures in the Valley of the Sun are no joke. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration can cause body aches, nausea, and fatigue simply from being exposed to the heat and losing water and electrolytes through sweating. Any of these conditions justify a visit to the doctor.

Fall

Fall is often the start of the sick season in any environment—Phoenix is no different. Maricopa County health data shows a rise in respiratory virus infections that occurs starting around November. Between the travel that starts around Thanksgiving pushing into the holidays and the cold weather bringing more people indoors, the fall is prime for the spread of these illnesses.

Even if you are able to avoid transmission, you still need to be cautious of allergies in the fall in Phoenix. Ragweed pollen and grass pollen are common triggers for allergies starting from late summer and into the fall.

Recognizing Symptoms of Seasonal Illnesses

Symptoms of seasonal illnesses will depend on the type of illness you’ve contracted. Most common symptoms are typical of most respiratory illnesses, but it’s important to be aware of what symptoms you may face so that you know what to be cautious of and the necessary next steps for treatment.

Hay Fever

Commonly called hay fever, this condition is not an actual fever at all. Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by different types of pollen from weeds, grasses, and trees in the valley. If you’re facing hay fever, you will likely experience the following symptoms:

Runny nose or congestion
Itchy eyes
Sore throat
Headache

Unfortunately, hay fever lasts as long as the exposure to the allergen. You can reduce your risk of symptoms by taking a daily antihistamine and minimizing your time outside. Consider consulting a medical professional for other tips that can help you mitigate exposure.

Flu

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the sinuses, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu typically lasts for about 5 to 7 days, but symptoms may persevere for up to two weeks.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

Fever
Coughing
Extreme exhaustion and fatigue
Body aches

The Centers for Disease Control and Arizona Department of Health Services recommend that everyone 6 months or older receive a seasonal flu vaccine. The flu shot can help to minimize your risk for contracting the virus as well as shorten how long symptoms last if you do get sick.

COVID

Although the number of COVID-related deaths have decreased in the past few years, the respiratory virus remains a risk. Symptoms of COVID include:

Fever
Exhaustion and fatigue
Coughing
Congestion
An uncomfortable sore throat

It is still recommended to test for the virus if you exhibit symptoms so that you can take steps to minimize the spread to others. The timeline of the sickness is usually about 10 days from the time you first experience symptoms.

The COVID-19 vaccine is updated yearly to account for new strains and mutations. The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends that anyone 6 months and older receive the current vaccine. It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are an older individual, immunocompromised, or if you have a chronic health condition.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus causes mild symptoms that resemble a common cold, infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of RSV show within 4 to 6 days of exposure and often come in waves, as opposed to all at once. Noticeable symptoms are:

Fever
Runny nose
Congestion
Reduced appetite
Sneezing
Wheezing

Recovery time is about one to two weeks for most people. However, older individuals and young children may be at risk for more serious symptoms and a longer recovery. The CDC recommends a RSV vaccination for adults age 75 or older, and adults between 50 and 75 who may be at an increased risk.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks in Phoenix and are important considerations for anyone living in the valley. Even if you don’t realize it, signs of fatigue or discomfort may be from dehydration and heat exposure.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Heavy sweating
Weakness and fatigue
Nausea
Headache
Muscle cramps

Meanwhile, symptoms of heat stroke include:

Intense headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Excessive sweating
Redness
Rapid heart rate
Confusion or agitation
Loss of consciousness

Recovering from heat exhaustion may take some time as you move into a cooler location and rehydrate. If symptoms worsen within an hour, or you suspect heat stroke, you should contact emergency services and see a medical provider immediately.

Prevention Tips for Seasonal Illnesses in Phoenix

Preventing seasonal illnesses means taking steps to mitigate exposure to germs and pathogens that cause them. You can avoid exposure and prevent seasonal illness by taking the following steps:

Get vaccinated – Seasonal vaccines against COVID and the flu can help you minimize your risk of contracting new strains.
Wash your hands – Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces.
Consider wearing a mask – Consider wearing an N-95 mask in crowded spaces to avoid breathing in droplets that could cause infection.
Gather outside – When the weather permits, hold group gatherings outside where the risk of disease spreading is lower.
Keep distance – Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep a six foot distance in public.

Preventing allergies may involve a slightly different approach. If you are experiencing allergies, consider taking a daily antihistamine, limiting time outdoors, wearing a mask when you are outdoors, and changing your indoor air filters.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if your condition starts to worsen or becomes unreasonably painful or uncomfortable. If your symptoms are not severe, you may be able to manage them at home with rest, but some should not be overlooked.

You should see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

Fever above 101°F
Severe chest pain or pressure
Intense sinus pain
Shortness of breath
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
Worsening symptoms after an initial improvement

Ultimately, if you feel your condition worsen and you are not sure why, see a doctor as soon as possible. Also see a doctor if you have conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes that could be exacerbated by seasonal illness. A family practice that offers same-day and next-day appointments can provide peace of mind and take the headaches out of seeing a doctor.

Choose Arrowhead Health Centers for You and Your Family

Seasonal illnesses in Phoenix can range from simple allergies all the way to more severe respiratory illnesses like COVID and the flu. If you’ve been caught by an uncomfortable seasonal illness and it starts to worsen, don’t hesitate to visit a reliable family provider in Arizona for treatment and guidance.

At Arrowhead Health Centers, our providers are here to help you get to the other side of seasonal illness with a comprehensive, integrated care plan that speaks directly to your health needs. Our clinics make health care easy and obtainable so you can get connected with necessary care without the headaches. We have three convenient locations across Arizona, including Scottsdale, Surprise, and Glendale, so you can find an available appointment that meets your schedule.

Schedule a same-day or next-day appointment for quality, unmatched, friendly, and comprehensive care. Even better, give us a call to schedule your flu shot and get ahead of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common seasonal illnesses in Phoenix?

The most common seasonal illnesses in Phoenix include respiratory infections like COVID, the flu, RSV, which can occur all year but increase in the fall and peak in the winter. Allergies, or hay fever, are also common year-round but they are particularly challenging during spring and fall. Other seasonal illnesses also include heat exhaustion and dehydration in the summer.

Why are allergies so bad in Phoenix during spring and fall?

Allergies are worse during the Phoenix spring and fall because of factors like plant pollination, a warm, dry climate, and wind conditions that allow for the spread of allergens like pollen, dust, and mold spores. Phoenix features many plants that spread pollen, including mesquite and oak trees in the spring, and weeds like ragweed in the fall. Spring and fall winds caused by the changing temperatures worsen symptoms by spreading allergens throughout the desert valley.

Does Phoenix have a flu season like colder states?

Yes, Phoenix does have a flu season like colder states, but the unique heat of the desert climate creates a unique difference compared to other states. Maricopa County health data shows spikes in the fall and winter. However, because of the hot weather that pushes people indoors throughout the year, the flu season can carry over into the summer as well.

How do I know if it’s allergies or the flu?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between allergies and the flu, but you may be able to recognize the difference by the types of symptoms you experience and the severity of those symptoms. There may often be some overlap between these conditions with a cough, runny nose, and sore throat, but the flu often comes with more sudden and severe symptoms, like a fever, body aches, fatigue, that last only one to two weeks.

In any case, if symptoms are unmanageable or do not seem to improve, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consult a medical professional for a more reliable diagnosis.

How can I avoid heat-related illnesses in the summer?

You can avoid heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration in the summer by limiting your time outdoors during the middle part of the day. When you are going outdoors, take precautions like staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking breaks in the air conditioning. Limiting extended sun exposure is key, so consider wearing loose and light-colored clothing with a hat, wearing sunscreen, and staying in the shade when possible.