May/June 2020 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 43
While investigating and assessing one
case of red tide, a weekly report from the
CDC claimed, “During red tide, symptoms
are frequently more intense in persons
exposed on beaches, because of aerosolization
of brevetoxins in beach surf.”
From the concern behind non-human
fatalities with red tide-induced issues, the
public has reason to worry about a cross
between allergic reactions pre-existing
respiratory conditions. “One study, in
Sarasota, found a 19 percent increase
in the rate of pneumonia cases that are
diagnosed during a three-month onshore
red tide event and, among coastal
residents, a 54 percent higher rate of
diagnoses of respiratory illness,” the report
said.
With that being said, age is no exception
to respiratory issues.
“As things get older, they are more
susceptible to breaking down,” said
Knowles. “When you’re more active,
you’re taking deeper breaths. When you
take those big breaths, it opens up your
lungs. When your lungs don’t get that
activity, the little areas of your lungs start
to collapse.”
The collapse of lung alveoli is called
Atelectasis. This condition interferes with
the blood, as it would originally circulate
through the alveoli. With the lungs losing
activity, upper respiratory issue can easily
transfer into a lower respiratory issue, such
as pneumonia. The main key to avoiding
respiratory complications is to stay healthy.
RESPIRATORY ISSUES ...
Respiratory illness can cause mild to severe illness, and may sometimes result in death. General
symptoms of respiratory illness may include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose and/
or body aches. Respiratory symptoms may be caused by a number of different disease agents,
including some that may be prevented through immunization, such as infl uenza and pertussis.
If you have asthma or other chronic respiratory illnesses, regularly discuss and follow health
care provider recommendations to control the pre-existing respiratory condition as you may be
at increased risk of severe illness from respiratory infection. Contact your health care provider
immediately if symptoms appear.
FOLLOW THESE FIVE IMPORTANT STEPS TO HELP PROTECT YOURSELF
AND OTHERS FROM RESPIRATORY ILLNESS:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use and
alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid close contact, such as touching and shaking hands, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don't have a
tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
Th is information gathered from the Florida Health
Disease Control website @ DiseaseControl@fl health.gov
link
