Local doctor says recent rain could be triggering allergies

JAMES ISLAND, SC (WCSC) - With the kids back to school, it seems that so are the germs. You might be one of those people who hasn't been feeling too good and wondering what's got you under the weather.

A local internal medicine doctor with Roper St. Francis says it's not just the common cold.

Dr. Shanon Honney, at Charleston Internal Medicine, says allergies are also causing problems right now. Due to the recent rain here in the Lowcountry, Dr. Honney says there's an excess of mold and algae in the air that is triggering some people to have more severe allergies than they normally would. But, that's not the only thing that's going around.

Dr. Honney says due to school being back in session, there is a common cold and even some strep and mono spreading.

However, there are some easy ways that you can tell the difference between these and allergies.

"With strep throat and mononucleosis, you'll see lymph nodes that are enlarged in the neck, you'll have sore throats and fevers, typically, with both of those infections and you really need a doctor to help diagnose that,"  said Dr. Honney.

Dr. Honney says if you think you've just got the common cold, start with an over the counter cold medicine to see if that helps relieve your symptoms. If it doesn't, try an over the counter allergy medicine to see if that does the trick. If neither of those help, make sure you go see a doctor.

Of course, with the kids back to school it's a good time to remind your children of things they can do to avoid getting sick. One of those that Dr. Honney suggests is avoid sharing food during lunch at school. Also, make sure when your children are washing their hands, it's with antibacterial soap and for at least 15 seconds.

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