Have you ever noticed that you or your family members tend to get sick when the seasons change? You’re not imagining it.
Seasonal transitions can impact your health — especially here in Arizona, where dramatic shifts in temperature, air quality, and allergens create a perfect storm for sniffles, coughs, and feeling “off.”
At Heavens Urgent Care, we often see an increase in patient visits during seasonal changes. Here’s what you should know about why this happens, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Why do people get sick when the seasons change?
While cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick, several environmental and biological factors during seasonal changes can lower your defenses:
- Temperature fluctuations: In Arizona, it’s common for mornings to be chilly and afternoons to be warm, especially during fall and spring. This constant adjusting between hot and cold can stress your immune system.
- Increased indoor time: As temperatures drop, people spend more time indoors, where viruses like the cold and flu spread more easily. According to the CDC, respiratory infections increase by 20–30% during the fall and winter seasons.
- Allergens: Arizona’s seasonal blooms, like ragweed in the fall and desert pollens in the spring, can trigger allergies. Allergies cause inflammation in the nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to take hold.
- Dry air: Cooler seasons bring drier air to Arizona. Dryness can irritate your sinuses and throat, decreasing your natural defense barriers against germs.
- Behavior changes: During seasonal shifts, people tend to sleep less, exercise less, and eat differently — all factors that can weaken the immune system.
TIP: Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet, stay active, and get enough sleep.
Common Illnesses During Seasonal Changes
At Heavens Urgent Care, the top six illnesses we treat when the seasons shift include:
- Colds and upper respiratory infections
- Flu and the Quademic (especially during late fall and winter)
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Sinus infections
- Asthma flare-ups
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — yes, mood changes can affect your physical health too!
TIP: Stay hydrated: Arizona’s dry air demands it year-round.
Arizona-Specific Considerations
Living in Arizona presents some unique challenges when it comes to seasonal illness:
- Monsoon season humidity (July–September) can cause mold and mildew to grow, leading to respiratory issues.
- High dust levels during the spring and fall (thanks to desert winds) can trigger asthma and allergies.
- Sun exposure can be deceiving. Cooler temperatures don’t eliminate the need for sunscreen. Skin damage can still impact your immune response.
- Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis): is a fungal infection that thrives in Arizona’s dry soil, especially when dust is stirred up during the dry fall months.
The Arizona Department of Health Services reports that Valley Fever cases tend to spike in late fall after the first few dry, windy weeks.
TIP: Manage allergies early by starting antihistamines or nasal sprays before peak seasons and make certain you are using a humidifier.
When to Visit Heavens Urgent Care
If you experience:
- Persistent cough
- Fever over 101°F
- Difficulty breathing
- Sinus pain or pressure lasting more than 10 days
- Severe sore throat
- Ear pain
- Signs of Valley Fever (fatigue, cough, rash)
Don’t wait — visit Heavens Urgent Care. Our expert providers can diagnose, treat, and help you recover quickly so you can get back to enjoying life in Arizona.
Stay ahead of seasonal illnesses. Walk in or start a telehealth urgent care visit today at Heavens Urgent Care — where your health is always our priority!
