There are many reports from Florida’s east coast mentioning a big increase in medical visits because of water conditions. LeeHealth has only experienced seven visits in July to the emergency rooms, physician offices, and walk-in clinics because of exposure to harmful algae.
If you are concerned about red tide and algal blooms in Southwest Florida and want to reduce your risk of exposure to harmful algae and red tide here are some tips from Lee Health.
- Avoid swimming or any other recreational activity in red tide or blue-green algae areas. Don't swim in water where dead fish is on the shore!
- Wash immediately clean water and soap if you come in contact with contaminated water.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines decrease symptoms associated with red tide.
- People with chronic respiratory problems such as asthma should avoid areas with red tide or algae blooms.
- Anyone who feels sick from exposure to red tide or algae or has persistent symptoms should call their primary care doctor. They can also visit one of our Convenient Care walk-in clinics.
- Children should not play along the shoreline where they might be exposed to clumps of algae or red tide water.
- Attention pet owners! Red tide and algae blooms pose the same risks to animals. Pets should not drink affected water and should avoid beach areas with red tide.
