BETTENDORF — This brutal winter blast can be dangerous to your health.

We’ve seen several days of sub-zero weather with wind chill advisories and warnings. Hospitals and clinics are bracing for more patients.

Even on the calmest day of the year, doctors are prepared to expect the unexpected. 
But during bone-chilling temperatures, all bets are off.

“It’s not like this all year round,” said Genesis Convenient Care Medical Director Dr. Robert Mixsell. 

Ask any Genesis doctor and they’ll tell you,the only thing crazier than walking outside in the freezing cold is walking into their waiting room.

“Especially today, a day after a holiday those tend to be busier no matter what. But now we’re dealing with that on top of flu season and it’s kind of a double whammy for us,” said Dr. Mixsell.

This is where physicians are treating their patients.

“We’re seeing a lot of people with influenza ,a lot of people with the stomach bug. The nausea the vomiting.  And then also your colds and strep and sinus infections,” said Dr. Mixsell.

But they’re also tackling winter injuries like frostbite. 

“I think most of those tend to go to the emergency room, but depending on the severity, if it’s mild we’re able to see and treat that here,” said Dr. Mixsell.

The uptick is out of the ordinary during the winter season.

“Definetely more than what we would normally see, but it hasn’t been overwhelming,” said Dr. Mixsell.

But as more patients flood their offices, doctors are staying positive.

“No matter how busy that waiting room gets. Everyone will get seen at some point,” said Dr. Mixsell.

And while it’s never fun to be sick, Mixsell says there’s not much to be done about it other than the usual common sense precautions.

“Wash your hands good, cough into your elbow, make sure your getting enough fluids and rest and bundle up in the cold weather,” said Dr. Mixsell.

Patients who do have flu-like symptoms are asked to stay at home so they don’t spread the virus.
Instead – Genesis doctors suggest patients use Telemedicine. It’s the latest form of technology where people can talk to a doctor using video-streaming.

For more information regarding telemedicine at Genesis Health System you can click here.