Author's note: This column is intended for educational purposes only. It aims to highlight gaps in health knowledge, provide support and empower organizations to guide their members in creating effective health and wellness programs.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) anticipates a mix of seasonal respiratory illness and mosquito-borne disease this fall.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are worth watching right now, as the ADPH reports seven West Nile virus cases statewide as of Aug. 29. This is an important disease risk as mosquito activity remains active through late summer and early fall. These cases have been reported in every public health district in Baldwin County. Although most infections cause no symptoms, some produce fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, and a small percentage become neurologically severe (severe headache, especially with neck stiffness, tremors or muscle weakness).

What you can do now:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors. (I prefer a natural repellent without harmful chemicals.)

• Wear long sleeves, long pants and loose-fitting clothing at dawn and dusk and when in the woods.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.
• Dump any standing water around the home, including flowerpots, buckets, toys, tarps, gutters and the like.

Flu and other respiratory viruses will become increasingly relevant as children return to school and people spend more time indoors. Other lesser-known but need-to-know infectious diseases include pertussis, enterovirus, hand-to-foot-and-mouth disease, norovirus, strep-related illnesses and tick-borne diseases. To decrease the risk, follow common-sense precautions.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

• Remind family members to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Consider use of an appropriate nasal saline rinse.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Treat symptoms that develop promptly and seek medical attention if they worsen after at-home treatment.

Heat-related illnesses can linger through September even though we are entering fall. Coastal Alabama can remain hot, with recent heat index values around 113-115 degrees, so dehydration and heat-related illnesses remain relevant well into early fall. This will continue to affect outdoor workers, athletes, the elderly and infants, who may be unable to sweat effectively. The ADPH website has a list of available flyers on common public health illnesses at alabamapublichealth.org.

Hurricane and storm-related health problems, as fall remains in hurricane season. Monitor for injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning from in-house use of gas-powered items, contaminated water and food, mold, respirFall 2026: Protect Your Healthatory problems and medication interruptions. Mold and asthma/allergy flare-ups due to tropical weather, flooding and high humidity. GI illness/foodborne disease can increase due to power outages, improper food storage and contaminated water. Tick exposure from yard cleanup, hiking or hunting. Cover exposed skin and check each other for signs of ticks. Fungal and wound infections after flooding/soil exposure. Clean any open skin thoroughly and keep appropriate first aid supplies available.

Seek urgent or emergency care for any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or pressure.
• Severe weakness or inability to stay awake.
• Confusion.

• Severe headache with neck stiffness.
• Muscle weakness, tremors or other neurologic changes.
• Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down.
• Excessive diarrhea or vomiting.

A simple blood test your health care provider may order:

The complete blood count (CBC) test is the first step to detecting illnesses that can affect your overall health. Your blood is the most essential substance in your body — transporting life-sustaining nutrients, hormones and oxygen, all while carrying waste products for removal through the lungs, liver and kidneys. Blood is also your body’s most crucial defense against infections. Understanding how this works is important. The CBC test counts the cells that circulate in your blood and is the first step in detecting health conditions such as anemia, inflammation, blood disorders and infection. It measures red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets. The CBC with differential blood test measures the amount of each type of WBC in your body (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils). Your health care provider will interpret the results and determine whether further testing or treatment is needed.

Conclusion:

Every season brings its own health challenges, along with everyday activities, nutrition and health concerns. Be mindful of any unusual symptoms, do your research and follow common-sense practices. See your health care provider if symptoms worsen. Lean on your faith community for support and help for those in need.

Dr. Cheryl Christy is a Baldwin County resident and registered nurse with nearly 30 years of experience. She holds master's degrees in nursing education and nursing practice and a doctorate in nursing practice. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Pi Chapter, a certified lay counselor and the author of "Voices for Healthcare," a health care blog.

Read her previous column titled "Insulin resistance is a community health issue" on www.GulfCoastMedia.com. Her blog can be found at https://substack.com/@dnprn.