Emergency Medicine Physician Shares Spring Break Safety Tips

South Florida is an ever-popular destination for fun-and-sun-seekers, especially this time of year when, after a long, cold winter, thousands of college students descend on the region for the annual ritual known as Spring Break.

Kyle Gerakopoulos, M.D., MBA, medical director for Baptist Health Emergency Care in West Boca Raton, offered some insights on what she’s been seeing in the ER lately, and tips on how to stay safe during Spring Break.

Kyle Gerakopoulos, M.D., MBA, medical director for Baptist Health Emergency Care in West Boca Raton

RESOURCE: What are the most common conditions you’ve been treating lately at Baptist Health Emergency Care in West Boca?

Dr. Gerakopoulos: In our emergency department we’ve been seeing a variety of conditions. Now that we’re deep into cold and flu season, we’ve been treating numerous respiratory infections, including flu/influenza, Covid and RSV, as well as many other viral illnesses. We’ve also been seeing an increase in pneumonia lately. Norovirus was prevalent for a while but that appears to be tapering off now.

RESOURCE: Peak season for Spring Break is typically mid-March to early April. Does Baptist Health Emergency Care typically see an uptick in patient encounters this time of year?

Dr. Gerakopoulos: Yes, we do see an increase in emergency room visits when there are holidays, school breaks, vacations and large gatherings. We tend to see more patients with alcohol poisoning; sexually transmitted diseases; chest pain; abdominal pain; and injuries due to falls or other accidents. And because this is South Florida, we also treat a variety of “sun and fun” conditions such as sun exposure; marine animal bites or stings; boat or personal watercraft accidents; and near-drownings.

RESOURCE: In 2020, Spring Break turned out to be a Covid superspreader event before most people truly understood the impact of the virus. Today, more than a dozen states are dealing with outbreaks of the measles virus – including Florida, Texas and other states popular with Spring Breakers. Could we see a measles super-spreader event here?

Dr. Gerakopoulos: Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications or even death. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that so far, more than 300 cases have been reported across 12 states. Most of these have been in Texas and New Mexico, among children who have not received the vaccine. It’s certainly possible we could see an uptick in measles cases in South Florida centered around Spring Break but at this point it’s too soon to tell if it could ever amount to a superspreader event. Either way, Baptist Health is prepared to diagnose and treat anyone who thinks they may have measles or been exposed to the virus.

RESOURCE: What advice would you offer visitors to South Florida about staying healthy and avoiding a trip to the ER during Spring Break?

Dr. Gerakopoulos: South Florida is a great place to visit and vacation but your overall health and safety should always be top of mind. The best advice I can offer is to plan out your vacation, use good judgement in your activities and stay safe. Don’t take chances or make risky decisions. You may not realize it at the time but your decisions may be putting your life and the lives of others at risk.  

Specific recommendations for staying safe on Spring Break would include:

·      Make sure you’re always with someone you trust.

·      Always have a safe ride home (wherever you’re staying).

·      Bring your prescribed medications with you on vacation.

·      Make sure a trusted person knows where you are.

·      Alert your travel partner of any allergies you may have.

·      Find the nearest Emergency Room on your arrival in the event of an emergency.

·      Remember, you can always call 911 at any time for help.

RESOURCE: Why should someone seek care at Baptist Health Emergency Care instead of a nearby walk-in clinic?

Dr. Gerakopoulos: Baptist Health Emergency Care is a full emergency room equipped with all the necessary tools to evaluate and treat patients. Walk-in clinics are a great resource for patients, but for patients requiring more extensive evaluation and treatment, they should come to the emergency room. We’re able to evaluate and treat patients who present with any emergent or non-emergent conditions. We can perform imaging for injuries; lab testing and treatment; IV hydration for dehydration; and, of course, we can deliver lifesaving treatment for the most serious injuries and illnesses.

Need Care Now?

If you have an illness or injury that needs immediate attention, there is a Baptist Health Emergency Room or Urgent Care location ready and waiting to provide the high-quality, compassionate care Baptist Health is known for. Visit BaptistHealth.net/GetCareNow to find a location near you. Virtual urgent care is also an option. Save 50% off your virtual urgent care visit with code SpringTime. Expires 4/30/2025.