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Happy spring, or pollen season, everyone!
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As the days get more beautiful, we often work in the yard, walk around the neighborhood, or venture out to hike or camp in nature’s bounty. Similarly, domestic and wild animals emerge from their habitats, homes, and yards and our potential to encounter animals increases. Increased exposure means increased adverse events related to animals- allergies, infections and bites.
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Did you know that 30-40% of cats have ringworm, a common fungal infection of the skin. Yes! Ringworm can spread to humans from animals. I say this for two reasons: First, it is not just wrestlers who get ringworm (Yes! I was a wrestler). Secondly, do not sleep with these creatures on you! Warm, dark environments are where fungus like ringworm can thrive.
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I know some of you love and adore your pets. (I love my four kiddos- we have no time for pets). What do we do if you are bitten by your pet? Believe it or not, nothing is done for most domestic animal bites unless the bite breaks the skin and it is a “puncture wound.” If you call me after receiving a “puncture wound” bite from ANY animal (pet or otherwise) that breaks the skin, I MUST report it to the department of Public Health. If you are bitten anywhere, please clean the bite wound with copious soap and water or irrigation with saline (salty water-you can use nasal rinse saline packets). If it is a puncture wound to a hand, face, feet, groin or just a dirty puncture wound; then antibiotics are likely to be administered ASAP. We recommend a Tetanus shot if it is a puncture wound AND it has been over 5 years since your last tetanus shot. We DO have tetanus shots in the office.
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What many people want to know when they call me is, “What about Rabies!?!?!”
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If it is your animal and their veterinary shots are up-to date, rabies shouldn’t be an issue. If it is another person’s pet, we will need documentation of the animal's shots from the veterinarian. If the bite is from an unknown animal (Stray, wild, etc.), I call the Department of Public Health here in Greenville @(864) 372-3270. If after hours, 1-888-847-0902 (option 2). Any puncture wound animal bite is a mandatory reportable event for doctors. Thus far, the department has been very helpful in these matters for the couple of bites our patients have reported to our clinic.
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We DO NOT have Rabies vaccines or immunoglobulin at the clinic. If bitten by a stray animal, bat, racoon, squirrel, or coyote please go to the ER! This includes any contact or prolonged indoor exposure to bats (i.e. bats sleeping in your cabin).
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Ultimately, avoid animals that are not yours and teach children to do the same. Children should be taught not to pet or pick up stray animals. Hopefully, I’ll never see this again but we are prepared should we encounter animal bites again.
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ALLERGY TESTING & TREATMENT
Allergy Season is HERE! Crossbridge DPC continues to do Outdoor Allergy testing and treatment with sublingual immunotherapy. Our members have seen wonderful results over the past year. The Multi-panel outdoor allergy test included trees, weeds, grasses, molds, mites, and various animals.
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Sublingual immunotherapy, also called allergy drops, works like allergy shots by gradually helping your body tolerate whatever causes your allergies. The difference is instead of getting an injection, the antigen (allergy causing substance) is given under your tongue in a painless liquid drop form.
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- Take at home, or wherever you are, three times daily. No weekly office visits needed.
- Custom prescription based on your history, exam, and allergy testing.
- Treats the cause of your allergies, rather than masking the symptoms.
- Lowers allergy related costs over time
Do you know if you have allergies or would be a good candidate for allergy treatment? Take this allergy quiz to assess your allergy needs.
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Waiting List
Crossbridge DPC is currently on a Waiting List for adding new members in March 2026. If you are interested in joining the waiting list, please fill out the Waiting List Contact Information Form
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SPOT of TEA
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( Parts in my recipe were Tablespoons)
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Heap a spoonful of tea blend into a strainer. Steep in boiling water ( ~170 degrees) for 5 minutes.
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You can add honey or frothed half & half or warm milk if desired.
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This will have a floral flavor, pretty pink hue and is caffeine free.
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Walking daily with my stick to ward off animals!
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Lt Col Zachariah Overby, MD
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For all of our updates, check out our website or visit one of our social media platforms below. We'd love to hear from you!
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Have you had a 5 STAR experience at Crossbridge DPC?
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Please give us a review on Google to let others know about our practice and the care you have received.
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