Holiday injuries common right now

AUSTIN (KXAN) - During the holiday season, doctors start to see problems other than the usual cold and flu in their offices.  Central Texas doctors tell us they have treated more patients for falls and cuts  this past week, and you can probably guess what is causing them.

Dr. Clarence Williams at Scott and White Urgent Care in Round Rock says he has seen people who have fallen off ladders putting up holiday lights and other decorations. 

Physicians also said people tend to cut themselves wrapping gifts and slicing in the kitchen as they make holiday meals.  Williams reminds us to be careful, and it is just as important to remember safety when you take down the holiday decorations.

"If you're getting on the ladders making sure you're safe while you're on the ladder and have them in a stable location and coming down carefully," said Williams. "Making sure you're not drinking any alcohol while you're doing these things is paramount."

Dr. Jason Johnson at Austin Regional Clinic Southwest also has treated more people with cuts on their hands and fingers because of holiday activities. He said skin rashes also seem to be bothering more people.  

Lacerations are also on the rise this past week at St. David's Emergency Care in Bee Cave according to Medical Director Dr. Edward Lee.

Strep throat is still going around in some spots. Doctors at St. David's Urgent Care in Pflugerville tell us most of the cases are school-aged children. Strep throat is also bothering patients at Texas MedClinic north and south locations as well as upper respiratory illnesses.

Other things going around

St. David's Georgetown Hospital
Dr. Johnathan Conner
* Respiratory viruses
* Pneumonia

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center
Dr. Daniel Mackay
* Allergies

Heart Hospital of Austin
Dr. Whitney Bludworth
* Reflux
* Cold/flu symptoms
* Bronchitis
* Chest pain

St. David's Medical Center
Dr. Corey Jones
* Nausea and vomiting