We start off this week at Sparrow Family Medical Services in Lansing where Doctor Paula Therrien says urinary tract infections are going around. UTI's are more common in women. Symptoms include painful frequent urination. Occasionally you might have visible blood in your urine. If the infection spreads to your kidneys you may also have a fever and nausea. For treatment try cranberry supplements. Proper hygiene and adequate water intake are also important. Empty your bladder before and after intercourse. And if you have to "go" - don't hold it!
For the third week in a row Strep Throat is in our What's Going Around Report. Doctor Mary Thorne says the bacterial infection starts with an abrupt onset of a severe sore throat. You will likely have enlarged and tender lymph nodes and white spots on your tonsils. A fever, headache, and fatigue are also common symptoms. You need a throat culture from your doctor to confirm that it is strep throat. If it comes back positive the best treatment is an antibiotic. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Since Strep Throat is so contagious any close contacts who also have symptoms should also be examined.