The stomach flu is keeping Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care in Okemos busy this week.

Stomach cramping, bloating, nausea and diarrhea are the tell-tale signs. You may also have a low-grade fever.

The stomach flu usually clears up on its own without specific treatment, but you do need to watch out for dehydration.

Drink plenty of fluids and start a bland diet after 24 hours of a liquid diet without vomiting. Try a BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

See a doctor if you experience dizziness, light-headedness, confusion or changes of mental state.

Dr. Perry says the common cold is also going around this week.

The main symptoms are runny, stuffy nose; sore throat; fatigue, and headache. Kids may have a low-grade fever as well.

If you have a cold, you should rest, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and drink lots of fluid.

Breathing in steam can help loosen congestion.

If symptoms haven't improved in 10 days or if you have a high fever, see a doctor.

Dr. Perry is treating hay fever as well.

Symptoms include: runny, stuffy nose; itchy eyes and throat; wheezing; sneezing; sinus pressure, and tearing at the eyes.

To treat it, take antihistamines.

Saline sprays two to three times a day can help, too.

You may benefit from steroid nasal sprays.

If you have asthma, stick to your prescribed regimen.

Unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus. It's caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens.