What's Going Around
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Updated: 8:51 PM Oct 12, 2009
What's Going Around
Local doctors explain what they're seeing in their offices this week.
Posted: 10:29 AM Oct 12, 2009
Reporter: Lauren Evans
Email Address: lauren.evans@wilx.com
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We start in Okemos, where Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care is treating flu-like illnesses, with suspected cases of swine flu.

Symptoms include a fever above 101 degrees, intense body aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, congestion, headache and chills.

To treat these flu-like viruses, it's important to rest. Also drink plenty of fluids, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided.

Dr. Perry also says gastroenteritis is going around this week.

Symptoms include stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and a low-grade fever, up to 101 degrees.

To treat gastroenteritis, drink fluids like Gatorade for adults, and Pedialyte for kids. Your family doctor may prescribe medicine to help with the nausea. Parents should be on the look out for signs of dehydration in children.

In Lansing, Dr. Thomas Stout at Mount Hope Community Medical Center is treating bronchitis.

Symptoms include a cough that is dry and hacking at first, then after a few days it might bring up mucus. A mild fever, tiredness, tightness or burning in the chest, wheezing, and hoarseness are also symptoms.

To treat bronchitis, drink plenty of fluids. Use an over-the-counter cough medicine with an expectorant, if your doctor recommends it. And to sooth a sore throat, suck on cough drops or hard candies.

Bronchitis often follows a viral respiratory infection, like a cold, and the common cold has been going around these last couple of weeks.


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