In Okemos, Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care is treating gastroenteritis.

It's commonly called the stomach flu, even though it's not caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms include: stomach cramping or discomfort, bloating, nausea with or without vomiting, and diarrhea. You won't necessarily have a fever, but a low-grade fever could be present.

Gastroenteritis usually clears up on its own without specific treatment.
You should drink plenty of fluids, like Gatorade for adults and Pedialyte for children.

Start a B.R.A.T. diet after 24-hours of a liquid diet without vomiting. That's bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

If you are dizzy, light-headed or confused, see a doctor, as those are signs of dehydration.

Dr. Perry is also treating viral upper respiratory infections.

Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion headache and sore throat are the main symptoms, plus flu-like symptoms like high fever, chills, body aches, weakness and fatigue.

To treat a U.R.I., get plenty of rest and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for aches and fever control.

Drink lots of fluids and breathe in steam through a hot bath or shower or by using a humidifier.

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