We start in Okemos, where Dr. Dennis Perry of Meridian Primary Care is treating a flu-like illness.

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

To treat the flu, rest, drink plenty of fluids, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve body aches and control fever. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided.

Also in Okemos, Dr. James Brouillette, from the Ingham Primary Care Center, is still treating allergies.

Symptoms include stuffed or runny nose, sneezing, watery, red swollen eyes, coughing, and itchy eyes and nose.

Nasal decongestants or antihistamines can help treat allergies, but if they don't, see your doctor. Also, try to reduce your exposure to pollen by keeping doors and windows closed, and change clothes or shower after being outside.

And Dr. Earl Reisdorff at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, says sore throats and the common cold are also going around.

Those symptoms include sore throat, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Children may have a fever of around 100 to 102 degrees.

A cold will clear up without any specific treatment. But be sure to get plenty of rest, and drink non-caffeinated fluids. There's also some medical evidence that chicken soup can help with recovery.

Symptoms generally improve after three days, and are usually gone within seven to ten days. As with all viral infections, antibiotics are ineffective.

If you have a sore throat and nasal congestion, you most likely don't have strep throat. A hallmark symptom of strep is the appearance of white, patchy spots on the tonsils.