We begin in Lansing, where Dr. Thomas Stout at Mount Hope Community Medical Center says flu-like illnesses are going around this week.

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

Most flu cases clear up in 7 to 10 days.

You should rest, and drink plenty of fluids to treat these illnesses.
Also, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches.

Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided.
Call your doctor to discuss your symptoms before you go in.

In Okemos, Dr. Fred Bean at Ingham Primary Care Center is treating winter itch, which is dry skin.

The most common symptom is itching, usually on the hands and feet.
Also, fine lines in the skin become more visible, and skin feels rough and appears dull and flaky.

To treat winter itch, take shorter showers: no more than 10 minutes each 24 hour period.
Increase the humidity in the house, too, and use soothing skin moisturizer, especially after showering.

If your skin is cracking and bleeding, you should see your doctor for treatment.

Winter itch is common in colder weather, when humidity is low.
It can occur in people of all ages, with or without other skin problems.