What's Going Around
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Updated: 7:40 PM Mar 15, 2010
What's Going Around
Local doctors explain what they're seeing in their offices this week.
Posted: 11:02 AM Mar 15, 2010
Reporter: Lauren Evans
Email Address: lauren.evans@wilx.com
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We begin in Leslie, where Dr. Jeffrey DeWeerd with Allegiance Family Medicine is seeing a rise in viral bronchitis.

Symptoms include: trouble breathing, wheezing, pain or discomfort in the chest or rib cage, headache, low-grade fever, and a persistent cough that is typically nonproductive.

To treat viral bronchitis, rest and drink plenty of water.

Also, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain, and over-the counter cough medicines.

Hot showers or steam may help, too.

Antibiotics do not cure viral bronchitis.

Dr. James Brouillette at Ingham Primary Care Center in Okemos says upper respiratory infections are going around.

Symptoms include cough, wheezing, fever, facial pressure, headache, dental pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

You may also have a low-grade fever.

To treat a U.R.I, rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Tylenol can help fever and headache; throat lozenges can sooth a sore throat.

Try using a humidifier in your room at night and take warm showers.

Nasty discolored mucus is an indication that you may have a secondary bacterial infection, and not just a virus.

That should be treated by a doctor.

A U.R.I. should clear up in about seven to 10 days, but if symptoms persist see a doctor.

A simple upper respiratory infection can become more severe.