In Okemos, Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care, a partner of Ingham Regional, is treating croup, mostly in kids.

At first, a child may have cold symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose. Then kids get hoarse, with a harsh barking cough. That cough is characteristic of croup.

An attack of croup can be scary, but it's rarely serious.

Try to keep kids calm during an attack. Children should breathe in moist air, so run a hot shower or hold your child directly over a humidifier. Breathing cold night air may help, too.

It's important to keep your child well-hydrated.

See a doctor immediately if your child has an episode lasting longer than 30 minutes.

Dr. Perry also says viral upper respiratory infections, including the common cold, are going around.

Symptoms include: runny, stuffy nose; sore throat, fatigue, low-grade fever, headache and cough.

To treat a cold, rest, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for aches and fever control as needed and drink lots of fluid. Breathing in steam can help, too.

Expect a cold to last for three to four days and the cough to linger for longer. If the cough lasts longer than 10 days, see a doctor.

If symptoms include a high fever, you should see a doctor.