In Lansing, Dan Moore, certified physician assistant at Ingham Internal Medicine and Pediatric Associates, a partner of Ingham Regional, is treating sinusitis this week.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include thick, yellow, nasal discharge; facial pressure or pain, headache and congestion. You may also have post-nasal drip or a cold that won't go away.

A sinus infection is diagnosed by a doctor, who will likely prescribe antibiotics. Decongestants and other drugs can help with swelling in your sinuses. Steam and hot showers can help, too.

Mr. Moore says strep throat is also going around this week.

Symptoms of strep include a sudden, severe sore throat; pain when swallowing, fever, tender lymph nodes and fatigue. You may see white or yellow patches on the tonsils and throat.

Kids are prone to nausea or vomiting and can sometimes develop a red rash over the body, known as scarlet fever.

Anyone with a sore throat and a fever should see a doctor. Strep is usually treated with antibiotics.

You can also take Motrin or Tylenol for fever and pain, gargle with salt water, and get plenty of rest. Drinking fluids helps too.

Even though they don't really make you feel better, antibiotics shorten the time during which you are contagious, and lower the risk of infection spreading to other parts of your body.

Strep usually runs its course within three to seven days.