What's Going Around: Tick Bites And Stomach Flu

Tiny predators are what's going around according to doctors and nurses at the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health.

Dr. Kathryn Zackery from the Muscogee Creek Nation's Sapulpa Indian Health Center is seeing lots of tick bites. Ticks are most common in the summer and spring.

Most bites are benign, and usually just cause itching, but you will need to see the doctor as soon as possible if you develop a fever, rash, swelling, headache or vomiting.

Prevention is the key: wear protective clothing and bug spray and check your skin after you've been exposed to ticks.

Another round of gastroenteritis is going around in Okmulgee.

Nurse Practitioner Kim Hicks Jenkins says the common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting or both, making you pretty sick for 48 to 72 hours.

Thorough and frequent hand-washings are your best defense to not get sick.

Since most people have a hard time keeping food down when they're sick it is best to gradually begin easing back into a bland diet such as the BRAT diet; this is Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and/or Toast.