What's Going Around: Flu, Pneumonia, Common Cold

It's not too late to get that shot, even though we're in the peak of Flu season.

The Flu is going around Okmulgee and Sapulpa. The doctors and nurses from the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health said the Flu can last two to three weeks and starts forcefully.

The Flu can have symptoms of extreme fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, body aches, and respiratory congestion such as coughing."

Over-the-counter medications may relieve some flu symptoms, but it will not make you less contagious. If you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Doctor Kathryn Zackery at the Sapulpa Indian Health Center said she is also seeing people coming in with pneumonia following a bout with the flu.

Symptoms include coughing and a persistent fever. If these are your symptoms, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible, since you may need a chest x-ray and antibiotics.

Nurse Practitioner Kim Hicks Jenkins at the Okmulgee Express Clinic said a lot of people also have colds.

This can cause runny noses, nasal congestion, sneezing and a cough. Colds are contagious, so avoid others who are sick and wash your hands for at least 30 seconds.