What's Going Around: Sore Throats, Sunburns

Sore throats and sunburns are what's going around.<br/>

Friday, August 1st 2014, 4:14 pm

By: News On 6

What's Going Around: Sore Throats, Sunburns

There's a virus going around causing sore throats in Okmulgee. Doctors with the Muscogee Creek Nation said symptoms include swollen glands in the neck, white patches on tonsils and pain swallowing or talking.

Some people are also running a fever, have a rash or are even vomiting.

You're going to want to see a doctor if you develop a fever over 101 degrees, if the sore throat lasts more than a week or you have joint pain.

If you have problems breathing, can't swallow or are drooling, you need to get to the hospital right away.

There's not much doctors can do other than treat the symptoms.

You can try over-the-counter pain relievers, lozenges and salt water gargles.

Doctors at the Sapulpa clinic are seeing a lot of patients with sunburns.

Don't let the clouds the past few days fool you. While they do limit the amount of damaging rays, they certainly don't block them.

Doctors said it's essential, especially this time of year, to limit your exposure. And, they said it's important to make sure your sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection.

If you do get burned, Ibuprofen can help with the inflammation. Aloe Vera creams and oatmeal baths can help soothe the skin, but won't help you heal any faster.

Remember, sunburns not only age your skin quicker, they also increase your risk of skin cancer.