What's Going Around: Sinus Infections And Stomach Flu

It's been a week of lots of wind and fluctuating temperatures, all of which can make you sick and miserable.

The Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health said sinus infections are What's Going Around.

In Sapulpa Dr. Kathryn Zackery said symptoms include nasal drainage, as well as a headache or facial pain between your eyes, cheeks or forehead. It could even make your teeth hurt.

Since this is mostly viral, antibiotics will not help. You may get some relief with decongestants, anti-histamines and nasal saline solution.

If your symptoms last longer than ten days you will want to see your doctor.

At the Eufaula Indian Health Center, the Creek Nation Community Hospital ER, and Koweta Indian Health Center, doctors Jim Harjo and Larry Vark are seeing patients for the stomach flu.

The stomach flu is not the flu, although the symptoms can be similar and include, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and stomach cramps.

The main complication with this illness is dehydration. Try sucking on ice chips, frequent small sips of water, clear broth, clear soda or non-caffeinated sports drinks.

Gradually begin easing back into a bland diet such as the BRAT diet; bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

Unfortunately, there's no effective treatment for the stomach flu, so prevention is key. Frequent hand-washings are your best defense.