What's Going Around: Flu Like Symptoms, Flu, Strep Throat

We know a deadly strain of the flu is going around, but our doctors and nurses from the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health say folks in Sapulpa are coming down with a flu-like illness, but they are testing negative for Influenza A or B.

Symptoms include runny and stuffy nose, chills, headache and/or body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and a fever of 100 degrees or higher.

You may or may not have nausea or vomiting.

Influenza can be mistaken for the common cold, but the flu in general is worse and comes on suddenly and can last three to four weeks.

Over-the-counter medications may help, but plenty of rest, drinking clear liquids, placing a humidifier in your room, and gargling with warm salt water might help more.

Physician Assistant Ronda Cherry at the Wetumka Indian Health Center wants to remind people the flu is a virus, and antibiotics will not help.

Get emergency treatment if you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting and seizures.

Doctor Kathryn Zackery at the Sapulpa Indian Health Center said strep throat has hit that area.

Strep throat is highly contagious and remains contagious for 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started.

Some symptoms include a sore throat, enlarged tonsils with white patches, a fever greater than 102.5, chills, and a headache.

It's always a good idea to wash your hands frequently, throw away your old toothbrush and do not share drinks or food with anyone.