What's Going Around: Stomach Flu, Sore Throat

Every week, we check in with doctors and nurses from the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health to find out what you need to know about what's going around.

Dr. Kathryn Zackery at the Sapulpa Indian Health Center has seen some cases of gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu. Its symptoms include fever, chills, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. And it is contagious. Dehydration is the main complication of the virus.

There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. Zackery recommends thorough and frequent hand-washing and sanitizing your home.

Kim Jenkins, a family nurse practitioner at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Express Care Clinic is seeing a lot sore throats.

There are many causes for a sore throat, but most are caused by viral infections and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges and warm salt water gargles.

If your sore throat is caused by sinus drainage, antihistamines would work for you.

Sore throats caused by bacterial infections, such as strep and whooping cough, require a prescription from your doctor.

Jenkins said you should see your doctor:

• If your sore throat is severe and lasts longer than a week.
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• If you also develop a rash.
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• If you have a fever higher than 101 degrees.
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• If you have hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks.
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• If you have joint pain or swelling in the neck.
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• If you see white patches on your tonsils.