What's Going Around Jan. 20, 2012

No surprise here -- doctors at virtually every single St. Vincent clinic are treating people for the flu.

The virus has already killed more than a dozen people in Arkansas alone.

Flu is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Symptoms are similar to the common cold -- just worse and come on more abruptly.

It can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening illnesses.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot -- but if you think you have the flu already -- you need to call a doctor.

Dr. Ken Dill at the St. Vincent Family Clinic in Lonoke is seeing a lot of people with shingles.

The disease affects about a million people in the United States each year.

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for having shingles. It usually happens in people who have weak immune systems.

Symptoms include a burning or shooting pain on the side of the body or face, severe pain, and rash or blisters from 1 to 14 days after first symptoms

There is no cure for shingles but antiviral medications can lessen the length and severity of the attack

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you have a painful rash.