What's Going Around Oct. 28, 2012

Each Sunday we survey doctors at St. Vincent health clinics to find out "what's going around" so you'll know what to be on the lookout for. And this week strep throat seems to be a problem.

Dr. Ken Dill at the St. Vincent clinic in Lonoke, as well as sever other clinics in central Arkansas, have seen people come in with a sore throat.

Children between five and 15 typically get it more often but any of us can get it.

Symptoms include fever, chills, red sore throat, swollen glands, white patches and sometimes an upset stomach.

It can lead to things like ear infections, sinusitis and scarlet fever.

Since strep throat is caused by bacteria, doctors will give you an antibiotic to clear it up.

Dr. Ken Dill is also seeing cases of acute pharyngitis and streptococcal pharyngitis. That's another type of really bad sore throat.

But with this one it hurts to talk, you might get a skin rash, and laryngitis.

You might get it from a viral infection like the cold or flu or it could come from strep throat.

Your doctor might have to run some tests to see if it's viral or bacterial. Real bad cases can lead to ear infection or sinusitis.

Speaking of which, Cynthia Chandler at the St. Vincent center in the Walmart at Chenal is seeing sinusitis or sinus infections.

For this you might be able to get by with over the counter meds but if it's really a problem, you know what to do - see your doctor.

There are lots of viral and bacterial infections going around this week so make sure you wash you hands often and try to stay healthy.