In Lansing, Dan Moore, a certified physician assistant at Ingham Internal Medicine and Pediatric Associates, a partner of Ingham Regional, is treating strep throat.
The hallmark symptoms are: sudden, severe sore throat; pain when swallowing; fever over 101 degrees; tender, swollen lymphnodes; fatigue, and headache. Sometimes you can see white or yellow patches on the tonsils and throat.
Children are prone to nausea and vomiting and will sometimes develop a red rash over the body, known as scarlet fever.
Anyone with a sore throat and fever should be seen by a doctor. Strep is usually treated with antibiotics.
You can take Motrin or Tylenol for fever and pain.
Also gargle with warm salt water, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
Moore is also treating sinus infections.
Symptoms include facial pain, sinus pressure, congestion, thick colored nasal discharge, cough and headache.
You may also have a decreased sense of smell, dizziness, and pain in the upper teeth.
Sinus infections generally clear up on their own.
You should drink lots of fluids, take Motrin or Tylenol to ease discomfort, and take over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants.
If your symptoms are particularly bad and you have a fever, you should see a doctor.
If you have blood pressure problems, you should consult a physician before taking decongestants.