What's Going Around

If you think your seasonal allergies this spring are worse than ever, you just may live in Louisville, Ky.
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For the second week in a row, terrible allergies are sending people to the doctor's office.

This time it's Nurse Practitioner Linda Eckerson at McLaren Greater Lansing - DeWitt Family Medicine treating them.

Symptoms include: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, and dark circles under the eyes. A long-term cough could be a sign of allergies and asthma.

See your doctor to make sure your allergies don't turn into sinusitis or bronchitis.

Avoiding allergens is key. Stay inside when the pollen count is high. Keep windows and doors closed. Also, ban pets from your bed and couch, as pollen clings to pet fur.

Use eye drops and cool compresses, and take antihistamines.

Nurse Practitioner Eckerson is also treating patients with gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu.

Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.

You need to drink plenty of clear fluids and get lots of rest. You usually don't need to see a doctor. If you are severely dehydrated, seek medical attention.

To avoid getting the stomach flu, wash your hands repeatedly throughout the day, and use hand sanitizer.
