At the CoxHealth Clinic at Walmart on Campbell a lot of people are coming in complaining of sore throats.  A few cases have turned out to be related to sinus drainage, but more times than not, patients have tested positive for Strep Throat.  Symptoms of strep include sudden and severe sore throat.  the on-set of symptoms are quick.   A fever over 101 degrees can be a common sign.  Swollen lymph nodes, and white spots lining the throat is often a strong sign of strep throat.  many times it hurts to eat or drink so a loss of appetite can be common.    If you do have these symptoms it is a good idea to call your doctor.  It’s likely you will have to take a strep test and he will prescribe an antibiotic for treatment.  once on an antibiotic, you are contagious for 24 hours… This lessens the time by days if you aren’t treated with one.  Also getting on an antibiotic is a good idea because it can help to prevent rare complications that could end up being life threatening. Doctors at the Clinic in Walmart say the overall patient load is up because of everyone getting together and spreading the holiday spirit… or germs.  As school starts it’s important to wash hands often to keep everyone healthy.

Good news reported from the Howell County Health Department, they have seen a drop in the number of stomach flu reports. even though they are seeing fewer cases, stomach flu cases are still higher than normal.