October 31, 2011

If you have a sore throat, you're not alone. Strep throat is taking its toll on many people in the central Virginia area right now, and it's the topic of this week's What's Going Around.

Dr. Marsha Taylor of Greene Family Medicine is tracking the illness, which she says is very common among school-aged kids, however all ages are susceptible.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, white patches on tonsils, rash and swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck.

When it comes to treating strep throat, antibiotics work best and can significantly improve symptoms within 48 hours. However, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with pain and fever.

If you're trying to prevent strep throat Dr. Taylor suggests staying home if you have a fever, frequent hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze and avoid sharing food or utensils when sick.

Dr. Taylor is also reminding people that it's not too late to get a flu vaccine. Flu season runs until May, and if you get the vaccine it will last the entire season.