Spreading holiday cheer and flu-like symptoms

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's the most wonderful time of the year and according to some doctors, it's also the most germy. As you're making your list and checking it twice, make sure the following viruses don't sneak their way into your holiday planning.

Our CareSpots on the Southside, Mandarin, and Cesery say flu is in full swing. Several people spent their weekend checking into clinics and getting diagnosed with Flu A and B. Doctors says things are expected to get worse before it gets better. Stay vigilant when it comes to sanitizing, washing your hands, and avoiding the spread of germs.

In Clay County at the CareSpot in Middleburg, the top three problems are sinusitis, bronchitis, and strep throat. These are all very contagious and need to be treated with antibiotics. The clinic is also getting their burst of flu patients and what several doctors are calling the 'fake flu'. it mimics the flu but turns out to be just a cold.

Doctors say with symptoms like congestion, body aches, chills, and a fever, you may think you've caught the flu. However, like many cases that they've this week, you may actually just have a bad cold or virus that mimics the flu. The main difference, according to doctors is that your flu test will come back negative. 

Instead of waiting your turn at the doctors office, nurses I spoke to say the easiest way to ease your symptoms is by taking over-the-counter medicine, drinking plenty of fluids, and letting the cold run its course. If you can't rid the crud after 10 days, it's time to see a doctor.

In St. Johns County, the CareSpot in St. Augustine says Flu A is the bulk of what they've seen with several other patients getting treated for flu-like symptoms.

In Nassau County at the CareSpot in Yulee, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections and a 48-hour stomach bug has kept some students out of school. Their clinic is also reporting a big jump in patients with flu-like symptoms.