What's Going Around - December 19th - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

What's Going Around - December 19th

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By Jessica Foster - bio | email

  • What's Going Around

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    We all have our aches in our bellies and backs from time to time, but these pains can also be signs of gallstones. Dr. Hatem Mourad from Coastal Urgent Care and Family Medicine warns that gallstones are
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  • Medical Central is the source for local doctors to advertise their businesses, as well as provide clients and viewers with valuable information on their fields of study.
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Bay County, Fla. -

Dr. Hatem Mourad from Coastal Urgent Care and Family Medicine says viral meningitis is going around.

Dr. Mourad explains that meningitis is "when the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (called the "meninges") gets inflamed or infected.  He says, "Viral meningitis is serious, but not usually as serious as bacterial meningitis."

Symptoms of viral meningitis include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Having light bother a person's eyes.

Dr. Mourad says babies may not get a stiff neck, but they may develop a bulging soft spot on the skull.

It is important to get treatment for meningitis.  Dr. Mourad recommends that if you develop a fever, headache and stiff neck, go to the emergency room right away.  Doctors must perform tests in the hospital to determine if its viral or bacterial.  Remember, bacterial meningitis is life threatening.

To help prevent viral meningitis, Dr. Mourad recommends:

  • Making sure you and your children get all recommended vaccines
  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid sharing cups or silverware
  • Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes because of the viruses they carry