We talk with doctors and nurses at St. Vincent medical clinics in central Arkansas to find out what illnesses you should be on the look out for.

I’m told St. Vincent’s clinics all over Arkansas are treating a lot of people with sore throats. This includes colds, strep throat and tonsillitis. Question is – how do you know which one you have?

On average, a sore throat caused by a cold will usually get better or go away after a day or two.

If it’s causes by strep it is far more severe, it hurts a lot worse and it won’t go away without treatment.

If it’s caused by tonsillitis, you’ll have pain, swollen tonsils with white or yellowish spots, fever, bad breath and trouble swallowing.

Nurse Alicia Bell at St. Vincent inside Walmart in North Little Rock is treating people with ringworms. That’s a skin infection caused by a fungus.

It can show up on your beard, feet, nails and scalp and yes, it is very contagious.

You can get it by using someone’s comb, wearing others clothing and so one.

Pets can carry it and transfer it to you too.

A doctor can give you some topical medication and that usually clears it up. You might also get an antibiotic.

If your pet has it – they should also get treatment.