In this week's "What's Going Around" we're starting with what isn't going around.

You may have a bad cough or a mild fever but it probably isn't the flu. Augusta Health says it's seen an increase in "influenza like illnesses," but still no confirmed cases of flu.

That's the story across most of the United States. The CDC says flu activity remains low. That's no reason to get comfortable though. This year's flu season hasn't really gotten underway. The season usually peaks in late January, February and March.

The good news is we can keep those numbers low. Dr. Doug Larsen with the Department of Health says there's still time to get a vaccine. This year's vaccine is the "right drug for the bug." In other words, its the right vaccine for the strain of flu that is being reported.

If you're a little hoarse or have a sore throat you may have acute laryngitis. Symptoms are a hoarse voice and coughing, runny nose and sore throat. It's easily treated by resting your voice, humidification and hydration. Antibiotics will have no effect since it's caused by a virus. It's important to note that any hoarseness lasting more than three days, or hoarseness with other symptoms like a high fever, difficulty breathing, swallowing or weight loss, should be evaluated by your doctor.

When it comes to both laryngitis and the flu, good hygiene is the key to prevention. So make sure you're washing your hands... And covering your cough.

© Copyright 2012 WHSV / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.