Is there a flu epidemic in Blaine County or is everyone just sick from the so-called "Ketchum crud?"
According to local health officials, the crud most people are suffering from is a combination of a chest cough and head cold accompanied sometimes by an upset stomach.
According to epidemiologist Cheryl Becker of South Central Health District, there are "spotty reports of influenza (in south-central Idaho), though reports have increased in the last few weeks, which is later than normal. It seems we're peaking now."
"A true influenza is a respiratory illness," she said. "Flu becomes a catch-all term for everything from stomach problems to a head cold."
At St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center's emergency room, many people have come in with the common cold and sore throats but not influenza "A."
Meanwhile, several doctors, including physican's assistant Nan Ford, have seen several cases of strep throat, a bacterial illness, over the past few weeks.
A bacterial illness calls for antibiotics, while a viral doesn't, unless the patient has another severe illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "tens of millions of the antibiotics are prescribed in doctors' offices for viral infections that are not treatable with antibiotics. Doctors cite diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure, and patient demand as the primary reasons for their tendency to over-prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like the common cold, most sore throats, and the flu."
In Jerome, Horizon Elementary School has reported several cases of scarlet fever, the signs of which are a sore throat, fever and a rough, scarlet-colored rash.
"Scarlet fever is not that common," Becker said. It's caused by a bacteria which can be treated by antibiotics.
People who are in high-risk categories, such as infants or the elderly, may still receive this season's influenza shot. It takes two weeks to take effect. Contact South Central Health District in Bellevue for an appointment, 788-4335.
