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Nasty bugs aren't flu, if that's any consolation A host of viruses and bacteria is making the rounds, bringing everything from colds to vertigo By BILL KETTLER Mail Tribune If your nose is dripping, or you're feeling dizzy and run-down - cheer up. It's probably not influenza. Rogue Valley residents have been struggling the past few weeks with persistent colds, gastro-intestinal distress, strep throat, and deep hacking coughs that won't quit. "It seems like there's just about every kind of imaginable thing going around," said Viki Barbour of Jackson County Health and Human Services. Public health officials identified two Jackson County cases of influenza in mid-December, but Barbour said no more than one additional case of influenza virus has been recorded. However, there's "a whole host" of viral and bacterial things going around, she said. The gastro-intestinal bug, which may include vomiting and diarrhea, typically runs its course in two or three days. Some people have reported colds that drag on for weeks with a few days' respite between episodes of congestion, headache, sneezing and nasal discharge. Others have experienced feelings of dizziness, vertigo or extreme fatigue. Barbour said people tend to get sick more during the winter because we spend more time indoors rebreathing the same air. "Much of this stuff is airborne," she said. "We're all spending more time indoors, and socializing with other people, and driving in cars with the windows closed." Barbour said the cluster of winter holidays also makes some people sick. Bacteria may pass when two old friends shake hands or share a hug. Airborne viruses may find their way into an eye or a nose after somebody sneezes. "People are hugging and kissing and shaking hands and spreading germs," she said. She said there's no evidence that winter's cold temperatures, biting winds and short days make us ill. "People tend to think that," she said, "but there's no evidence to support it's true." What does make people sick is lack of sleep, she said. "There's definitely evidence that lack of sleep contributes to our susceptibility to illness. Over the long term, lack of sleep may even contribute to our susceptibility to things like diabetes." Barbour said the winter bugs will run their course over time, and people can treat their symptoms with over-the-counter decongestants and fever-reducing drugs such as ibuprofen. She suggested people contact their physician if a fever does not respond to ibuprofen, or if they can't keep down food and fluids, or a persistent cough keeps them awake for several nights. Reach reporter Bill Kettler at 776-4492, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.