BY JESSIE BURCHETTE
SALISBURY POST

A variety of flu-like illnesses, dubbed the “creeping crud,” is taking a toll on all ages.

Most area residents appear to have escaped the flu, but there are a lot of other things out there making life miserable.

“There’s been a lot of sick people since Thanksgiving, “ said Charles Deadwyler, pharmacist and owner of Towne Pharmacy in Salisbury.

The most common complaints are sore throats, upper respiratory problems and coughing.

Deadwyler said the unusually cold weather in December may have contributed.

The first wave hit the Troyer Family Practice at 302 S. Main St., China Grove, about six weeks ago. A spokesman said the numbers of patients lessened for a while but have since started climbing.

Bronchitis and strep throat have been the most common ailments.

The clinic confirmed two cases of flu nearly six weeks ago but haven’t seen any more.

County health officials still haven’t seen any confirmed cases of flu.

They’ve seen a lot of other stuff, with one nurse dubbing it the “creeping crud.”

A lot of the patients coming to the Health Department are making repeat visits. Adult Health Supervisor Nora Cartner said the problems are lasting much longer this season.

They have been seeing patients who start with a viral infection and then contract a bacteria infection. Many others start with a bacterial infection and once they are getting better, they end up with a viral infection.

“It’s really putting them back. It’s lasting anywhere from two to six weeks,” said Cartner. “It’s hanging on longer.”

Although technically weather isn’t a factor, Cartner said the weeks of severe cold may have made people more susceptible.

A random check of schools found most with normal attendance.

Salisbury High School has been hard hit but is now returning to normal. During January, absenteeism increased by about 25 students a day, according to Vickey St. Lawrence, a data manager.

The “creeping crud” sprawled all over county government offices.

“The worst is over,” said Ken Deal, director of administration.

At its worst, some departments were left with skeleton crews. Most county employees took flu shots.