LOUISVILLE, Ky. — High fevers, coughing, body aches; the list goes on. the flu, strep throat and a stomach virus are forcing kids and adults across the Metro Louisville area to miss school and work.the increased number of calls came as no surprise to the staff at Pediatric Partners of Jeffersontown.”Now that the kids are back in school and they are spending more time together inside and not playing outside, so all the germs are kind of contained in smaller areas,” Dr. Debbie Wallace said.Physician offices around the Metro area are reporting a sharp increase in visits.the most commonly reported symptoms are the same for kids and adults alike.”High fevers, 103 to 104, cough, cough, cough, achy bodies, symptoms like that,” said Dr. Mari Knights.Doctors said the majority of patients are facing the flu or strep throat.the number of flu cases reported to the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is increasing.the latest statistics for the area show that only 19 laboratory cases have been confirmed and 378 rapid, in the office, tests have been reported.Health officials warn the flu is in full swing and the actual number of cases is much, much higher than what the numbers reflect.”We are seeing type a and type B, type a can be the regular flu or H1N1, but we are not specifically testing for H1N1 like we did last year,” Wallace said.Besides the flu and strep throat, doctors are reporting a high number of cases of a stomach virus.Experts said that too can usually be treated at home with liquids and rest.Doctors warn if a person seems exceptionally ill, a call to the physician is always a good idea.It’s not too late to get the flu shot.the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is still offering the vaccine. there are several sites around town and appointments are necessary.

Dixie Health Center
• 7219 Dixie Highway, 937-7277

Neighborhood place East Health Center

• 810 Barret Avenue, 574-6638

Middletown Health Center

• 200 Juneau Drive, 245-1074

Newburg Health Center

• 4810 Exeter Avenue, 458-0778