The flu and other late-winter maladies seem to have a tight grip on Lancaster County. My daughter, who's managed to remain healthy though started coughing a bit last night, said out of the two sixth-grade classrooms at her Penn Manor school, 18 students were absent yesterday. And that's just sixth grade. The illnesses seem to be: upper respiratory ailments (and sinus infections); strep throat; and of course, my favorite, stomach bugs.

And it's crossing the country: My fourth-grade nephew in Chicago called his grandparents last week to announce that he had strep throat. He was actually quite proud of his achievement.

We're pushing Vitamin C, and lots of sleep. Hand washing. Other parent friends are taking preventive measures with Airborne. Hopefully it will work, though right now these illnesses seem to be ganging up on adults and kids alike. Even our dog has been listless.

Stay well, and if you have secrets to keeping the flu, and the doctor away, pass them along.