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Dakota Midday: Flu Season Could Be Treacherous

Centers for Disease Control

Along with parties and presents, the holiday season can also bring the flu. In the most recent report for the week ending December 6th, influenza activity in South Dakota was rated as "sporadic,” among the lowest in the country.

But state epidemiologist Dr. Lon Kightlinger is concerned about how the flu season could develop. This year an unpredicted strain of flu is hitting hard in some areas of the country. Kightlinger says the H3 strain has been around for 46 years, but health officials never know when it’s going to show up. During an interview on Dakota Midday, Kightlinger said he's bracing for a severe influenza year here that could be treacherous.

He says the H3 strain is not covered in this year’s vaccine but it’s still important to get the flu shot to protect yourself from other flu strains that are also making an appearance in South Dakota.  He also urges people who are sick to stay home and rest and not spread germs.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.