In this week's What's Going Around, the number of lower respiratory infections in the area recently is higher than usual for this time of year, according to Waynesboro pediatrician Robert Fern.

Fern says both lower and upper respiratory infections are fairly common this time of year.

Upper respiratory infections include the common cold, ear, sinus, throat and tonsil infections. Fern says these infections are caused by mild viruses and resolve on their own. However, some are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics.

Lower respiratory infections include bronchitis, pneumonia, walking pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Fern says most of these infections are caused by bacteria and tend to be more severe or prolonged than upper respiratory infections. Most are treated with antibiotics.

A Grant Memorial Hospital spokeswoman says a number of people of all ages have been hospitalized for pneumonia this week.

H1N1 continues spreading this week. Harrisonburg Dr. Greg Jesteadt says he hasn't noticed a decline of H1N1 cases in his office. Jesteadt says he's double booking appointments with sick patients when he's able.

Grant Memorial Hospital reports there have been too many flu cases among kids to count.