We've had something similar since a trip to So. Cal in late October (we live in WA). Two of us ended up on antibiotics. The two year old had an ear infection and I (pregnant mom) had it settle in my chest and throat. Even after a round of antibiotics, it's not totally gone. Ex-MIL met us on vacation and got the same thing. She lives in Avondale and has not been able to get in to see a doctor or urgent care. She said the same thing about the 12 hour wait in the ER. She is almost to the point of driving to Mexico and picking up antibiotics there. I am not usually a fan of that tactic, but... I really don't blame her. It's sad when you do have medical insurance and you can't get medical care!
There's something going around here in SE Michigan. The worst is over for the family, except the terrible coughing that is just hanging on. Had a flu shot in November, but this is just as bad. If I could only stop coughing!