WHOOPI THOUGHT SHE HAD THE SWINE FLU: Co-host returns on Thursday after two-day absence.

      Turns out Goldberg only had a bad cold, but she told the audience Thursday that she wasn't taking any chances by assuming she didn't have "the piggy flu," as she calls it.

       Walters admitted being less than truthful to the audience on Tuesday and Wednesday when she announced that Whoopi was simply "taking the day off." Her reason? She feared causing unnecessary panic if people knew that her co-host may have the swine flu.

      Goldberg said she started getting a cough and flu-like symptoms on Monday and decided to take the advice of government officials and see a doctor. She also did not want to risk the chance of infecting co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is pregnant with her third child.

       On Thursday, Hasselbeck thanked Whoopi for her particular concern about the baby.

          Ballard Custom Footwear
One pair at a time…High quality…Individually made
High quality shoe and boot service to a selective
Clientele. Handcrafted footwear made to measure
with your choice of fine leather or exotic skin,
style, and design. www.ballardfootwear.com/