Norovirus hits at peak of flu season

Norovirus is a contagious virus, sometimes referred to as “stomach flu,” that causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines or both. Symptoms include stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include a low-grade fever, body aches and headache.

People affected by norovirus often feel very ill and easily can become dehydrated if they are not careful. Young children and older people are especially vulnerable to dehydration.

Most people recover from norovirus within a few days.

Influenza also is a contagious virus, but is a respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs, not the stomach. Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue.

“It’s so frustrating for those of us in public health, when people get what’s come to be known as the stomach flu, and they say, ‘I have the flu. I got the flu shot, but I still got the flu,’” said Cathy Ferguson, administrator of the Lee County Health Department. “And we have to say, ‘No, it’s not the flu, it’s gastroenteritis.’ “

“We just really want people to understand that they’re not the same.”

The seasonal flu has affected many people in the area since it arrived in November, but norovirus has cropped up in the last several weeks.

“It’s in the schools – there are a lot of kids out with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – and it’s gone through some of the nursing homes, too,” said Beth Fiorini, administrator of the Whiteside County Health Department.

The main precaution against the seasonal flu is to get a flu shot, which still are available at the county health departments, doctors’ offices and many drugstores.

But the main precaution against norovirus is to wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom and before handling, preparing or eating food.

The seasonal flu shot does not protect against norovirus or other gastrointestinal illnesses – only respiratory illnesses.