STUART, Fla. — Health officials are urging Martin County residents to take precautions like washing their hands after a significant increase in reports of what most people would call “stomach flu.”
The Martin County Health Department’s Division of Epidemiology reports a 29 percent increase in gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) in Martin County during the last two weeks of December, based on ER visits.
Gastrointestinal illness, commonly referred to as stomach flu though there is no such flu virus, is highly contagious and can spread easily. Several of the recent cases have been identified as norovirus, a virulent virus that commonly wreaks havoc in closed environments like nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.
People with norovirus are contagious from the time they begin to feel sick up until symptoms pass. People generally recover in a couple of days. Dehydration can be a problem among people with norovirus, especially the very young and the elderly.
Prevention tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Boost your natural immunity by getting enough rest, eating properly and drinking lots of fluids.
- Stay home when you are sick and check with your doctor.
- For cleaning, use a product that can kill viruses, such as a diluted bleach solution.
Source: cbs12.com
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