Sick season is here, and not every cough, fever or stomachache is the flu. If vomiting and diarrhea suddenly take over your household, you may be dealing with norovirus. If fever, cough, body aches and fatigue are the main symptoms, flu may be the culprit.
Jamie Peters, Infection Prevention Nurse at Pullman Regional Hospital, shares how to know what to watch for and how to keep illness from spreading.
“Sick season can bring a lot of different viruses into our homes, schools and workplaces,” Peters says. “Knowing how these illnesses spread and taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping you and the people around you healthy.”
- Know the difference
Norovirus is highly contagious and often causes sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and most people recover within a few days. Despite the term “stomach flu,” norovirus is not actually influenza.
Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory illness that more commonly causes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea can happen with the flu as well, especially in children, but they are less common in adults.
- Hydration matters
If you have norovirus, staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes, so take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If you’re struggling to keep water or liquid down, try ice chips or popsicles.
With flu, rest and fluids are also important. People at higher risk for serious flu complications should contact their healthcare provider early, as prescription antiviral medications work best when started soon after symptoms begin.
- Know when to get help
Most people can recover from norovirus and flu at home. But watch for signs that you need medical care.
With norovirus, the biggest concern is dehydration. A veryVery dry mouth, extreme thirst, dark urine, urinating less than usual, dizziness or unusual weakness can all be warning signs. Seek care if you cannot keep fluids down, have severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, or symptoms that are getting worse.
With flu, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, dehydration or symptoms that improve and then get worse are reasons to seek medical attention.
- Stop the spread
“Norovirus is incredibly contagious, and it does not take much of the virus to make someone sick,” says Peters, “Good handwashing and cleaning can make a big difference, especially when someone in your household is sick.”
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. If someone has norovirus, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces and wash soiled clothing and bedding promptly. Hand sanitizer should not replace handwashing because it does not work well against norovirus.
For flu and other respiratory illnesses, stay home when you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands and avoid close contact with others.
- Prevention starts before you get sick
A few simple habits can help protect you and the people around you. Wash your hands regularly, stay home when you are sick, clean shared surfaces and make sure your recommended vaccinations are up to date.
“Prevention is really about the little things we do consistently,” Peters says. “Taking those steps can help protect your family, coworkers and community.”
For local information about flu, norovirus and other seasonal illnesses, visit Whitman County Public Health. If you need to establish care with a primary care provider, Pullman Regional Hospital has several clinics to choose from, including Pullman Family Medicine, Palouse Medical, Palouse Health Center and the Family Medicine Residency Center. For patients under 18, care is available through Palouse Pediatrics in Pullman and Moscow. Please visit the Pullman Regional Primary Care webpage for more information.
