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Norovirus (not stomach flu) makes presence felt
Staff Writer Feeling a little under the weather?
If so, you're not alone.
The norovirus infection, often mistakenly referred to as the stomach flu although it's not related to influenza, has been going around northern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Dr. Nick Bernier, director of medical affairs at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, said the hospital in the past 10 days has seen an outbreak of norovirus-like symptoms in several hospital employees and has treated patients with the same illness.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, according to the state Department of Health. Other symptoms may include headaches, fever/chills and muscle aches. Symptoms usually last about one to two days. Patients may feel extremely sick during that time, vomiting violently and without warning, many times a day.
Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are usually hardest hit by the norovirus and may become severely dehydrated, requiring medical attention.
Bernier said the norovirus seemed to have reached its peak last week, at least at the hospital, although it could continue to strike other area communities, businesses and schools as it is spread.
The best way to decrease your chance of coming into contact with norovirus is by frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizers, said Bernier.
"This is another good reason to really wash your hands," said Bernier.
Bernier said the hospital has a strict policy on hand washing and infection control and administrators have no evidence that anyone contracted the norovirus at the hospital.
JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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