Ugh, Flu is high in our area now...got this today

[luvwinnie]

Caution, FluSTAR Alert Level is now "High"
High levels of the flu are now being seen in your area. Doctors have reported to FluSTAR that they are treating more and more cases of flu every day. These high levels are beginning to affect your community and you are now at a greater risk of catching the flu.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

yeah, actually I just posted on another board that my kid's school has been getting slammed for going on two weeks now. They are running 15 to 20% absentee rates.

They can't get enough subs to cover all the Teachers who are getting sick. There have been a couple of kids into the hospital for dehydration. Today, they have a Pastor from the Church covering the 6th graders.

 

[luvwinnie]

Are you in NJ/NY area?

 

[dmslush]

We haven't had much flu here, but a virus is running through the whole family right now. It's times like now that I don't understand why, as a family of 5, we bought a house with 1 bathroom!

 

[luvwinnie]

We haven't had much flu here, but a virus is running through the whole family right now. It's times like now that I don't understand why, as a family of 5, we bought a house with 1 bathroom!

I had that 2 weeks ago. NOw I have sore throat!

 

[belle_of_the_ball]

south NJ has got it some what...the kid who sits behind me in Math has it...he just emailed me for notes....yuck...could i be next??

 

[crazelion]

At work 2 of our Managers has the flu and has been out for 2 weeks now.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

alot of people around me , in jersey, are sick as well

 

[Chris2597]

Is this flu covered by the flu shot? I have run into several people shopping and they are saying they or there kids are getting over a stomach virus...I feel like saying....dont mind me for backing up but I dont want that.

 

[summerrluvv]

Is this flu covered by the flu shot? I have run into several people shopping and they are saying they or there kids are getting over a stomach virus...I feel like saying....dont mind me for backing up but I dont want that.

The "flu" is entirely different than a stomach virus (usually includes vomiting), which many people think is the flu that can be prevented by a flu shot, but it's not. The flu is aches and pains, fever, cough, fatigue, etc.

 

[JVL1018]

Ugh, I do not want to deal with the flu!
I check the CDC and Fluwatch.com and both still say NJ has had no activity-weird.

 

[JennyMominRI]

Norovirus is going arouns up here in RI..It's stomach flu and not influenza .. Ther is no influenza listed up here either.Norovirus info
Norovirus (Gastrointestinal Illness) Present in Rhode Island; Vomiting and Diarrhea Most Common Symptoms
Factsheet on Norovirus Infection

Rhode Island has recently experienced an increase in Norovirus infection. This spike in Norovirus infection occurs every year around this time. Norovirus causes short-term, gastro-intestinal illness, sometimes referred to as “stomach flu” (this is NOT the same infection as influenza). Symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although exact counts are not available, health care providers throughout Rhode Island are reporting some cases of Norovirus-like illness. Some cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests at the state laboratory.

Norovirus is highly communicable. People get Norovirus infection by swallowing food or water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected person. Even a small dose of virus can produce illness within a day or two of exposure. Infection with Norovirus typically causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps with recovery in 2 or 3 days—most often without serious complications. Infected persons are infectious for 24 to 72 hours after recovery and sometimes longer. The only recommended treatment is for infected persons to stay hydrated. Persons who become severely dehydrated may require rehydration therapy.

The RI Department of Health recommends that the general public take the following steps to prevent the further spread of Norovirus among the general population:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water often, especially:
after using the restroom, changing diapers or cleaning up vomit
after assisting someone to use the restroom
after assisting someone who is ill
before preparing food or eating
Ill people should not prepare food or provide medical or childcare for at least 24 hours after their symptoms go away.
Ill children should not go to daycare or school.
Do not attend work or social events while ill.
Food handlers who are sick should stay home for at least 24 hours after the symptoms have resolved.
No bare hand contact should be made with ready-to-eat foods in commercial food establishments.