Originally printed at http://www.keyt.com/news/local/Pick-Your-Poison-Stomach-Bug-or-Flu-137064243.html
By KEYT Anchor
January 10, 2012
Santa Barbara - If you've noticed a bug going around, you're not alone. The winter season is high time for a number of viruses that could put you down for the count.
Late fall and early winter are the peak times for Norovirus and Influenza. They are more commonly known as the stomach bug and the flu. Both have been going around the community.
The Santa Barbara Unified School District says it is seeing about two kids per day showing symptoms of the flu, but that is not out of the ordinary for this time of the year.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. It is spread through coughing or sneezing, so it can be easily passed on, especially at schools where kids are in close contact with each other. If your child comes down with these symptoms, the Santa Barbara Unified School District recommends taking them out of class for at least one day or until the symptoms have cleared up.
According to District Nurse Elizabeth Christen, "Our recommendation, when they're in school is we like parents to come pick them up and don't send your kids to school if they are sick."
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment or vaccine. It usually takes about 48 hours from it to pass. However, you are still contagious for up to three weeks after that.
The Public Health Department says there was a spike in the number of cases of Norovirus over the holidays. November through April is the peak season for the virus and with kids going back to school there may soon be more cases to deal with.
"Good hand hygiene, making sure that you're not sharing utensils or eating surfaces or food with someone who is infected. That's the most important thing you can do," says Charity Thoman, Public Health Officer.
KEY News Reporter Scott Hurst has the story.
By KEYT Anchor
January 10, 2012
Santa Barbara - If you've noticed a bug going around, you're not alone. The winter season is high time for a number of viruses that could put you down for the count.
Late fall and early winter are the peak times for Norovirus and Influenza. They are more commonly known as the stomach bug and the flu. Both have been going around the community.
The Santa Barbara Unified School District says it is seeing about two kids per day showing symptoms of the flu, but that is not out of the ordinary for this time of the year.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. It is spread through coughing or sneezing, so it can be easily passed on, especially at schools where kids are in close contact with each other. If your child comes down with these symptoms, the Santa Barbara Unified School District recommends taking them out of class for at least one day or until the symptoms have cleared up.
According to District Nurse Elizabeth Christen, "Our recommendation, when they're in school is we like parents to come pick them up and don't send your kids to school if they are sick."
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment or vaccine. It usually takes about 48 hours from it to pass. However, you are still contagious for up to three weeks after that.
The Public Health Department says there was a spike in the number of cases of Norovirus over the holidays. November through April is the peak season for the virus and with kids going back to school there may soon be more cases to deal with.
"Good hand hygiene, making sure that you're not sharing utensils or eating surfaces or food with someone who is infected. That's the most important thing you can do," says Charity Thoman, Public Health Officer.
KEY News Reporter Scott Hurst has the story.
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