Indiana has dodged a bullet so far this year when it comes to influenza. Numbers for January are below what they were at this time last year, but because it’s sickening people in higher numbers in other nearby states, health officials are issuing some warnings. Dr. Cori Repp says noroviruses have been especially bad this year. They’re spread through fecal matter, and she says these painful stomach bugs are scary because they’re highly contagious.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, or body aches. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed.
While Woody Allen once said 80 percent of success in life can be attributed to simply showing up, doctors advise against that when it comes to anyone who has a virus. Dr. Don Bucklin says do your co-workers a favor and stay home.
Both doctors say while you can’t control whether or not people stay home when they’re ill, you can help yourself by making sure you wash your hands often and use an anti-bacterial agent.
There have been nine flu-related deaths in Indiana this year, all in the northern part of the state.