Flu and Stomach Bugs Are Spreading Fast—Are You Prepared?

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.

By India Edwards HealthDay Reporter

SUNDAY, Feb. 16, 2025 -- Flu season is in full swing, making it more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Dr. Priya Soni, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s Health Center in Los Angeles, shares what to expect this season and how to stay healthy.

What type of flu activity are doctors seeing this year, and what are the symptoms?

Flu season typically runs from October through March, with peak activity in January and February. This year’s flu activity is similar to last season, with cases increasing across the country.

The flu usually comes on suddenly and can cause:

  • High fever
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sore throat

    • When should you see a doctor for the flu?

    Most flu cases can be managed at home, but certain symptoms may require medical attention.

    Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

  • A fever lasting more than three to five days
  • Worsening cough or shortness of breath
  • Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, less frequent urination)
  • A new fever after initial recovery, which may signal a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia

    • Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?

    Nope! It’s not too late to get vaccinated.

    "The flu vaccine reduces the severity of illness and lowers the risk of complications, especially for high-risk individuals such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions," Soni said in a news release.

    Each year’s vaccine targets the most common flu strains, and even if it’s not a perfect match, it still provides partial immunity to help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

    What is norovirus, and how is it spreading?

    Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu," is a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Occasionally, people get a low-grade fever, too. It spreads through contaminated food, water and surfaces and is a leading causes of foodborne illness.

    What can people do to stay healthy during virus season?

    To reduce your risk of flu, norovirus and other seasonal viruses, take common-sense precautions.

    "We need to be really mindful of our hand washing and being careful among high-risk individuals," Soni said. "Wearing a mask is of utmost importance … to prevent the spread of respiratory infections in this critical time period during the winter. Additionally, remember to listen to your body and stay home if you’re unwell."

    Sources

  • Cedars-Sinai, news release, Jan. 22, 2025

    • Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

    Source: HealthDay

    Posted : 2025-02-17 06:00

    Read more

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords