There’s only been snow on the ground for a few days, but Northern Health says a disease that normally peaks in the winter months is already making an appearance at local health care centres.
The authority says it has already seen “clusters” of Norovirus infections in patients at the North Peace Care Centre and the Dawson Creek Hospital in the last few weeks. Eryn Collins with Northern Health says the infections are not much of a surprise.
[asset|aid=591|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=e4f54979b718b3d12de4127fc956b81f-Collins-norovirus_1_Pub.mp3]
The symptoms of norovirus infection include nausea, diarrhea, cramping, chills and fever.
Collins says there are a few things the general public can do to avoid passing this virus on to immuno-compromised people; most importantly, she asks that people stay at home during their illness and not return to work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided. She also asks people to remember to wash their hands often.
Northern Health wants to remind people that the flu shot offered every winter does not protect from Norovirus.
