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This past week we’ve focused on the three most prominent respiratory illnesses affecting Sheboygan County; Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. There are other viruses circulating, like the common cold. Another “standout”, though, is often mis-identified as the flu…or more commonly, the “stomach flu”, and that’s Norovirus. Sheboygan County Health Officer Starrlene Grossman described the virus and what you could expect if you catch it.
“That is a virus that spreads from contaminated surfaces; it causes stomach cramping, diarrhea, vomiting…all those awful symptoms. You’re pretty sick and you don’t want to leave the house, and then it kind of peters out, so yes, we are seeing that in the State of Wisconsin as well.”
Norovirus gets around very well through direct contact, but it doesn’t typically draw a lot of attention according to Grossman.
“Norovirus is one of those viruses that’s highly communicable, so it’s very easy to spread. It is not a reportable illness in the State of Wisconsin, so we know that it’s spreading, but we don’t necessarily have the data to say that “this is how many folks are diagnosed with Norovirus in our community”, but we do know that within the State of Wisconsin that we’re seeing more Norovirus.”
Norovirus is something of an exception in that hand sanitizers alone aren’t effective in preventing its spread. If you discover that Norovirus has been present, then it’s important to disinfect any possibly contaminated surfaces and dispose of any food or water that may have come in contact with the carrier. Bleach-based products are the most effective in killing the virus on surfaces, and frequent hand washing is recommended, too.
Preventing illness in the first place is the best, but it’s not guaranteed – and neither is insurance guaranteed to cover everything to prevent it. But if you get sick, it can become even more expensive. Morgan Rahn, the Clinical Services’ Program Supervisor with the Sheboygan County DPH, said that their agency can help.
“So we have some resources available for people who live in Sheboygan County if you’re uninsured or under-insured. You’re considered uninsured if you don’t have any private health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, any of that. You’re considered under-insured if you have health insurance, but it doesn’t cover certain vaccines, or if your insurance has a fixed dollar amount for vaccines.”
If all goes well, we’ll be past the peak of cold and flu season in another month or two, but until then, the experts say: Practice good hygiene with frequent hand washing, stay home if you’re sick, cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands, and stay up-to-date with the most recent vaccinations.
For more information and resources on local health issues and services, visit the Sheboygan County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health through this link.
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