What's Going Around: Influenza, Norovirus, sore throats

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by Ginger ten Bensel

As you pass out Christmas gifts do your best not to pass around any illnesses.

Doctor Michael Hanich with the Kearney Clinic says he's seen several patients with the flu. He has seen both strains of influenza: A and B.

Hanich says that doctors in the Kearney Clinic have not seen as many cases of the flu as they originally expected by this time of year.
But he says the weather can affect the number of patients he sees with the illness. He says that because of the cold weather he expects to see more patients with the flu.

Dr. Michael Johnson with the Hastings Family Practice says doctors in his clinic are starting to see the flu as well.

But the main illness he is seeing is the Norovirus. Symptoms of the Norovirus include vomiting and diarrhea. The stomach illness usually last one or two days.

Johnson says with the Norovirus it's vital to make sure you drink plenty of fluids.

To add to all of that there has been an outbreak of the Norovirus at a long term care facility in Hastings.

Johnson has also seen two cases of shingles which is just a reminder that after the age of sixty, a shingles vaccination is recommended to help prevent the illness.

Johnson is also seeing patients with colds and bronchitis.

Dr. Janice Kutlek with the Grand Island Clinic says that she is dealing with what she calls "influenza madness."

She's seen patients with influenza A and B. And 99 percent of them did not get a flu shot this year.

And if you have gotten influenza A, you can still get influenza B.

She has also seen patients with sore throats.

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