What's Going Around: Influenza, pneumonia, strep

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by Ginger ten Bensel

The flu continues to go around central Nebraska. Dr. Michael Johnson with the Hastings Family Practice says he is very busy treating patients with the flu as well as a lot of the typical seasonal respiratory illnesses.

He says that the common cold, sinus infections, ear infections and bronchitis are going around. Plus, pneumonia is going around as well.

He says that several patients had to be admitted into the hospital with pneumonia.

There are still reported cases of the norovirus in the state. The highly contagious stomach illness was going around the Hastings area in December, but Johnson hasn't seen any cases so far this month.

Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting and diarrhea.

The Two Rivers Health Department released a statement on the best way to prevent the norovirus.

They suggest good hand washing, allowing the sick family member to use his or her own bathroom, if possible, and make sure you wash their laundry separately.

Dr. Janice Kutlek with the Grand Island Clinic says the flu and strep throat are just two of the illnesses going around. In fact, she says there isn't much that "isn't" going around.

During the first week of January every patient who came into Kutilek's office had the flu. But now she isn't seeing as many cases.

She's even had several patients come in with both strep throat and influenza at the same time.

RSV is also going around and she had to hospitalize three children with rotavirus.

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