CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health is reminding the community that norovirus and influenza cases typically increase during this time of year. The department advises residents to take steps to protect themselves and others, such as staying home when sick, handwashing frequently and vaccinating.
Norovirus is not related to flu but is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug.” Anyone can become infected with norovirus. The illness is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea. Most people who get sick get better within one to three days, but they may still be contagious for a few days after recovery.
Norovirus spreads through direct contact with someone who is ill, eating or drinking items contaminated with norovirus or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth.
Public health officials recommend staying home when you are sick and washing your hands frequently to combat spreading viruses to others. Soap and water are essential in handwashing; hand sanitizers do not stop norovirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing laundry in hot water and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
Another virus often spread this time of year is influenza, also known as the flu. How severe the sickness is varies from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually come on suddenly. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Most people who get flu typically recover in a few days to two weeks; however, some people may experience complications, such as pneumonia. Those at higher risk of developing serious complications include people 65 years and older, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Influenza cases typically spike in Laramie County in January and February.
“When it comes to the flu, get vaccinated to protect yourself,” said Kasey Mullins, deputy director and director of nursing for CLCPH, in a news release. “It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, which is why it’s so important to get vaccinated now before we see cases hit peak levels.”
According to the CDC, flu vaccines have a good safety record. Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines.
Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health offers flu vaccines Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in immunizations are available. For questions about immunizations, call Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health at 307-633-4000.
