Tag Archives: flu

2012-2013 Influenza Activity Elevates

Posted on by
2

Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI), according to Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) latest FluView report. The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment, when appropriate, at this time.

CDC tracks influenza activity year-round and publishes a report weekly on Fridays. According to this surveillance, the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for ILI in the United States has been elevated for four consecutive weeks, climbing sharply from 2.8% to 5.6% during that time. Last season, which was relatively mild, ILI peaked at 2.2 percent.

Follow the Connecticut Department of Health website for a breakdown of influenza activity by county and by town. http://www.ct.gov/dph/site/default.asp

For more information on symptoms of influenza, how it spreads, and what you can do to reduce your risk of becoming infected go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm

What’s a “Stomach Bug” or “Stomach Flu?”

Posted on by
Reply

Many have their own special terms for stomach and intestinal related illness such as, “My daughter had the ‘stomach bug’ last week and now it is going through the whole house.” Or, “I had vomiting and diarrhea all night. What misery! I think I had the ‘stomach flu.’”

The “stomach bug” or “stomach flu” is actually gastroenteritis, which is not the same as the influenza virus. Influenza or “flu” usually does not cause symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. So, what is gastroenteritis and what causes this distress?

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Symptoms are diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps, and often a fever. Gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites.

Continue reading →