North Dakota sees rise in flu, norovirus cases

North Dakota sees more than 600 flu cases in a week and rising norovirus outbreaks. Experts stress handwashing, vaccines, and hydration to stay well.

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FARGO — If you're feeling sick, health experts say it can be the flu or norovirus, often called the stomach flu. Those outbreaks are increasing in North Dakota and nationwide. Levi Schlosser with the North Dakota Department of Health said there's been more than 600 new cases for the flu in the last week.

According to the CDC, there have been nearly 500 norovirus outbreaks nationwide since August. Schlosser says younger and older populations are more at risk for both of the illnesses. How do you distinguish the flu from norovirus? The flu will give you a fever, a cough or sore throat.



You'll experience diarrhea, vomiting, nausea with the norovirus. Washing your hands will help prevent both illnesses. "Hand hygiene is going to be really important to keep in mind, especially as individuals gather, so making sure that you wash your hands often and wash them well with soap and water — if you do cough or sneeze, making sure that you cover those up," Schlosser said.

He also says if you get the flu vaccine, you can recover in less than two weeks. To recover from the norovirus, he says you must stay hydrated. You should feel better within three days.

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