There has been an increase in the number of patients treated for
gastrointestinal and flu-like symptoms at Mercy Memorial
Hospital, but no confirmed cases of influenza, a hospital
official said Friday. On Thursday, more than five adult cases
with nausea and vomiting were handled in the emergency
department, said Jackie Swearingen, marketing and public
relations director for the hospital. Dr. Mark Sherrard, chief
medical officer for the hospital, said signs and symptoms of flu
include fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat,
runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and
fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, but this is
more common in children than adults. Most experts believe that
flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the
flu cough, sneeze or talk, Dr. Sherrard said. These droplets can
land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. "You may be able
to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick,
as well as while you are sick," he sa