The Erie County Health Department is warning residents about an
outbreak of Norovirus -- more commonly known as the "stomach
bug" -- this winter. Norovirus is very contagious. County Health
Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says you can get it from an
infected person or from contaminated food or water. She says
it's not life threatening. Burstein says you'll just feel lousy
for a couple of days. "This is peak time of year for Norovirus,"
Burstein said. "Symptoms include stomach pains, nausea and
vomiting. You feel pretty miserable." Burstein says the best way
of preventing the stomach bug is to wash your hands -- a lot! If
you do come down with it, she says to drink plenty of fluids.
Meanwhile, Burstein says there have been cases of influenza in
Erie County this winter, though no deaths as far as she knows.
The Health Commissioner says you still have time to get your flu
shot if you haven't already.