Franklin County health officials are seeing a significant rise in both respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses as the winter season reaches its peak. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local surveillance reports, influenza and norovirus are currently the primary drivers of community illness.
The Flu: Rising Activity Influenza activity is currently “moderate” in Pennsylvania but is trending upward, mirroring a national spike. The CDC reports that Influenza A (H3N2) is the dominant strain this season. Unlike milder respiratory infections, this year’s flu is contributing to an increase in emergency department visits across all age groups in the Northeast and Midwest regions.
Norovirus: The ‘Stomach Bug’ Simultaneously, Franklin County is experiencing a surge in norovirus, commonly referred to as the “stomach bug.” CDC wastewater data and clinical reports indicate that norovirus infections remained high following a late November spike. The virus is notoriously contagious and often spreads rapidly in schools, childcare centers, and long-term care facilities.
Identifying Your Symptoms While both illnesses can cause fatigue and body aches, they impact the body differently:
- Influenza: Typically characterized by a sudden high fever, cough, sore throat, and severe muscle aches.
- Norovirus: Primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing intense vomiting, watery diarrhea, and stomach cramping.
Preventative Measures Health officials emphasize that prevention remains the most effective tool for slowing the spread. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
For norovirus, traditional hand sanitizers are often ineffective. The CDC advises vigorous handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or preparing food. Surfaces contaminated by someone with the stomach bug should be cleaned with a bleach-based solution to kill the hardy virus.
Managing Symptoms and Seeking Care Most healthy individuals can recover from these viruses at home with rest and hydration. To manage symptoms, the CDC suggests sipping clear liquids to prevent dehydration and using over-the-counter fever reducers for respiratory aches.
However, residents should seek medical attention if they experience “red flag” symptoms. For the flu, these include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a fever that returns after improving. For norovirus, the primary concern is severe dehydration. Warning signs include a decrease in urination, dry mouth, or feeling dizzy when standing up. Parents should monitor infants for lack of tears when crying or unusually fussy behavior.
Local health departments continue to monitor wastewater levels to track the peak of the season, urging residents to stay home when sick to prevent further community spread.
