Flu still lurking in metro

OMAHA, Neb. -

The bitter cold lurking around the metro is not helping people ward off germs and viruses. With many people stuck indoors, the flu and stomach bug are continuing to make people sick.

Dr. Michael Grace of Alegent Creighton Clinic said the clinic is seeing more patients with colds, the flu and the norovirus.

“People may call it the stomach flu, but that's not an accurate name for it. It's a stomach virus,” Grace said.

Grace said norovirus isn't easily killed with hand sanitizer --people should use soap and hot water.

The new strain of norovirus, called the Sydney strain, is hard to kill off, according to Grace. Being contaminated with just a few particles can make someone really sick.

“There's no vaccine for norovirus, and so it's really important to keep it contained,” Grace said.

Doctors urge anyone who is sick to stay home and seek medical treatment for an accurate diagnosis. They said it is never too late to receive the flu vaccine, because the flu season lasts through May. 


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