That winter flu bug is still making the rounds.
The Huron County Health Unit is reporting an increase this month in the number of gastrointestinal illnesses, also called stomach flu.
It's caused by a norovirus, which is a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can also include low-grade fever, chills, headache, tiredness and muscle aches.
According to the health unit, it's important to get plenty of fluids when ill to prevent dehydration.
Frequent hand washing with warm running water and soap for at least 20 seconds is a good prevention measure.
You can also stop the spread of noroviruses by cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, telephones, computer keyboards and remote controls.
The health unit also warns that you can be re-infected with norovirus even after you have recovered.
"You can avoid spreading norovirus by staying home when sick," says public health inspector Roxana Nassiri. "If your children are sick, keep them home from daycare until they have been symptom-free for at least 72 hours."
Healthcare workers, food handlers and caregivers, including daycare staff, should not return to work until at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. Nassiri adds that if you feel ill, you should not visit elderly residents in long-term care facilities.
Monday, the South Bruce Grey Health Centre announced that the inpatient unit at the Chesley hospital is closed to visitors because of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness.
