Norovirus and Flu Season in Full Swing: Tips to help you avoid getting the flu
The Allen County Health Department reminds residents that we are in the midst of the influenza season in our area.
This is also the time of the year that Norovirus, the virus that frequently causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps is reported in this area of the United States.
These illnesses are seen in all age groups but increased rates typically occur in children.
“It is common to see an increase in illness during this time of the year,” said Kathy Luhn, Allen County Health Commissioner.
“The Health Department, schools and hospitals work together to monitor the disease trends that are happening in our community.” We know that influenza and norovirus are currently in our area.
In an effort to decrease the spread of disease among children, the Health Department recommends the following actions:
· If your child is sick, keep your student home from school for at least 24 hours after the fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, measured by mouth), or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm flushed appearance or sweating) are gone without the use of fever reducing medicine. This is to keep from infecting others.
Teach your child to:
- Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it. Or they could cough or sneeze into their sleeve.
- Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Practice good health habits with your children. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise and drink plenty of fluids and avoid people who are sick.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, May 2, 2025
- BHS seniors exhibit art at Gallery 323 through May 7
- What's in your weekend?
- Pirate softball blanked by Lancers
- Pirate baseball blanked by Lincolnview
- Laman Promoted to VP Retail Credit Manager by CNB
- Local land conservancy hires first Executive Director
- Steiner to present Swiss Family Migration program on May 21
- 850 Days of Caring volunteers will pitch in for Hancock County
Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Angel M. Langhals owned LFE/API Meters
- Allen Co. task force targets target sex and human traffickers
- Blessing of the Bikes, May 4
- Metzger honored at 2025 Black Swamp Council meeting
- Volunteer invitation for Bluffton Pathway Count in May
- Pirate tennis edges Ottawa-Glandorf
- Bluffton EMS station staffing goes 24/7 on May 1
- You are what you eat: Link to immune system
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Observation deck added to Motter Park cascading pools project
- Bluffton Women in Business meet May 15
- Four sportsmen stock 200 trout at Buckeye Lake
- Pirate girls, boys 2nd at Minster track quad
- Pirate baseball win vs. Riverdale
- Pirate softball loss vs. Riverdale
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers