Is It Norovirus Or The Flu? Symptom Checking With CareFull MD, Beacon's Urgent Care

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Flu season came in strongly in Beacon, bringing with it multiple strains of the flu that cause different symptoms that can be are similar to Norovirus. While nirovirus tends to thrive in the spring, says Nurse Paulina Taylor of CareFull MD when ALBB asked her about symptoms and self-care tips for this article, some people in the community experienced Norovirus this winter season, which took them out of work and daily life for several days before they sought relief from an urgent care or doctor.

Nurse Paulina Taylor answers questions from a patient at CareFull MD’s location at 252 Main Street, Beacon NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

"It's important to come and get checked first,” Nurse Paulina urged. "For example, if a patient has cold symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, it's best to rule out other infections like the flu at the time of their visit." Norovirus can cause vomiting and diarrhea within 12-48 hours of exposure, as well as stomach pain or cramps, low-grade fever, muscle pain, and generally feeling ill, according to Mayo Clinic.

While the infection generally clears on its own, complications can arise from becoming dehydrated from loss of bodily fluid, as well as water used from fighting the infection in general. Norovirus is highly contagious, even spreading to others days after symptoms subside. Some people who are infected may show no symptoms at all, and still be contagious. This could be common in a household of infected children presenting symptoms, and a parent showing no symptoms, for instance.

"The official diagnosis of Norovirus is made from a stool sample," Nurse Paulina told ALBB, "but usually clinicians can tell when it's a Norovirus or similar 'stomach bug' and would usually treat based on symptoms."

Medications that can be recommended are over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication and medication to reduce nausea, "depending on the patient's history, there are some prescription medications that can be given, but it is all dependent on if they take other medicines or have other medical conditions," Nurse Paulina said.

General treatment starts with re-hydrating or maintaining hydration with a drink with electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and light sugar in it, like Gatorade or Pedialyte. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, listlessness, and decreased urine output.

Next, food can be brought back slowly. Mayo Clinic recommends bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, rice and chicken.

If you are experiencing any symptoms and are struggling or want to put your mind at ease to rule out what infection you may be fighting, take yourself or have someone take you to Beacon's CareFull MD urgent care at 252 Main Street next to Key Food. Handicap parking is available, and no appointment is needed. Multiple insurances are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Branded Content: This article was produced in partnership with CareFull MD, who is a Member Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. To reach ALBB’s readers with your message, see our Branded Content opportunity.