HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As COVID restrictions ease, doctors say they're seeing a spike in what's called the "norovirus", also known as the stomach flu or stomach bug.
"So the norovirus is a common GI bug that can get transmitted through respiratory, but it actually causes GI, gastroenteritis," says Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Ali Hassoun.
According to the CDC, the Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness.
So far this year Nebraska and Texas have seen a climb in norovirus cases.
"We see outbreaks of it, but it's not that common. So we see outbreaks between children, between like smaller clusters of families, or nursing homes and stuff, but we don't see it that much," says Hassoun.
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus and people get better within one to three days. However, Dr. Hassoun says you shouldn't be alarmed.
"It's not as dangerous as what COVID can do, but Norovirus can cause dehydration - effect your other systems if it goes really bad. But in general it's a mild disease," says Hassoun.
Dr. Hassoun says there really isn't any specific treatment for this virus. He says hydration and supportive measures are the key. According to the CDC, preventative measures also include washing your hands with soap and water.
"Like a lot of these viruses, there is really no investment in finding antiviral treatment because they are usually short term, usually in general, as drug companies as investment people where they look at these things they don't think this is a necessity to invest in unfortunately," says Hassoun.