Almost 1000 Rhode Islanders have been hospitalized due to flu this season
So far, more than 900 people in Rhode Island have been
hospitalized with influenza this flu season, the most since the 2019-2020 flu
season. (Individual cases of flu are not reportable to RIDOH.) Since December
1, 2024, Rhode Island has had 74 confirmed or suspected norovirus outbreaks.
Rhode Island's norovirus outbreaks have largely been associated with locations
such as schools and congregate living settings.
Flu and other respiratory viruses (such as COVID-19 and RSV,
or respiratory syncytial virus) spread when an infected person coughs or
sneezes, by direct contact with someone who is sick, or by touching a
contaminated surface.
Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," causes vomiting and diarrhea and spreads quickly. It can make people very sick for 1 to 2 days. Norovirus is found in the stool (poop) and vomit of an infected person. People can become infected with norovirus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; by touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth; or if an infected person prepares food.
People
can even get infected with norovirus after a sick person has vomited in a
public space because tiny drops of vomit from a person with norovirus can spray
through the air, landing on surfaces or entering another person's mouth.
"The flu is a very serious virus that can send someone to the hospital, and norovirus can be dangerous for some people too," said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. "Both viruses spread easily. However, by taking a few simple preventive steps, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe. These steps are especially important for people who are at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions or pregnancy, as well as younger children and older adults."
How to prevent flu and other respiratory viruses (such as
COVID-19 and RSV):
- Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu shot and an
updated COVID-19 vaccine. It is not too late in the year to get vaccinated
against either virus. Vaccination is particularly important for older adults
and people with underlying health issues such as weakened immune systems,
diabetes, obesity, asthma, cancer, and heart or lung disease. Many people are
also eligible for RSV immunizations. Talk to your healthcare professional about
RSV immunization.
- Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are
getting better for 24 hours and you are fever-free without fever-reducing
medications for 24 hours. Children who are sick should not go to school or
childcare.
- Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water
and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your
hands. Always wash your hands as soon as you can after you cough or sneeze.?
How to prevent norovirus:
- Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially
after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.
- Stay home if you are sick and keep children home from
school and childcare if they are sick. Stay home when sick for 2 days (48
hours) after symptoms stop.
- After an episode of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea,
immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based
household cleaner as directed on the product label or a solution made by adding
5–25 tablespoons of household bleach to 1 gallon of water.
- Do not prepare food while infected. People who are
infected with norovirus should not prepare food for others while they have
symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.
While levels of flu and norovirus are high, Rhode Island's
COVID-19 rate has been decreasing since early January. Rhode Island's COVID-19
rate is considerably lower than it was at this time in 2024.
