AMHERST – Nova Scotia has been an influenza-free zone so far this winter.
“There’s been no lab confirmed cases of flu in Nova Scotia,” said Ann Keddy, director of public relations with the Cumberland Health Authority.
Keddy said people sometimes mistake the noro-type virus for the flu.
“Sometimes people think they have the flu when they have an upset stomach and diarrhea, but that is not the flu,” she said. “The flu is when you have a high fever with coughing and the aching and that sort of thing. That’s influenza.”
Keddy said the noro-type virus is in the community right now.
“In most cases it runs its course in 24 or 48 hours,” said Keddy. “You can stay at home and take care of yourself and try not to spread it to others but if it lingers for many days and they’re still very ill, then they should seek medical attention, but most people stay at home and lie low.”
If a person does catch influenza it can last more than a week.
“It depends on the individual and the strain they happen to contact, but they usually feel better within a few days,” said Keddy. “Stay at home and look after yourself but if you continue to feel ill or have a fever that’s unusually high, then you should seek medical attention.”
Keddy said there have been confirmed cases of influenza in New Brunswick.
dmathieson@amherstdailynews
Sorry but it was here in October and again 3 weeks ago!!