19-02-2025
Respiratory illnesses and stomach flu circulating in Chippewa Valley
EAU CLAIRE—Various respiratory illnesses as well as the Norovirus, otherwise known as the stomach flu, are circulating in the Chippewa Valley.
'We've seen an increase in COVID-19, RSV, influenza, as well as Norovirus in the area,' said Rachel Mukai, communicable disease specialist for the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. 'In particular, influenza has been increasing at a pretty significant rate. Hospitalizations related to the flu have increased significantly in recent weeks, impacting individuals of all ages.'
Mukai said that starting in October of 2024, there have been around 116 hospitalizations due to influenza. In comparison, there have been 77 hospitalizations related to COVID during that time, and 30 related to RSV.
'If you do end up feeling sick, it's really important to stay home until you are well,' she said. 'If it's a respiratory, we recommend staying home for 24 hours after your fever has resolved and you are no longer taking fever reducing medications before you return back to work or school.'
Mukai said that with Norovirus, the window for waiting to return to work or school is slightly longer, though the duration of the illness is generally shorter.
'That one would be a 24 to 72 hour illness,' she said. 'It tends to include things like diarrhea and vomiting and abdominal cramping. It's a really good practice to stay home until 48 hours after your symptoms have resolved.'
Influenza, COVID, and RSV have similar symptoms.
'They can come with fevers, coughs, shortness of breath, fatigue — things like that,' she said. 'One of the big distinguishers for influenza is that the symptoms come on very suddenly. And just as a note, influenza doesn't stereotypically include vomiting and diarrhea. That tends to more fall into the stomach flu category or Norovirus.'
Mukai said that those with respiratory illnesses are free to take an at-home COVID test, but that COVID activity is primarily tracked through wastewater data.
'We're currently at a high level right now in Eau Claire,' she said. '[The wastewater data] is one of the best indicators we have at this point because COVID-19, as a disease itself, is no longer reportable. Hospitals do still report but that tends to be a lagging indicator.'
For those not sick, she recommended washing hands for a full 20 seconds with soap and water and ensuring if you're going to get together with family or friends, to ensure no one is sick.
'Even though we're kind of late in the season, with the high levels of respiratory illness, it's still really important to get vaccinated. You can still get the flu and COVID vaccines. Talk to your local pharmacy or your provider. There is also a vaccine for RSV, but that is for a limited population who can receive those vaccines. It's recommended for most infants and anyone over the age of 75.'
Mukai said other individuals who might qualify for the RSV vaccine would need to contact their provider to inquire about it.
The rise and respiratory illnesses and Norovirus has been going on for at least the last two weeks.
'When we are going to hit the peak yet in our county I'm hoping is soon, but we don't have any indication that we've peaked at this point,' she said.
