Is it the flu or Norovirus?
Influenza (left) and norovirus.
Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis. Even though Norovirus is often referred to as the stomach flu or winter vomiting disease, it is not the flu.
Norovirus Symptoms
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- headache
- low grade fever of less than 37.8°C (100°F)
Influenza Symptoms
- fever of about 104°F (40°C) or higher
- body aches
- headache
- dry cough
- sore or dry throat
Still not sure? Check out HealthLink BC’s interactive Sympton Checker.
What to do if you have an influenza-like illness or norovirus symptoms:
- Stay away from work – both influenza and norovirus are highly infectious.
- Report your absence as soon as you know you won’t be coming to work. Call the AbsenceCall Line at 1-866-924-4297 and follow the prompts.
- If you are experiencing norovirus symptoms only, you should also call the Workplace Health Call Centre. Dial 1-866-922-9464 (toll-free) Monday-Friday 0700-1700h to speak with an occupational health nurse. You may be eligible for WSBC coverage if you have norovirus.
- Staff with noro-like illness should not attend work until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours (72 hours for food handlers). See the GI outbreak control policy for details.