EDMONTON- If you haven't been hit by influenza this season, you may not be out of the woods just yet. But, that's not the only virus you need to be aware of. A new strain of norovirus has hit Edmonton.
The new strain is being identified as "Sydney" because it first appeared in the Australian city.
While there isn't currently an outbreak of the virus in Edmonton, Alberta Health Services (AHS) says norovirus has been present in the area for the past few months.
"Many people have been infected with norovirus. Many of our facilities have seen a large increase in gastrointestinal illness that would be consistent with norovirus," explained Dr. Chris Sikora, Medical Officer of Health, AHS.
Norovirus is more prevalent in the winter months, and symptoms include extreme vomiting and diarrhea.
Sikora says while everyone is at risk of contracting norovirus, young children and elderly people have a heightened risk.
As a result, many seniors centres have plans in place to deal with outbreaks in their facilities.
"First of all, you cancel all the activities that are going on, you don't want things happening in the congregate setting," explained Raymond Swonek, Executive Director of GEF Seniors Housing in Edmonton. "We also increase our cleaning capacity, so we start cleaning the high-touch areas such as the elevator buttons, handrails, light switches, door knobs, twice a day. We also encourage the residents, if they're feeling ill, to stay in their rooms and we'll bring them trays for food service."
Swonek says the seniors centre usually experiences one norovirus outbreak every year and staff members are prepared to deal with it.
But, Sikora has some advice as to how to help prevent contracting and spreading norovirus.
"We encourage everyone to do handwashing before and after toileting activities, before and after serving or preparing food," he said. "Soap and water is still the best."
Sikora says norovirus usually passes within eight to 12 hours but, people who have had the virus will still be infectious for about three days after they feel better.
If symptoms do persist longer than 24 to 48 hours, Sikora recommends visiting the doctor.
If you are uncertain of your symptoms you can call the Capital Health Link at 411.
With files from Shannon Greer.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2013.