Norovirus hits Michigan families hard, spreads early this season

Norovirus, a common cause of stomach flu, is impacting Michigan families earlier and more intensely than usual this year. Pediatrician Dr. Tiffney Widner at Children’s Hospital of Michigan explains that while norovirus is not typically tested for specifically, stomach flu cases are rising. “We usually start seeing peaks of stomach flu between November and December,” Dr. Widner said. “But this year, respiratory viruses and stomach flu are appearing earlier than expected.” Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes fever.