The Erie County Health Department is warning residents about an outbreak of Norovirus -- more commonly known as the "stomach bug" -- this winter.
Norovirus is very contagious. County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says you can get it from an infected person or from contaminated food or water. She says it's not life threatening. Burstein says you'll just feel lousy for a couple of days.
"This is peak time of year for Norovirus," Burstein said. "Symptoms include stomach pains, nausea and vomiting. You feel pretty miserable."
Burstein says the best way of preventing the stomach bug is to wash your hands -- a lot! If you do come down with it, she says to drink plenty of fluids.
Meanwhile, Burstein says there have been cases of influenza in Erie County this winter, though no deaths as far as she knows. The Health Commissioner says you still have time to get your flu shot if you haven't already.