Summertime is a busy season for stomach flu

What's Going Around

JACKSONVILLE, Fla –  Summertime is a busy season for stomach flu.  It's easily spread and doctors say some people are concerned they have something more than just a common stomach bug or minor food poisoning.  With the recent recall of Blue Bell and Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream and Sabra Humus there has been a lot of talk about listeria.   According to the CDC there have been eight outbreaks of Listeria since 2011 and five have occurred since 2014.  The data shows that 1,600 people are infected from listeria every year and 260 die. 

According to local doctors they are getting calls from patients concerned they are infected.  Doctors say unless you have a fever and are in one of the high risk groups you probably shouldn't worry.   Listeria infections will present with self-limited fever, muscle aches and diarrhea, similar to 'stomach flu' symptoms.  While pregnant women can develop similar symptoms, the concern is that infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm labor. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems can develop severe symptoms such as meningitis characterized by headache, stiff neck and confusion.

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Healing Arts Urgent Care in St. Johns County said they're treating sinusitis, allergies, colds, sinus infections and bronchitis.  They're also seeing patients with infections from insect bites and yellow flies.


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Anchor on The Morning Show team and reporter specializing on health issues.