Beyond Flu: Doctors in Hampton Roads Warn of Multiple Illnesses Spreading

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HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — The current season of illness is a serious concern, as we are in the peak of flu season. However, medical professionals are warning that there are several other illnesses affecting people across the region.

“Flu is the number one thing that we’re seeing by far and away,” said Dr. Bruce Lo, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Sentara Norfolk General. He explained that while the flu is the most prevalent, it is not the only illness causing problems.

The top three diseases currently being seen include:

• The flu
• The flu
• The flu

However, there are numerous other viruses that cause similar symptoms. Some of these are respiratory-based, leading to coughing and congestion, while others are gastrointestinal-based, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Dr. Lo noted that although the flu is the primary concern, the presence of other illnesses cannot be ignored. “There are a lot of other viruses that cause similar symptoms,” he said. “Some are respiratory-based, give you [a] cough and congestion, and some are more [gastrointestinal]-based, give you nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.”

He also mentioned that while the virus responsible for the pandemic, COVID-19, is still present, its impact has decreased compared to previous months. Still, not all of the illnesses currently circulating are related to the upper respiratory system.

“We are seeing some pneumonia,” Lo said. “What can be tricky about pneumonia is that most pneumonias are caused by bacteria, but some pneumonias are caused by viruses. So influenza, we typically think of as an upper-respiratory infection. It can actually get down into your lungs too, in more serious cases, and cause pneumonia too. So you can get pneumonia from the flu.”

In addition to the flu and pneumonia, there are other illnesses affecting different parts of the body.

“There’s the norovirus, which is pretty well-known and contagious GI-type bug. And there’s literally a dozen-plus other viruses that all cause similar symptoms.”

For most cases, the recommended approach is to treat the symptoms. This includes using medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen for aches and fever, staying hydrated with plenty of fluids, and allowing time for the body to recover.

“The time where it gets more concerning is if you can’t hold anything down,” he said. “You have nausea, you try to drink something, you can’t hold fluids down, it’s time to contact your physician or maybe consider going to an urgent care.”

Additionally, if individuals experience unusual pain, such as abdominal pain, they should seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions.

Dr. Lo emphasized the importance of monitoring symptoms and knowing when to seek help. While many illnesses can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary.

As the season continues, staying informed and taking preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, remains crucial in reducing the spread of these illnesses.