Norovirus is causing outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea in Iowa.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, norovirus spreads easily when people do not stay home when they’re ill, and when they don’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom. While it is sometimes called the “stomach flu” Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher says the symptoms of norovirus and influenza are different, “Influenza is actually a respiratory illness and it usually comes on pretty suddenly. You’re fine one day and then all of the sudden you’re sick overnight or in the morning, fever, high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness. And this influenza usually keeps people in bed for days, it’s not just over in a day. Norovirus gets over in a day or two, you go about your business as soon as you’re well, and it’s not very long you recuperate in a day or two. Influenza usually keeps people down for five to seven days.”

Anyone with symptoms should stay home when they’re ill to contain the spread of illness. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating.