Dr. Simon Kapaj is a medical director with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. He said there is a big difference when it comes to catching a cold, the flu or a stomach virus.

Kapaj said a cold is not serious, and usually involves a stuffed nose, sore throat and sneezing.

The influenza virus can be more serious. It hits the respiratory system, and is easily spread.

“Influenza and flu are spread mainly by coughing,” said Kapaj. “Get to a doctor if the fever is high and persisting.”

He said the same holds true for stomach bugs. The norovirus is the culprit behind most of those that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Kapaj said people with chronic illnesses and children need to be watched carefully for dehydration if they catch this one.

“If you have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with norovirus, especially in children, and the symptoms aren’t getting better then that’s probably the time to see the doctor,” said Kapaj.

Kapaj said the best way to avoid these viruses is to wash your hands a lot, get a flu shot and try to avoid being around someone who is sick.

The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory (SDCL) confirms there is a norovirus outbreak at the Palliser Regional Care Centre. Thirteen residents are showing signs and symptoms of the illness. Enhanced infection control measures are in place and visitation is restricted.

There is also a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the Med/Surg Unit #2 at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Four patients are showing signs and symptoms of enteric illness. Samples are being collected and sent to the SDCL for confirmation of the illness type.

Visitation is restricted on Med/Surg Unit #2 only. Immediate family members may be allowed to visit their loved ones in special circumstances, but must follow infection control protocols.

Other cases are still pending, so the number of people affected could still go higher.

It is also believed that all of the cases are traced back to the initial outbreak last week, and not due to a further spreading of the virus.

Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, chills and muscle aches.

The university says the precautions put into place at the onset of the outbreak have limited the spread of norovirus on campus and remain in effect. 

The safety measures include restricting certain food items, shutting down self-serve buffets, and keeping the fitness and wellness centre closed this week.

Anyone showing symptoms is being asked to stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared up.

“I’m not too worried I guess, the flu is always going around,” said one man in the Riddell Centre.

Some people said they were washing their hands more, but most dismissed it. Some commented that they’re not worried at all.

“I mean, like, what’s the worst that can happen if I get it even?”

One woman said she thought the university was doing a good job with precautions to keep others from getting sick.

A few students admitted they were feeling a bit paranoid.

“I’m thinking maybe this person has it, or maybe this person has it,” said one man who was sitting down the hall from the Fitness and Lifestyle Centre.

He, like many people, said there was really only one way the outbreak affected him.

“It has impacted my life now because I can’t go to the gym … that’s a bit selfish,” he laughed.

The fitness centre has been closed since Friday’s outbreak, and will stay closed until Saturday. Areas like the gymnasiums and the pool are still open

On Wednesday the university said the situation was stable, and no new cases had been reported. As of last count, 44 people had been sick in the outbreak.