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COVID-19 hospitalizations decrease, CDC warns of Norovirus spike

Doctors are still encouraging people to get their boosters accordingly and stay vigilant.

CLEVELAND — Over a month ago, health officials were warning of a new COVID-19 variant and bracing for a possible surge. 

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After the expected surge didn't hit, doctors believe things could be looking up moving forward. 

COVID-19 cases have remained steady and hospitalizations are down.
Following the holidays, hospitals didn't see a big spike in cases like they did last year -- despite people still gathering.

Doctors say new variants while evading immunity, which has been typical, don't appear to be more severe. Though they are still encouraging people to get their boosters accordingly and stay vigilant.

"RSV and influenza are very very quiet. COVID has remained steady and so hopefully it will give everyone a little bit of a breather, both in the communities and especially in the hospitals with our front-line workers who really have just gone above and beyond over the last 3 years," said Dr. Claudia Hoyen of University Hospitals.

The CDC says Norovirus cases are spiking across the country. Cleveland Clinic doctors say they've seen an increase in emergency department visits. It's commonly called the 'stomach flu' and comes on quickly with nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The virus can be dangerous by causing severe dehydration.

Doctors say the Norovirus is extremely contagious so you should wash your hands frequently and keep your kids home from school if they don't feel well.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Feb. 2, 2023.

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