As the battle with the deadly flu outbreak continues, another problem is surfacing in emergency rooms -- the stomach bug.

Dr. Charles Bregier is the medical director of Presbyterian Hospital's urgent care unit in Matthews. 

His team has been getting hit with the double whammy -- people suffering from the flu and now the norovirus. He said he’s seen about a dozen cases of the stomach bug in the last week.

"Sanitizers, it's good for for flu and cold."  Bregier said, "Some reports say it might not be so good for preventing spread of norovirus, for which they recommend warm water, soap."

This is a new strain of norovirus that experts believe first surfaced in the South Pacific last fall.  It packs the same old punch.
 
People suffer from a few days of stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, which often leads to dehydration.

"You really need to be as aggressive as you can tolerate in drinking fluids -- water, Gatorade and juices," Bregier said.

It spreads easily from person to person and through contaminated foods and surfaces. 

Bregier said you are contagious from the moment you get sick until three days after your symptoms have subsided. 

Like the flu, children and the elderly are most vulnerable. 

Unfortunately, if you catch the bug, doctors said you have to ride it out, wash your hands and stay hydrated until the worst is over.

For more information from the CDC about the norovirus by clicking here.