It's been a rough winter for many households across the country. On top of the typical cold and flu season, norovirus, an extremely contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, has been on the rise across the country for weeks,

Dr. Michael Daignault discusses the surge in norovirus cases, the bird flu outbreak, and more in the latest medical report.

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The new year is beginning with a new rise in illnesses. One of the biggest viruses going around is Norovirus, or a stomach bug that is referred to by some as the ‘winter vomiting bug.’ According to the most recent CDC data,

The CDC says norovirus cases are surging. Plus, the FDA issued an alert related to CA shellfish that may be contaminated with the virus.

Cruise passengers live in tight quarters where contact with other passengers can't be avoided. Yes, some people still wear masks on cruise ships, and cleaning protocols have been greatly enhanced, but that has not eradicated illness on cruise ships.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported double the cases of norovirus compared to previous years in early December.

You might call it stomach flu or a stomach bug, but what is probably causing you to feel sick is norovirus. Numbers were up in December compared to the previous 12 months. Here’s how to protect yourself from this very contagious virus.

Last year, there were 16 outbreaks on cruise ships, from norovirus, salmonella, E. coli or other unidentified pathogens that cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. That's the largest number of cruise ship outbreaks in 12 years.

According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. Even if you've had norovirus before, you can still be infected again due to the different mutations.