As if we didn’t already have enough on our virus plates with the Flu, RSV and Covid-19 swirling around, now the nasty Norovirus is creeping up everywhere, and ER visit numbers are soaring. According to AP News, the most recent numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of Dec. 5, up from 69 outbreaks the last week of November. The normal average for that same time period is 65. That’s a startling 40% above normal.
Here’s what you need to know to keep you, your kids, and your parents healthy and well this winter.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a very common illness and it’s very contagious. Norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months, and the infection is the No. 1 cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types (strains) of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types.
How is Norovirus different from the Flu?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which some people may call the “stomach flu.” This is an intense inflammation of your stomach and intestines, otherwise known as gastroenteritis. The influenza virus causes respiratory flu, not gastroenteritis.
How does Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus. If eaten raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness or death. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus.
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more, even after you feel better.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Norovirus?
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.
- Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
- Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches
The most dangerous thing about norovirus is the resulting dehydration. If you have a norovirus infection, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
Who is Most at Risk for contracting Norovirus?
Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus and people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks. Your likelihood of getting a norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes. However, children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections.
Prevention
Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, including:
- Wash your hands well and often. Norovirus is resistant to hand sanitizer. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is how doctors say you can best prevent contracting and spreading the disease.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.
What do I do if I think I have Norovirus?
Medical experts say you should absolutely stay home and quarantine yourself as much as possible from family members. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and follow the above prevention measures. Most healthy individuals will feel lousy, but get over it in a few days. The important thing is to try and stay as hydrated as possible.
If you suspect your child has contracted the virus, you should:
- Give them plenty of fluids, like water or sports drinks
- Give them oral rehydration fluids, like Pedialyte
- Make sure they get lots of rest
- Have them wash their hands often
- After vomiting stops, give them small amounts of food
However, doctors urge that if you, or especially your child exhibits the following symptoms, you should seek medical help (call your pediatrician, take your child to urgent care or the hospital) immediately.
- Dehydration: They haven’t had anything to drink in a few hours, or have fewer wet diapers than normal
- Fever: They have a high fever that lasts several days
- Vomiting: They’re vomiting blood, or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Diarrhea: They have bloody diarrhea, or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days
- Abdominal pain: They have severe abdominal pain
- Breathing: They’re having difficulty breathing
You should also call your doctor if your child is under 6 months old, or has other health problems that make dehydration more likely (this also applies to elderly family members).
—
Photo Credit: SUKJAI PHOTO / Shutterstock.com