In the United States, it’s officially stomach flu/ norovirus season. If you’ve ever had a stomach-churning spell of gastrointestinal disease, you know how depressing it can be.
The “stomach flu” or “stomach bug” is most often caused by norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus, despite its name, is not related to influenza.
How Does Stomach Flu Spread?
Outbreaks are currently on the rise in the 14 states that contribute data to the CDC’s NoroSTAT program, according to Kate Grusich, CDC spokesperson, in a statement to TODAY.com. The CDC reported 225 outbreaks between August 1, 2022, and January 8, 2023, compared to 172 outbreaks over the same period in the previous season.
Norovirus can be passed from person to person or through contaminated surfaces, objects, foods, or drinks.
According to Dr. Albert Ko, infectious disease physician and professor of public health, epidemiology, and medicine at Yale School of Public Health, it just takes a minimal number of virus particles to transmit the disease, which is why norovirus produces so many explosive outbreaks. According to the CDC, less than 100 particles can cause illness, whereas infected individuals generally shed billions of particles.
There is a test, but most people who have the virus do not get it. According to infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, the test analyzes your poop, so it’s not something your primary care physician would generally recommend for you. However, if you have a severe case of norovirus, you may be tested for the virus.
According to the CDC, the test specifically searches for viral RNA (the virus’s genetic material) in your feces and can be performed in most labs.
Symptoms
The following are the symptoms of norovirus, according to the CDC:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
- Fever
- Body Aches
According to the CDC, people with norovirus usually exhibit symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed and recover in one to three days. Even so, it’s not fun to have it. “Having norovirus could be one of life’s most miserable experiences,” says Dr. Thomas Russo of the University at Buffalo in New York. “People are completely miserable.”
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but there are certain things you may do if you acquire it. According to the experts, hydration is critical to replenishing fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea, which includes drinking plenty of water, Pedialyte, or sports drinks.
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How To Prevent Norovirus Infection?
According to Dr. Ko, there is no vaccination against stoch flu, but there are precautions you can take to avoid infection and spread.
Dr. Adalja emphasizes the importance of thorough hand washing. After using the restroom, before eating or cooking, and after caring for someone infected with norovirus, wash your hands.
When cleaning surfaces or objects that may have been contaminated with norovirus, use a high-level disinfectant such as bleach.
If you or your child is sick with norovirus, Alhassani recommends isolating yourself to prevent the virus from spreading inside the home. Anyone suffering from norovirus should stay at home until they recover.
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