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During the winter months, respiratory illnesses spiked across the country. As flu, cold and COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the CDC is now warning of an increase in another type of disease, norovirus.
Public health officials have noted an increase in cases of norovirus, the highly contagious virus that causes “stomach flu.” Although the number of cases this year is higher than in previous years, the decline in public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic most likely contributed to the drop in cases, and he is now following the usual pattern of cases that preceded COVID-19. experiencing trends.
Stomach flu differs from the “flu,” which is caused by influenza, which is characterized primarily by fever, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms. The duration of illness is shortened.
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The most common symptoms are:
The CDC warns about another kind of disease, norovirus. Photo: September 30, 2014 at his CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo)
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
- Malaise
Outbreaks can occur anywhere at any time, but they occur most frequently during cold weather and in crowded settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, schools and cruise ships.
In the vast majority of cases, the disease is usually self-limited and goes away on its own without medical intervention. It’s not fun to have and can quickly lead to dehydration. .
Stomach flu sends about 500,000 people to the emergency room each year, precluding supportive care and more ominous diagnoses such as appendicitis.
Stomach flu differs from the “flu” caused by influenza, which is characterized primarily by fever, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms. The duration of illness is shortened.
Unlike influenza and SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections, norovirus is primarily spread through contaminated food and surfaces, making it the most common foodborne illness in the United States.
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Foods commonly involved in outbreaks include leafy greens (lettuce), fresh fruit, and shellfish. Highly contagious viruses are usually spread from handling food with unwashed hands (especially after using the toilet and/or vomiting) and from surfaces on which food is placed. Norovirus remains viable on surfaces and can infect humans for several days if not cleaned properly. Frequent handwashing and clean surfaces are key to reducing the spread of this nasty virus.
Following stomach flu, there are some short-term protective immunity. However, since there are more than 20 strains of norovirus known to infect humans, all of which have many subspecies, it is possible to protect against one virus and another. is not limited.
Once an outbreak occurs, the disease is nearly impossible to avoid. To reduce the risk of infection and the further spread of the virus wreaking havoc, be sure to:
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- Follow strict bathroom hand hygiene
- Wipe down and disinfect bathroom surfaces after use by sick people
- wash hands before and after preparing food
- rinse fruits and vegetables
- Cook crustaceans well
Each year, 1 in 15 people in the United States get norovirus gastroenteritis. Hard to avoid. If you do get sick, stay in touch with your doctor and make sure you drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration and the consequences of dehydration. Do what you can to stop the spread by avoiding setting up groups until 48 hours after clearing.
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