Buzz
Nobody wants to deal with a stomach bug. The nausea, vomiting, diarrhea—and if you're unlucky, you might experience all of these symptoms. When it’s norovirus, there's the added bonus of it being highly contagious.
The CDC reported to Today.com that norovirus cases are increasing in all 14 states involved in their surveillance program. While norovirus isn't new, it tends to spread more during the winter months, and this year is no exception. Here’s what you need to know.
What exactly is norovirus?
Norovirus is a virus that leads to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach discomfort. In some cases, it may also cause headaches and body aches. A severe case of norovirus can result in dehydration, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
Norovirus can transmit through contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. This virus is extremely contagious and resilient, so it’s important to wash your hands often if you’re sick or have been around someone who is. Be sure to disinfect anything the sick person may have touched or, unfortunately, vomited on. Avoid sharing food or utensils with the infected person, and remember to wash your hands after changing a sick baby’s diaper.
What exactly is stomach flu?
I despise the term 'stomach flu' because it isn’t actually a flu. 'The flu' refers to influenza, a completely different virus. However, we commonly use 'stomach flu' to describe any gastrointestinal illness. Stomach flu can be caused by a virus contracted from a contaminated surface, or it may result from food poisoning due to various viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
How does norovirus differ from other viruses?
Here are some interesting facts about norovirus, according to the CDC:
Hand sanitizers aren’t very effective against norovirus. It’s best to wash your hands whenever possible.
Norovirus can spread through contaminated vegetables or oysters grown in tainted water. There is currently an outbreak linked to oysters from Texas.
Quick steaming of shellfish doesn’t necessarily eliminate norovirus. To ensure oysters are safe, they should be cooked to 145°F to prevent the spread of the virus.
People who are ill should avoid preparing food or caring for others, especially when dealing with norovirus. The virus can spread through food and make others sick.
