Norovirus cases are up. How to protect yourself from ‘stomach flu’

Outbreak of highly contagious norovirus is up in the US. Also known as the “winter vomiting bug” or the “stomach flu,” seasonal illness is at its highest recorded level this time of year in more than a decade.

Officials reported 91 suspects or confirmed norovirus outbreak in the first week of December. This is the highest level seen at this time of year since at least 2012, and one of the highest caseloads reported at any time of year over the past 12 years.

Since this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data currently only covers 15 states, it does not provide a comprehensive picture of norovirus nationwide. An increasing number of cases may be affected by more states joining the program over the years.

Nevertheless, it reflects peaks and trends in the spread of the virus, which usually circulates more widely between November and April each year. The United States reports about 2,500 outbreaks per year, typically peaking in February.

This year it looks set to hit harder earlier, possibly as more people come together “for the first time in years,” experts said Assets magazine.

Increase in seasonal diseases

Many countries are experiencing an increase in several seasonal viruses as people socialize more during the holidays than they did during the pandemic. Illnesses like the flu and the respiratory illness RSV are all on the rise, and while it doesn’t represent the same threat it once did, COVID-19 is circulating widely. Relatively high levels of whooping cough, which can be fatal to infants, are also of concern to public health experts.

Countries such as the UK have issued numerous public statements to encourage the public to be vaccinated against diseases and practice daily hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Officials in the country’s public health system say they are fighting a “quad demicof flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus, with 95% of England’s hospital beds full in early December.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S. Although it is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” it is not related to the flu.

The virus is spread via tiny particles of infected faecal material that enter the mouth. This means you can catch it by eating or drinking something contaminated with the virus and by touching your mouth after touching a contaminated surface, such as a door handle. If you care for someone with the disease, it can be easy to get it yourself.

Norovirus often causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain, but can also result in fever, headache and body aches. It can be very uncomfortable, but most people will recover within about three days of developing symptoms.

It’s important to drink water if you get norovirus, as both vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. If you suspect that someone with norovirus has severe dehydration, seek medical attention.

How can I protect myself from Norovirus?

You can protect yourself from norovirus with vigilant hand washing. Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing a baby’s diaper, shaking someone’s hand, or caring for someone with the disease.

Do not share food or drinks with someone infected with the disease, and be sure to wash any potentially contaminated sheets and clothing in hot water.

Washing fruit and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly will help prevent the virus from spreading through food.

If you get norovirus, you can protect others by staying home for two days after your symptoms stop. You can pass the disease on for two weeks after your symptoms are gone, so make sure you keep washing your hands regularly.

Is there a vaccine against Norovirus?

Unfortunately, there are currently none vaccine against norovirus. But researchers at Moderna have recently started trials with a candidate shot that may one day offer protection.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent several other seasonal diseases as well as other diseases such as whooping cough and measles that are on the rise in the United States

Flu vaccines are available each year in the fall. They are recommended annually for almost everyone over 6 months and are especially important for people at risk of serious illness, which hospitalizes between 140,000 and 710,000 Americans — and tragically kills an estimated 12,000 to 51,000 — each year.

RSV vaccines are available for older people and pregnant women, who can provide protection to their vulnerable infants.

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for everyone 6 months of age or older. They are especially important for older adults, people at risk of serious illness, and people who have never received a vaccine.

Full details of each vaccine are available at CDC website.