Brace yourselves; norovirus, often dubbed the ‘stomach flu,’ is wreaking havoc across the US this winter, reaching levels unseen in over a decade. With gatherings back in full swing post-COVID, this notorious virus is finding plenty of opportunities to spread.
Norovirus, a highly contagious virus infamously known as the stomach flu or the 24-hour bug, is seeing a significant surge in the US this winter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks of this virus, which are most common from November to April, have hit one of their highest points in the past twelve years. Recent CDC data highlighted 91 outbreaks just in the first week of December, marking the highest count for that week since 2012, and the fourth-highest for any week of the year since then.
Once a person is exposed to norovirus, which spreads through direct contact and can remain on surfaces for days, they can fall victim to its symptoms within a day or two. Dr. Shruti Gohil, an associate medical director at the University of California, Irvine, clarifies that the symptoms resemble food poisoning with rapid-onset nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, lasting from one to three days. However, unlike food poisoning which presents symptoms quickly, norovirus takes a day or two to manifest.
Treating norovirus involves staying hydrated, as it poses a high risk of dehydration, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is severe. Gohil emphasizes the utmost importance of hydration, as dehydration can become life-threatening. She suggests monitoring for signs like dizziness or light-headedness, which indicate critical fluid loss. Vulnerable groups, including the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, should be monitored closely for these symptoms as they are at a higher risk.
This winter, the rise in norovirus outbreaks can largely be attributed to increased gatherings during the holiday season, compared to the previous years under the shadow of COVID-19. Gohil remarks how masks are dropped, social interactions are back, and handwashing is faltering, all contributing to this surge. Historical data also reflects spikes in norovirus outbreaks before the pandemic, suggesting this fluctuation is not unprecedented.
Gohil warns of the critical role everyone plays in mitigating the spread of norovirus. By taking personal precautions like diligent handwashing and surface cleaning, individuals can indirectly safeguard others. Her reminder serves as a call to action, underscoring our shared responsibility within the community.
As norovirus makes its unwelcome return this winter, the key to protection lies in personal responsibility. Being cautious with hand hygiene and staying aware of symptoms can prevent further spread, keeping communities safer.
Source: Yahoo
