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A common stomach bug is on the rise, he says New data From the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of December 5, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported, up from 69 the previous week. In recent years, they were generally at the same time 65 or less outbreaks per week. (It may not seem like much, but many more cases are probably going unreported.)
With cases on the rise, many people may want to know how norovirus is transmitted, what symptoms to expect, and how long you can get sick. What should they do if they think they might have? At what point should they go to the doctor? What food safety tips reduce the risk of spreading norovirus? And what else can be done to prevent disease and other foodborne illnesses?
I spoke with security expert Dr. Leanna Wen to help answer these questions. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She was previously Baltimore's health commissioner, responsible for infectious disease control and food safety.
: What exactly is norovirus?
Dr. Leanna Wen: Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. According to the CDCIt is responsible for 19 million to 21 million illnesses each year. It results in more than 2.2 million outpatient medical visits, 465,000 emergency room visits, and 109,000 hospitalizations.
Also sometimes called the Norweak virus or the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is a highly contagious virus. It is a common cause of disease on ships, where More than 90% Diarrhea diseases are called this virus. It also causes outbreaks in schools, daycare centers, prisons, and other areas where individuals are in close contact with others.
: How is norovirus transmitted?
Wen: Norovirus can spread. By direct contact with an infected person or in contaminated areas. You can get the virus if you share food or drink or objects with someone who is infected. You can also catch it by touching a surface that an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through small droplets of vomit or feces.
: What symptoms should people expect and for how long?
Wen: Signs Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some people may experience fatigue, low-grade fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
It's common for people to go from feeling fine to having sudden gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can be annoying and unpleasant.
The good news is that most people get better within a day or two and make a full recovery, with no long-term health problems. But there are some people who get seriously ill with norovirus, usually because they can't keep fluids down and are very dehydrated.
: What should people do if they think they might have it?
Wen: There is no specific treatment for norovirus. As this is a virus, antibiotics that target bacteria will not work. There is no direct antiviral against norovirus, nor is there an approved vaccine to prevent it.
Most people recover without medical intervention. The important thing is to try to save fluids to prevent dehydration, which can be a common side effect. Adults should drink water and most other fluids, including juice and sports drinks. Children may benefit from Pedialyte and other similar electrolyte solutions designed specifically for children with vomiting and diarrhea. Breastfeeding mothers should continue to breastfeed, even if they or their babies are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
: At what point should people go to the doctor?
Wen: People should talk to their doctor if they have specific symptoms, can't stay hydrated, and are especially prone to serious illness.
People with common symptoms of norovirus can generally pass the disease. But if they have blood in their stools, a high fever, shortness of breath or other unusual symptoms, they should see a doctor – they may not have norovirus. People with norovirus should feel better within two days of the onset of symptoms. If the symptoms do not improve, it is another reason to visit the doctor.
In addition, it is very important to maintain moisture. If a person is vomiting too much and is unable to keep fluids down, they should also see a health care professional. Families with the same number of babies who do not wet diaper should also call their clinic.
People who are particularly at risk should have a low threshold for contacting their health care provider. This includes infants and young children, older individuals, and those with serious medical conditions such as kidney or heart disease and immunocompromised patients. They may need a doctor for further monitoring during their illness.
: What food safety tips reduce the risk of spreading norovirus?
Wen: People with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps should not prepare food. They should not hold food or plates or utensils for others for at least two days until their symptoms subside.
It is also a good idea to wash your hands before eating. You may have touched a doorknob, elevator key, eating spoon, or other surface that an infected person has touched.
If someone in the family has norovirus, be aware that the virus can easily spread within the family. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Contaminated surfaces can be cleaned thoroughly Solutions containing bleach To kill the virus.
Furthermore, as E. Note that there are also other foodborne illnesses such as coli, salmonella, and listeria. There are also additional precautions that can be taken to prevent the spread of these diseases.
: Please remind us what some of these precautions are.
Wen: Do not drink raw milk or eat raw or undercooked meat. Use an internal thermometer and make sure your cooking is done Recommended temperature.
Do not eat leftover perishable food More than two hours. Make sure to wash vegetables and fruits well and separate them from raw meat.
Anyone preparing or serving food should wash their hands thoroughly. Do not prepare food or share food with people when you have gastrointestinal symptoms. If everyone washes their hands regularly — and if hand sanitizer is not readily available when running water — we can reduce the chance of contracting and spreading norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses.