A young woman experiences stomach discomfort.
Outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus are on the rise in the U.S. Also known as the “winter vomiting bug” or the “stomach flu,” the seasonal illness is at its highest level recorded this time of year in more than a decade.
Officials reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks during 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 these Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data currently cover only 15 states, they do not provide a comprehensive picture of norovirus across the country. The increase in the number of cases may be influenced by more countries joining the program over the years.
However, it reflects peaks and trends in the spread of the virus, which typically circulates most widely between November and April each year. The US reports about 2,500 outbreaks a year, usually peaking in February.
This year, it appears to be hitting harder, earlier, perhaps as more people gather together “for the first time in years,” experts said. wealth magazine.
Increase in seasonal diseases
Many countries are seeing an increase in some seasonal viruses as people mingle more during the holidays than during the pandemic. Illnesses like influenza and the respiratory disease RSV are all on the rise and, while not posing the same threat as they once did, COVID-19 is circulating widely. The relatively high levels of whooping cough, which can be deadly for babies, are also of concern to public health experts.
Countries such as Great Britain have issued numerous public statements to encourage members of the public to get vaccinated against diseases and practice daily hygiene measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Officials in the country’s public health system say they are battling a “quad-bull” of flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus, with 95% of hospital beds in England full by 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 called the “stomach flu,” it is not related to the flu.
The virus is spread through small particles of infected fecal matter that enter the mouth. This means you can catch it by eating or drinking something contaminated with the virus and touching your mouth after touching a contaminated surface such as a doorknob. If you are caring for someone with this disease, it can be easy to catch it yourself.
Norovirus often causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain, but it can also result in fever, headache, and body aches. It can be very uncomfortable, but most people will recover within about three days of the onset of symptoms.
It is important to drink water if you are infected with norovirus, as vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. If you suspect that someone with norovirus is severely dehydrated, seek medical help.
How can I protect myself against Norovirus?
You can protect against 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 who is sick.
Do not share food or drink with a person infected with the disease and be sure to wash any potentially contaminated sheets and clothes in hot water.
Washing fruits and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly will help prevent the virus from spreading through food.
If you catch norovirus, you can protect others by staying home for two days after symptoms stop. You can get sick for two weeks after the symptoms go away, so make sure you keep washing your hands regularly.
Is there a vaccine for Norovirus?
Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine against norovirus. But researchers at Moderna have recently begun testing a candidate target that may one day provide protection.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent several other seasonal illnesses, as well as diseases like whooping cough and measles that are on the rise in the US.
Flu vaccines are available every year in the fall. They are recommended annually for almost everyone over the age of 6 months and are especially important for people at risk of the serious disease, 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 the elderly and pregnant women, who can provide protection to their vulnerable babies.
Vaccines against COVID-19 are recommended annually for everyone 6 months of age and older. They are especially important for the elderly, people at risk of serious illness and people who have never had a vaccine.
Full details of each vaccine are available on the CDC website.
