The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an outbreak in cases of the Norovirus, which have doubled, compared to prior years in early December.
Cases of the norovirus, aka, the stomach flu, typically start circulating from November-April. The stomach flu is a very highly contagious contact virus usually caused by foodborne illness and close contact with an infected person.
Cruise ships, nursing homes, childcare centers and schools are common areas of outbreaks due to close quarters.
The virus spreads by consuming food or drinks contaminated with the virus, being in close contact with or touching an infected person’s mouth, nose or surfaces they touched. Sharing foods, drinks or utensils with an infected person also contribute to spreading the virus.
Common symptoms are mainly vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping. Chills, headache, low-grade fever, and muscle aches are less common symptoms. Symptoms can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure, but usually begin about a day or 2.
To protect yourself, don’t share food, drinks, or utensils with anyone, wash your hands with soapy water for a minimum of 20 seconds, use hot water in your laundry, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, wash fruits, vegetables and shellfish thoroughly and avoid raw oysters.
If you believe you have the norovirus/stomach flu, contact your health care provider, hydrate yourself with fluids such as water, sports drinks, and/or Pedialyte and stay at home for at least 2 days after symptoms end to prevent further spreading.
By - FZ
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