CNN
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According to , common stomach bugs are on the rise. new data From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There were 91 cases of norovirus reported in the week ending December 5, up from 69 the previous week. During the same period in recent years, generally No more than 65 cases per week. (It may not seem like that many, but there are probably many more cases going unreported.)
With cases on the rise, more people may want to know how norovirus spreads, what symptoms to expect, and how long it lasts. What should I do if I think I may be infected? At what point should I go to the doctor? What food safety tips can reduce the risk of spreading norovirus? And what else can you do to prevent the spread of it and other foodborne illnesses?
To answer these questions, we spoke to CNN wellness expert Dr. Liana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore City’s health commissioner, where her responsibilities included overseeing infectious disease and food safety.
CNN: What exactly is norovirus?
Dr. Liana Wen: Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. According to the CDCare responsible for 19 to 21 million illnesses each year. This resulted in more than 2.2 million outpatient visits, 465,000 emergency department visits, and 109,000 hospitalizations.
Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus or winter vomiting bug, is a highly contagious virus. This is a common cause of disease outbreaks on cruise ships. 90% or more Many diarrheal diseases are caused by this virus. Outbreaks also occur in schools, day care centers, prisons, and other settings where individuals are in close proximity to others.
CNN: How does norovirus spread?
Wen: Norovirus may spread Through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Sharing food, drinks, utensils, etc. with an infected person can spread the virus. You can also get infected by touching a surface that an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth. In addition, the virus can be transmitted through small droplets of vomit or feces splashed on surfaces.
CNN: What symptoms should I expect and how long should they last?
Wen: symptoms Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some people may experience fatigue, low-grade fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain.
It is common for people to suddenly develop gastrointestinal symptoms even after feeling well. These symptoms can be disturbing and uncomfortable.
Fortunately, most people’s symptoms improve within a day or two, make a full recovery, and there are no long-term health effects. However, norovirus can make some people more seriously ill, usually because they are unable to keep fluids down and become extremely dehydrated.
CNN: What should I do if I think I might be infected?
Wen: There is no specific treatment for norovirus. Since it is a virus, antibiotics that attack bacteria are not effective. There are no direct antiviral drugs against norovirus, and there are no approved vaccines to prevent norovirus.
Most people recover without medical intervention. The important thing is to limit your fluid intake to avoid dehydration, which is a common side effect. Adults should consume water and most other liquids, such as juices and sports drinks. Children can benefit from Pedialyte and other similar electrolyte solutions specially formulated for children with vomiting and diarrhea. Nursing mothers should continue breastfeeding even if they or their child are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
CNN: At what point should you go to the doctor?
Wen: You should contact your doctor if you have certain worrying symptoms, are unable to stay hydrated, and are particularly susceptible to serious illness.
People with typical norovirus symptoms can usually let their illness go away on its own. However, if you have blood in your stool, high fever, shortness of breath, or other unusual symptoms, you should consider contacting a health care professional because it may not be norovirus. People infected with norovirus should start feeling better within a few days after symptoms start. If your symptoms don’t improve, that’s another reason to see a doctor.
Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated. People who are vomiting too much to keep fluids down should also talk to a health care professional. Families with babies who no longer produce wet diapers the same number of times should also contact their doctor.
Especially vulnerable populations should have lower standards for contacting their health care providers. This includes infants and young children, the elderly, and people with serious underlying health conditions such as kidney or heart disease or immunodeficiency. You may need extra close monitoring by your clinician during your illness.
CNN: What food safety tips can reduce the risk of norovirus spread?
Wen: Do not prepare food if you have symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Do not handle food, plates, or eating utensils for others until at least 2 days after your symptoms have subsided.
It’s also a good idea to wash your hands before eating. You may have touched surfaces that were touched by an infected person, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, or spoons.
If someone in your household is infected with norovirus, please be aware that the virus can be easily transmitted to other family members. Everyone should wash their hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Infected surfaces can be cleaned by: solutions containing bleach to kill the virus.
Additionally, be aware that there are other foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. There are also additional precautions to prevent the spread of these diseases.
CNN: Remember what these precautions are?
Wen: Do not drink raw milk or eat raw or undercooked meat. Use an internal thermometer to make sure what you’re cooking has reached temperature. Recommended temperature.
Do not eat fresh food that has been left out 2 hours or more. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly and store them away from raw meat.
Anyone preparing or serving food should wash their hands thoroughly. Do not prepare or share food with others when you have gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses can be infected and spread if everyone practices good hand hygiene, including washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer when running water is not readily available. You can reduce sex.
