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As if cold and flu season There is not enough to deal with it and another disease is on the rise. norovirus.
New data shows norovirus infections are rapidly increasing across the country. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the week of December 5th (the most recent data available), 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks were reported to state health departments across the country. By comparison, there were only 41 suspected or confirmed infections in the same week from 2021 to 2024. Basically, there are a lot of noroviruses floating around in the world.
Norovirus is no joke, causing vomiting and diarrhea (often at the same time), which can be a harrowing experience. So it’s understandable that you want to lower your chances of contracting the virus and be aware of the early signs.
Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of norovirus and what to do if you’re unlucky enough to become infected.
meet an expert: Infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD; Senior Research Fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security.
What are the first symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus tends to develop quickly. “Nausea and vomiting are usually the first symptoms of norovirus,” says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD; Senior Research Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
According to , it can also be accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches. CDC.
How is norovirus transmitted?
Norovirus is “highly contagious” and spreads in several different ways. These include direct contact with a person infected with norovirus, drinking food or liquids contaminated with norovirus, touching contaminated objects or surfaces and putting unwashed hands in the mouth. It will be. mayo clinic.
British statistics show that norovirus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 12 hours. national health service. The virus can survive on contaminated carpet for up to 12 days.
What is the best way to treat norovirus?
According to the CDC, there is no set treatment for norovirus, and medications such as antibiotics do nothing to help you feel better.
Instead, Adalja says supportive care is best. This includes actions such as consuming small amounts of fluid frequently to prevent dehydration. Acetaminophen Relieves body pain and fever.
How long does it take to recover from norovirus?
The good news about norovirus (if you’re infected) is that most people tend to feel better within 1 to 3 days, according to the CDC.
How long does norovirus remain infectious?
Most people recover from norovirus within a few days, but it is possible to remain infected for a longer period of time. In fact, you can still transmit norovirus for up to two weeks after you feel well, according to the CDC.
How can I protect myself from norovirus?
While norovirus is unpleasant for everyone, Adalja said it’s especially concerning for people who are more susceptible to dehydration, “usually the very young and the very old.”
To lower your chances of contracting norovirus, he recommends doing your best to avoid people who are obviously sick and washing your hands frequently. That’s really all you can do, says Adalja.
Unfortunately, norovirus infections can occur. “Norovirus is a ubiquitous virus that everyone experiences at some point in their lives,” Adalja said. The best you can do is try to avoid it.
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