Norovirus outbreak: Symptoms, prevention, and treatment for stomach flu

The United States is experiencing an increase in outbreaks of the extremely contagious norovirus. The seasonal disease, sometimes referred to as the "winter vomiting bug" or "stomach flu," is at its highest level in over ten years during this time of year.

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.

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Officials recorded 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December. This is the highest level recorded at this time of year since at least 2012, and one of the highest case loads documented at any time of year in the previous 12 years.

Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data only covers 15 states, it does not provide a complete picture of norovirus throughout the country. As more states join the program over time, the number of instances may increase.

Nonetheless, it represents peaks and patterns in the virus's propagation, which typically increases between November and April each year. Every year, the United States reports around 2,500 outbreaks, with the peak occurring in February.

This year, it appears to be hitting harder and sooner, maybe because more people gather together "for the first time in several years," specialists told Fortune magazine.

Rise in seasonal illnesses

Many countries are experiencing an increase in various seasonal viruses as individuals socialize more over the holidays than they did during the epidemic. Diseases like as flu and respiratory sickness RSV are on the rise, and COVID-19, while not as serious as it previously was, is nevertheless spreading widely. Public health professionals are especially concerned about the relatively high prevalence of whooping cough, which may be fatal for newborns.

Countries such as the United Kingdom have published various public declarations encouraging citizens to be vaccinated against illnesses and practice good hygiene to avoid the spread of dangerous diseases.

Officials in England's public health system believe they are dealing with a "quad-demic" of flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, with 95% of hospital beds occupied by early December.

What is norovirus?

In the United States, norovirus is the most prevalent cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne disease. Although it is commonly referred to as "stomach flu," it is unrelated to influenza.

The virus spreads by microscopic particles of contaminated feces that enter the mouth. This means you can contract it by eating or drinking something infected with the virus, or by contacting your mouth after touching a contaminated surface, like as a doorknob. If you are caring for someone who has the condition, you may become infected as well.

Norovirus most commonly causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, but it can also cause fever, headaches, and body pains. It can be quite uncomfortable, but most individuals recover within three days of experiencing symptoms.

If you get norovirus, you should drink plenty of water since vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate you. If you feel that someone with norovirus is very dehydrated, get medical attention.

How to protect yourself against norovirus

You can protect yourself against norovirus by washing your hands thoroughly. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing a baby's diaper, shaking someone's hand, or caring for someone who has the disease.

Avoid sharing food or drinks with someone infected with the sickness, and wash any possibly contaminated bedding and clothes in hot water.

Washing fruits and vegetables and fully boiling seafood will help keep the virus from spreading through food.

If you catch norovirus, you may safeguard others by remaining at home for two days after your symptoms have subsided. You can spread the disease for two weeks after your symptoms have subsided, so keep washing your hands often.

Is there a vaccine for norovirus?

Unfortunately, there is presently no vaccine for norovirus. However, researchers at Moderna have just begun testing a candidate injection that might one day provide protection.

Vaccines are the most effective approach to protect against numerous other seasonal illnesses, as well as diseases such as whooping cough and measles, which are on the rise in the United States.

Flu vaccines are provided every year in the autumn. They are suggested periodically for practically everyone over the age of six months, and are especially critical for persons at risk of severe illness, which hospitalizes between 140,000 and 710,000 Americans each year, killing an estimated 12,000 to 51,000.

RSV vaccines are available for elderly adults and pregnant women, who can provide protection to their fragile newborns.

COVID-19 vaccines are suggested yearly for those aged 6 months and up. They are especially crucial for older folks, people at high risk of serious illness, and those who have never had a vaccine.