Norovirus “Stomach Flu” On the Rise.

 

The CDC has seen a rise of the Norovirus in the United States.  You may have heard of this virus it’s known as the “stomach flu” or the cruise ship flu.    Even though it’s known as the stomach flu, Norovirus is not related to the traditional flu.  Other names that it is known as include:  Gastroenteritis, some forms of food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis.   

Symptoms:

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, dehydration, fever, chills and muscle aches.  

Why is Norovirus spreading so rapidly?  

Norovirus is unlike any other virus that is spread.  It takes just a little less than 10 particles of the virus to become infected, while other virus would take 100,000 particles to become infected.    

The virus is spread person to person by contact and by touching contaminated surfaces.   Norovirus can also be spread by fecally contaminated foods and water.  

 

How do I protect myself from the Norovirus?

Hand washing with warm soapy water is your best defense in reducing your risk of catching Norovirus.  Alcohol based hand sanitizers are ineffective in killing the Norovirus.   It is also important to know that household cleaners are ineffective in killing the Norovirus.  When cleaning a solution of water and bleach is your best defense.    
 


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