There are more norovirus cases. Here Are Some Ways To Avoid “Stomach Flu”.
The United States is seeing an increase in extremely dangerous norovirus outbreaks. The seasonal disease, also referred to as the “winter vomiting bug” or “stomach flu,” is at its highest level in over ten years during this time of year.
During the first week of December, authorities reported 91 norovirus occurrences, either suspected or confirmed. This is one of the highest case loads recorded at any time of year in the last 12 years, and the highest level observed at this time of year since at least 2012.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics does not provide a complete picture of norovirus nationwide because it only presently covers 15 states. More states joining the program could have an impact on the growing number of cases.
It does, however, represent peaks and patterns in the virus’s propagation, which typically spreads more extensively each year between November and April. About 2,500 outbreaks are reported in the US annually, with February usually seeing the highest number.
It seems to be striking early and harder this year, maybe as more people gather together “for the first time in several years,” according to experts who spoke to Fortune magazine.
As individuals interact more around the holidays than they did during the pandemic, various seasonal viruses are on the rise in many nations. Flu and respiratory illnesses like RSV are on the rise, and COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, albeit it no longer poses the same threat as it once did. Public health professionals are especially concerned about the relatively high prevalence of whooping cough, which can be fatal for infants.
To stop the spread of infectious diseases, nations like the United Kingdom have made a lot of public declarations urging people to get vaccinated against illnesses and follow basic hygienic practices.
95% of England’s hospitals are dealing with a “quad-demic” of flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, according to public health officials.
What Is Noro virus ?
In the United States, norovirus is the most frequent cause of foodborne sickness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Despite being frequently called “stomach flu,” it is not the same as influenza.
Tiny particles of contaminated feces that enter the mouth are how the virus spreads. This implies that you can contract it by touching your mouth after coming into contact with a contaminated object, such as a doorknob, or by consuming or drinking something tainted with the virus. It can be simple to contract the illness yourself if you are caring for someone who has it.
In addition to frequently causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, norovirus can also induce fever, headaches, and body aches. Although most people recover within three days following the onset of symptoms, it can be extremely unpleasant.
If you contract norovirus, it’s critical to stay hydrated because dehydration can result from both vomiting and diarrhea. Seek medical attention if you think someone who has norovirus is severely dehydrated.
Vigilant hand washing is one way to prevent norovirus. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially after using the restroom, changing a baby’s diaper, shaking hands, or tending to a sick person.
Regretfully, there isn’t a norovirus vaccination at this time. However, Moderna researchers have only begun testing a potential vaccine that could provide protection in the future.
The best defense against measles and whooping cough, two diseases that are becoming more common in the United States, as well as a number of other seasonal illnesses, is vaccination.
Every year in the fall, flu shots are made available. Nearly everyone over the age of six months should take them every year. They are especially crucial for those who are at risk of developing a serious illness, which causes between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and, regrettably, between 12,000 and 51,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Pregnant women and older adults can safeguard their fragile unborn children by getting the RSV vaccine.
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