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(NEW YORK) – BY: Dr. Tiffany Truong
If you've ever been sick after eating something "bad," you may have encountered the norovirus.
Sometimes called "stomach puncture" or "stomach flu" – although it's not linked to the flu – norovirus is the leading cause of food-borne illness in the United States, causing each year between 19 and 21 million cases of vomiting and infectious diarrhea.
The outbreaks of norovirus can affect anyone, no matter where. Earlier this month, for example, a cruise trip was halted after infection by 475 pbadengers, which spread more easily due to the vessel's limitations.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can infect people of all ages and an infection can occur many times because there are many strains of norovirus.
People who develop an infection may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually, these symptoms appear between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and disappear between one and three days. However, children, older adults, and people with other diseases are likely to experience more severe symptoms as they may become dehydrated after contracting the infection.
Outbreaks can occur all year but are more frequent from November to April.
How can you contract norovirus?
Norovirus is transmitted by any type of contact that causes the virus to enter the mouth. You can take it directly by contacting another person, touching an infected surface, then touching your mouth or eating contaminated food or water. It is commonly found in high-traffic areas, and the most common outbreaks are health care facilities, restaurants, and schools or daycares. Cruise ships represent only 1% of all epidemics.
How to prevent and treat a norovirus infection
If you think you have symptoms of a possible infection, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Antibiotics can not help because the infection is viral – antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. Above all, avoid contact with other people and be sure to wash your hands often.
Also clean dirty clothing, taking care to handle soiled items. Do not prepare food for others and do not disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach. You are contagious from the moment you start feeling sick until the first days after your convalescence. If you suspect an outbreak in your community, you should also contact your local or regional health department.
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