Image Source: The Economic Times
That norovirus, commonly called the stomach flu virus, is on the rise in a big way across the United States. Current statistics from CDC show higher numbers of reported incidences, an aspect that arous disproportionately public health attentions across the country.
1. What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a virus which can easily spread and causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation in the stomach and the intestines. Common signs of the ailment are usually sudden episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and bloating. Other signs may include low-grade temperature, headache, and muscle pain. These symptoms will manifest within 12 and 48 hours post exposure and usually last for up to three days. However, within these few days, the virus is capable of causing severe dehydration owing to diarrhea, particularly in children below five years, the aged and immunocompromised.
2. Current Surge in Cases
Norovirus cases, specifically in the United States are on the rise. The CDC stated that 91 outbreaks were reported across state health departments for the week from December 5, up from previous weeks. This rise is worrisome especially because it is now above the average…that of the corresponding period of previous years.
3. How Is Norovirus Transmitted?
Norovirus spreads primarily through:
Direct Contact: Conducting business directly with an actual case of the disease.
Contaminated Food or Water: Getting food or water that contains the virus in it.
Contaminated Surfaces: Contact through contaminated objects such as; doors, telephone, toys or any other object and then touching the mouth or face..
The virus is hardy, and its ability to remain lethal on surfaces for long and infection by many forms of disinfectants makes it difficult to contain.
4. Prevention Measures
To reduce the risk of norovirus infection, consider the following preventive steps:
Image Source: Freepik
Hand Hygiene: Soap with running water for at least twenty seconds, especially if handling babies’ diapers, after visiting the washroom and before handling food.
Food Safety: Wash fruits and vegetables more diligently and fry or grill seafood products of any kind to 145F°/63C° to neutralize any viruses existing on the shellfish.
Disinfection: Treat any surfaces that a case has contacted in a home with a standard bleach solution and clean the surface as soon as possible after the episode.
Avoid Food Preparation When Ill: Those with symptoms should abstain from food preparation for others when they can, at least forty-eight hours since being symptom-free to avoid spreading the virus.
5. What to Do If Infected
If you contract norovirus:
Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is important so ensure you take as many fluids as is possible. Oral rehydration solutions can be very useful in most cases.
Rest: Let your muscles relax so you need to make sure that you get enough sleep at night.
Seek Medical Attention if Necessary: If symptoms are not gone within a few days or one gets severly dehydrated, he or she should seek help from a doctor.
At the moment, it is impossible to cure norovirus with any antiviral medicine and treatment is supportive. Supportive care is emphasised with a view toFluid and electrolyte replacement is the main treatment undertaken to as to lessen symptoms and the risk of complications.
Conclusion
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