If a case of norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, halted your holiday plans this season, you’re not alone. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 91 reported outbreaks of norovirus during the week of December 5. To put that into perspective, between 2012-2020, the maximum number of reported cases during the same time period was only 65. Although cases continue to soar, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus, also known as the Norwalk virus, is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. In some cases, it can also cause fever, headache, and body aches, but it is not the same virus that causes the flu. Although most people recover from the illness within three days, they can continue spreading the virus for two weeks or more, per the CDC.
How does norovirus spread?
Anyone can get sick with norovirus, but those who eat raw seafood, which may contain the virus, are at a higher risk of contracting it. Children, older adults, and individuals with a compromised immune system are also at risk of contracting serious illness, according to the CDC.
Because norovirus is very contagious, you can contract it by having direct contact with someone infected, consuming food and beverages handled by them, or sharing food utensils. Additionally, touching contaminated surfaces can lead to infection, so frequent handwashing is crucial.
How can you protect yourself from norovirus?
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: washing your hands frequently is one of your best defenses against contracting norovirus. (FYI, norovirus is immune to hand sanitizers.) Whether you’re preparing food or changing dirty diapers, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to help remove harmful pathogens. Avoiding raw seafood and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables can also reduce your risk.
If you or someone in your household becomes sick with norovirus, the CDC advises staying home and avoiding contact with anyone else for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside. Infected areas (particularly bathrooms) of your home can be disinfected with a bleach solution (3/4 cup in a gallon of water). Roger Seheult, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist and assistant clinical professor at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine, recommends this effective method of disinfection.
Unfortunately, there aren’t specific medications available to treat norovirus; you must let the virus run its course. However, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, particularly beverages with electrolytes, can help replenish lost minerals and support your recovery.
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