In a post-Covid society, discussion of a new illness tends to get people anxious and fears emerge that whichever present illness will be “covid 2”. In recent weeks, the illness that is circulating in conversation is the Norovirus.
According to the CDC, the Norovirus is a type of virus that causes gastroenteritis which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This virus causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, body aches, and headaches.
Previously known as Norwalk-like virus, Norovirus has evolved over the 50 years since it was first identified. Its previous name alludes to its origins in Norwalk, Ohio, where it caused 50% of students at an elementary school to complain of nausea and vomiting, but this virus wouldn’t catch national attention until 30 years later in 2002 when the first major outbreaks spread through cruise ship lines. The first variant called GII.14 Sydney was first discovered in Sydney Australia in 2002 (NIH). This is now the most common strain worldwide.
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, in a typical year there are somewhere between 19-21 million cases a year. Out of these cases there are normally only 900 deaths which is a significantly small number compared to the total number of cases. The reason for this current concern is that there was a spike in cases in Dec. with these cases being that of a new strand of Norovirus called the GII.17[P17] strain. It is still being researched whether this new strain will have harsher effects than the previous. (CBS).
Typically the spread of the Norovirus comes from widespread outbreaks with there being around 2,500 outbreaks a year. The most common times of these outbreaks occur during the flu season months when individuals are in close contact with others for long periods of time.
The most common way this virus is transmitted is through eating contaminated food or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Common areas where the Norovirus is highly present are areas in which people are around each other in close proximity. Some of these places include schools, nursing homes, or cruises.
In the midst of the concern surrounding the Norovirus there are some ways to stay healthy and avoid getting the virus. To prevent getting the virus, hand washing before eating should always be a priority. Washing for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap is critical. Additionally, avoiding touching your face in regions such as your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands will prevent Norovirus. Additionally, it’s important to avoid extensive contact with someone recovering from Norovirus because the virus remains contagious for 2 weeks after initial infection. (CBS).
For those concerned with the possibility that they may have the virus, a doctor can give a diagnosis. While there isn’t a specific medication that can be taken to recover from the Norovirus, a key method of recovery is making sure that hydration has an important emphasis. Additionally, sleep and easily digestible foods will help alleviate the symptoms.
Illness concerns tend to create a ripple of stress and concern throughout our community and society. With the awareness of this illness and strategies to work through a possible infection, some of these worries can be reduced.
