The world will experience an increase in respiratory illnesses during the winter. Although cases of the flu, colds, and COVID-19 continue to decline, the CDC is now alerting the public to an increase in norovirus infections. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that norovirus is responsible for approximately 58% of all foodborne illness outbreaks in the US. Norovirus infections are most common during the winter months, but they can occur at any time of the year. The virus can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children under the age of 5 and in older adults.
The extremely contagious virus that causes “stomach flu,” norovirus, has been seen occurring more frequently recently, according to public health officials. The number of infections this year is higher than in previous years, but the lower-case numbers were likely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic’s diminished congregation, and we are now observing normal trends prior to COVID-19.
The “flu” caused by influenza, which is primarily characterized by fever, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms, is not the same as the stomach flu. The norovirus stomach flu typically lasts less time and has more concentrated, acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Inflammation of the stomach and intestines is caused by gastroenteritis, which is caused by the highly contagious norovirus. Among people of all ages around the world, it is one of the most prevalent causes of viral gastroenteritis.
Norovirus can be spread by ingesting infected food, drinking contaminated water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then contacting your lips. Moreover, it can be transmitted by intimate contact with an infected person, such as while sharing food or utensils or attending to a sick person. These infections frequently cause diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, pains in the stomach, and fever. After being exposed to the virus, these symptoms typically start to show up 12 to 48 hours later and can linger for one to three days.
Norovirus outbreaks can happen in a variety of places, including restaurants, cruise ships, nursing homes, and schools.
Many things, such as contaminated food or water, bad hygiene, and close contact with an infected individual, can contribute to norovirus outbreaks. The virus can swiftly pass from person to person in crowded settings, including as schools or nursing homes, by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Whenever a norovirus epidemic is suspected, it is crucial to take action to stop the virus’s transmission and stop additional cases of illness. This can entail separating sick people, sanitizing surfaces and objects, and instructing staff members and others on correct hand hygiene and food handling techniques. Those who have the norovirus should also avoid going to work, school, or other activities until they are completely well and no longer contagious. It is crucial to remember that people might continue to spread the virus for several days after their symptoms have subsided, therefore good hygiene practices should be continued even after one feels well.
Preventing norovirus infection involves taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and practicing good hygiene.
The world will experience an increase in respiratory illnesses during the winter. Although cases of the flu, colds, and COVID-19 continue to decline, the CDC is now alerting the public to an increase in norovirus infections. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that norovirus is responsible for approximately 58% of all foodborne illness outbreaks in the US. Norovirus infections are most common during the winter months, but they can occur at any time of the year. The virus can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children under the age of 5 and in older adults.
The extremely contagious virus that causes “stomach flu,” norovirus, has been seen occurring more frequently recently, according to public health officials. The number of infections this year is higher than in previous years, but the lower-case numbers were likely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic’s diminished congregation, and we are now observing normal trends prior to COVID-19.
The “flu” caused by influenza, which is primarily characterized by fever, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms, is not the same as the stomach flu. The norovirus stomach flu typically lasts less time and has more concentrated, acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Inflammation of the stomach and intestines is caused by gastroenteritis, which is caused by the highly contagious norovirus. Among people of all ages around the world, it is one of the most prevalent causes of viral gastroenteritis.
Norovirus can be spread by ingesting infected food, drinking contaminated water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then contacting your lips. Moreover, it can be transmitted by intimate contact with an infected person, such as while sharing food or utensils or attending to a sick person. These infections frequently cause diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, pains in the stomach, and fever. After being exposed to the virus, these symptoms typically start to show up 12 to 48 hours later and can linger for one to three days.
Norovirus outbreaks can happen in a variety of places, including restaurants, cruise ships, nursing homes, and schools.
Many things, such as contaminated food or water, bad hygiene, and close contact with an infected individual, can contribute to norovirus outbreaks. The virus can swiftly pass from person to person in crowded settings, including as schools or nursing homes, by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Whenever a norovirus epidemic is suspected, it is crucial to take action to stop the virus’s transmission and stop additional cases of illness. This can entail separating sick people, sanitizing surfaces and objects, and instructing staff members and others on correct hand hygiene and food handling techniques. Those who have the norovirus should also avoid going to work, school, or other activities until they are completely well and no longer contagious. It is crucial to remember that people might continue to spread the virus for several days after their symptoms have subsided, therefore good hygiene practices should be continued even after one feels well.
Preventing norovirus infection involves taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and practicing good hygiene.