CNN
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Common bowel problems are on the rise, according to new data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During the week of December 5, there were 91 norovirus outbreaks reported, up from 69 the previous week. At the same time in recent years, there have often been 65 or fewer epidemics per week. (It may not seem like a lot, but many other cases probably go unreported.)
As cases increase, many people may want to know how norovirus is spread, what symptoms to expect and how long they can expect to be sick. What should they do if they think they might have it? When should they go to the doctor? What food safety tips can reduce the risk of spreading norovirus? And what else can be done to prevent the spread of it and other foodborne illnesses?
To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. He was previously Baltimore’s health commissioner, with responsibilities that included overseeing infectious diseases and food safety.
CNN: What exactly is norovirus?
Dr. Leana Wen: Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. According to the CDC, it is responsible for 19 million to 21 million deaths each year. It results in more than 2.2 million outpatient visits, 465,000 emergency visits and 109,000 hospitalizations.
Also sometimes called Norwalk virus or winter vomiting virus, norovirus is a highly contagious virus. It is a common cause of disease outbreaks on cruise ships, where more than 90% of diarrheal diseases are caused by this virus. It also causes outbreaks in schools, day care centers, prisons and other places where people come into close contact with each other.
CNN: How does norovirus spread?
Wen: Norovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated surfaces. If you share food or drink or utensils with an infected person, you can get the virus. You can also catch it by touching the area an infected person has touched and touching your mouth. In addition, the virus can be transmitted through small droplets of vomit or faeces that are spread on the surface of water.
CNN: What symptoms should people expect and when?
Wen: Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some people may experience fatigue, low-grade fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.
It is not uncommon for people to go from feeling well to suddenly having gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can be frustrating and unpleasant.
The good news is that most people get better within one to two days and make a full recovery, with no long-term health effects. However, there are people who get very sick from norovirus, usually because they are unable to retain fluids and become very dehydrated.
CNN: What should people do if they think they might have it?
Wen: There is no specific treatment for norovirus. Since this is a virus, antibiotics that attack bacteria will not work. There is no antiviral directed against norovirus, nor is there an approved vaccine to prevent it.
Most people will recover without medical help. The important thing is to try to keep fluids down to prevent dehydration, which can be a common side effect. Adults should drink plenty of water and other fluids, including juices and sports drinks. Children may benefit from Pedialyte and other similar electrolyte solutions designed for children with vomiting and diarrhea. Breastfeeding mothers should continue to breastfeed, even if they or their children have gastrointestinal symptoms.
CNN: When should people go to the doctor?
Wen: People should contact their doctor if they have specific symptoms, if they cannot retain water, and if they are at risk of becoming seriously ill.
Those with typical norovirus symptoms can often let the disease run its course. However, if they have blood in the stool, high fever, shortness of breath or other unusual symptoms, they should consider consulting a medical professional – as what they have may ‘ Could it be norovirus? Those with norovirus should begin to feel better within a few days after symptoms begin. If the symptoms do not improve, it is another reason to visit the doctor.
In addition, it is important to maintain hydration. If someone is vomiting so much that they cannot keep fluids down, they should see a health professional. Families with babies who are not making the same number of wet diapers should call their doctor.
Those who are particularly vulnerable should have a lower threshold of contact with their health care provider. This includes babies and young children, the elderly and people with serious health conditions such as kidney disease or heart disease and are vulnerable. They may need a doctor who will monitor them more during their illness.
CNN: What food safety tips can reduce the risk of spreading norovirus?
Wen: People with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach upset should not prepare food. They should not touch other people’s food or utensils or utensils until at least two days after their symptoms subside.
It is also a good idea to wash your hands before eating. You may have touched a door handle, an elevator button, a serving spoon, or another surface that an infected person has touched.
If someone in your family has norovirus, be aware that the virus can easily spread through the family. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Infected areas can be cleaned with bleach solutions to kill the virus.
In addition, be aware that there are other foodborne illnesses, too, such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria. There are other precautions that can prevent the spread of these diseases, too.
CNN: Please remind us what some of these warnings are.
Wen: Do not drink raw milk, or eat raw or undercooked meat. Use the internal thermometer and make sure that what you are cooking reaches the recommended temperature.
Do not eat spoiled food that has been left out for more than two hours. Make sure you wash vegetables and fruits well and keep them separate from raw meat.
Everyone who cooks or serves food should wash their hands thoroughly. Do not cook or share food with people while you have stomach symptoms. If everyone practices good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly – and using hand sanitizer when running water is not readily available – we can reduce the chance of contracting and spreading norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses. .
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