Winter is the season for Norovirus! Norovirus is a virus that’s the most common cause of “stomach flu”, or gastroenteritis. It strikes fast; those with it come down with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping. About 1 in 5 adults get gastroenteritis every year; nearly everyone has it at some point in their lifetimes.
With Norovirus going around yet another year, test your Norovirus IQ with these 6 Facts or Myths:
#1. Fact or myth: You can get Norovorius from
touching a doorknob.
Fact. You can get
Norovirus from touching something that a person with the virus touched. That
includes doorknobs, but also anything else that organisms can live on: computer
keyboards, coffeemakers, faucets, etc. That’s why it’s so important to wash
your hands frequently; with so many people infected with it in the winter, you
can catch it easily from a colleague or family member.
#2. Fact or myth: Norovirus is the same thing as
food poisoning.
Myth. This myth came
about because you can get Norovirus by sharing the food or drink of someone who
has it, and by eating or drinking infected food or drink. Also, Norovirus
spreads very fast, especially in close quarters such as nursing homes, schools,
and cruiseships—another reason why people confuse it with food poisoning.
However, food poisoning is caused by a toxin found in the food, not a virus
that's spread through food. No matter the label, it’s important not to share
food with people who may be sick and to beware of raw or undercooked food.
#3. Fact or myth: There is a Norovirus vaccine.
Fact. There are vaccines
that have been developed against Norovirus, but they aren’t very effective.
That’s because the virus mutates quickly, and each season produces several new
strains of the Virus. So even though vaccines exist, they are not routinely
recommended to prevent Norovirus.
#4. Fact or myth: There are effective medicines
that will kill Norvirus.
Myth. The bad news is
that there are no effective antiviral medicines that will kill Norovirus. The
good news is that Norovirus is generally a harmless and self-limiting
condition. The biggest danger is that of dehydration, and symptoms are
typically gone in 2-3 days without treatment. Medications such as
antidiarrheals may have more risks than benefits, so resting and keeping well hydrated
are the key steps to recovery.
#5. Fact or myth: Pregnant women are particular
at danger if they contract Norovirus.
Myth. Studies have shown
that there
are no unique harms of Norovirus during pregnancy, and Norovirus does not
directly affect the baby. However, the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea can
lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can increase the
likelihood of a urinary tract infection and potentially of preterm labor. For
these reasons, pregnant women should take extra caution to not contract
Norovirus and other illnesses.
#6. Fact or myth: There are effective ways to
prevent catching Norovirus
Fact. Here are 4 ways to
prevent getting Norovirus:
1)
Avoid people
who have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Don’t share their utensils or their
food or drink.
2)
Wash your
hands with soap and water often and well, especially if you are in close
quarters with potential sick people such as hospitals, schools, daycare
centers, and nursing homes.
3)
Beware of
raw and undercooked food. Wash salads carefully. Cook meat and seafood well.
4)
Keep
healthy. Eat healthy, regular meals; rest; and exercise. Build up your immune
system in case you do get exposed to this or other viruses.
Norovirus is a common,
but unpleasant illness. If you do get it, make sure to drink plenty of fluids
and get good rest. You may need to see your doctor if you can’t keep down
fluids, have high fevers, or experience severe pain. Make sure your doctor listens to you and gives you a diagnosis—and
explains to you what to do. As with anything else, prevention is the best
medicine.
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