In the USA, there is an outbreak of stomach flu due to norovirus: there is no cure

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning Americans of widespread outbreaks of stomach flu across the country. This includes the 14 states that participate in the CDC's norovirus reporting program, NoroSTAT, agency spokeswoman Kate Grusich said. Writes about it New York Post.

Photo: IStock

Between August 1, 2022 and January 8, 2023, the CDC recorded 225 outbreaks of norovirus, up 30% from a year earlier, when there were 172 cases during the same period. The statistics are especially worrying about our already overburdened health systems, which are still reeling from the pandemic. COVID-19 contamination.

According to the CDC, norovirus causes about 20 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea, 109 hospitalizations and 000 deaths each year, most of which occur between November and April as Americans spend more time indoors in cold weather.

Despite the increase in the number of diseases, experts are not yet calling new outbreaks a "splash". Grusich said the numbers are "within the expected range for this time of year." However, Americans would do well to take some extra precautions to avoid spending the night hugging the toilet.

What are the symptoms of norovirus and how long does it last?

The classic symptoms of stomach flu include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, which may be accompanied by fever, headache, and body aches. These symptoms are unpleasant but tolerable for most healthy adults and children. However, infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk of dehydration and other complications associated with long-term symptoms, and should be closely monitored by a physician if infected.

On the subject: More terrible than coronavirus: ranking of diseases that kill thousands of people per day

Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 24 hours of infection, usually subside after the first day and last no more than a few days. However, it is worth noting that norovirus is most contagious from the onset of symptoms until almost 48 hours after they have completely disappeared.

How norovirus spreads and how long it can live on surfaces

Even a small colony of norovirus particles can cause damage in a short amount of time, which explains the rapid outbreaks. Just 100 particles are enough to make you sick, and infected people can shed billions of them.

Particles are usually spread after going to the toilet. Unwashed hands transfer germs to other surfaces, and they soon end up on the hands and then in the mouths of other people. It is therefore not surprising that children are particularly successful in transmitting norovirus to their classmates, siblings and parents.

The CDC says norovirus can "live" on objects and surfaces and still infect people for days or weeks, and survive some disinfectants, making it difficult to get rid of.

Once infected, the norovirus provides some immunity against the next attack, albeit not for long. Moreover, there are many types of noroviruses that cause stomach flu, and infection with one of them does not help against the other.

How is norovirus treated?

There is no cure, and doctors cannot recommend a remedy to relieve his symptoms, as many people experience norovirus differently.

Hydration is very important for recovering from norovirus, as diarrhea and vomiting deplete fluid in the body. Water and electrolyte replenishing drinks such as Pedialyte should be consumed around the clock during an infection.

With regard to nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, doctors recommend that sick patients eat light foods, such as crackers, to help the body feel full during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Meanwhile, painkillers and anti-nausea medications are a good way to help ease the discomfort.

Most people who become ill do not need to seek specialized medical care and can successfully carry the disease at home and in relative isolation so as not to infect others. However, watch out for more severe symptoms of dehydration that persist for several days, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, and dizziness. Particularly in children, dehydration can be manifested by crying without tears and restlessness.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

How to prevent norovirus

As with all viruses, frequent handwashing is key to slowing the spread. But studies show that hand sanitizer can't deal with norovirus because of the virus's unique protective shield, which blocks alcohol's attempts to deactivate the germ and also ensures it stays alive during prolonged exposure to a hard surface like a table or table. door knob.

That's why it's so important to wash your hands—thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds—after every use of the toilet and before putting them to your mouth.

Of course, your hands only stay as clean as the things they touch, so it's crucial to disinfect your home, office, or classroom as often as possible. Use a high level cleaner, namely bleach, and let it work for five minutes before you wipe it off. Then wash off with soap and water.

Read also on ForumDaily:

If you see less of our posts on Facebook, take a couple of simple steps

Eerily beautiful: the five most exciting and dangerous roads in the US

Top 10 states with the lowest college tuition fees for local residents

More and more Americans are living to 100: what factors influenced this

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.