Yet another illness causing havoc in US
This time, it’s norovirus – and hand sanitizer isn’t the best answer
It’s time to scrub those hands extra well once again, as an extremely unpleasant illness is on the rise across the U.S.
The illness in question? Norovirus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases have increased across the U.S., but especially in the Northeast. (Our fingers are crossed it skips over Yuma County!)
But in case it doesn’t, here’s what you need to know.
“Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus,” the CDC notes.
It spreads through tiny particles of feces or vomit, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, as well as fever, headache and body aches.
In fact, it’s the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, the CDC reports.
Those symptoms can start anywhere from 12-48 hours after exposure, and for most people, recovery happens within one to three days.
However, and this is the kicker, people may still be able to spread the virus for up to two weeks after their recovery, the CDC says, noting someone can shed billions of microscopic norovirus particles.
However, it only takes a few particles to make someone sick, the CDC notes.
It’s a gross, unpleasant experience, readers, and one we highly recommend taking steps to avoid.
So what can you do to prevent it?
Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, before eating or preparing food, after shaking hands, and whenever you are caring for someone who is sick.
And readers – don’t rely on hand sanitizer to prevent norovirus. The CDC notes it does not work well in preventing the illness. In this situation, washing your hands really well is the better option.
The CDC also recommends washing all fruits and veggies well; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and washing laundry in hot water. Apparently, noroviruses are “relatively resistant:” heat, and can survive temperatures as high as 145 degrees.
And if you should get sick, the CDC recommends staying hydrated, drinking lots of fluids to replace those you are losing from the unpleasant symptoms.
Readers, wash those hands, and stay safe out there!