Stuffy noses and annoying coughs aren’t the only symptoms of winter illness that are showing up right now. Many people are also infected with norovirus, an unpleasant stomach bug. The highly contagious virus is on the rise in many states across the country.
What is norovirus? “It’s the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea and actually foodborne illness in the United States,” said Dr. Brintha Vasagar, a family physician in Wisconsin.
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These are the two most common symptoms, but fever, body aches, and stomach pain are also sometimes reported.
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“We typically experience higher norovirus infection rates from November to April, so we’re still early in the season,” Vasagar added.
Dr. Camille Gooden, an internist at NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk, said there is currently an increase in norovirus cases, but they are slightly below levels seen at this time last year. However, “recently, with the surge in norovirus… we are seeing more positive tests,” Gooden added. This is due to a new strain of the virus.
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The virus spreads easily and in a different way than other winter viruses. Here’s what you need to know:
Norovirus is spread through vomit and fecal particles.
Common winter illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 are spread through coughs and sneezes, but norovirus spreads differently.
“Traditionally, this is [spread through] “We call it the fecal-oral route, which is from stool to mouth, but it’s a very resilient virus, so it’s not like you’re licking someone else’s poop,” said Dr. Ross Newman, a pediatrician in Oregon and a medical communicator on social media.
Instead, he explained, contaminated particles end up on people’s hands or surfaces they touch, and sometimes become airborne.
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If a person infected with norovirus fails to wash their hands properly and then dry their hands with a towel after using the toilet, the towel can become a carrier of the virus. Then, if an uninfected person uses that towel to dry their hands, they can become infected.
Newman added: “It can be on surfaces for a long time… It can be on blankets, gloves, clothing, hair, skin… or it can just come from dirty hands.”
Gooden added that contaminated surfaces can be a “source of transmission,” which is how norovirus is typically spread in long-term care facilities, day care centers and cruise ships — all places where people come into close proximity and touch the same doorknobs, tables, light switches and toys.
It can also be spread through food.
Norovirus can also be spread through contaminated food, Gooden said. “You can also get sick if you eat contaminated food that has not been washed properly,” Gooden noted.
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This could come from patients preparing food or even from contaminated raw produce, she said.
“You want to make sure when you eat raw vegetables and raw fruits that they’re washed properly because sometimes, even on a farm, you can be exposed to norovirus through the irrigation system,” Gooden said.
You don’t need any fancy produce soap, Gooden says, washing produce thoroughly with water is enough to kill the virus.
Norovirus can also be spread through shellfish contaminated by infected water. In this case, fully cooked shellfish can kill the virus, Wasaga said.
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Hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus, so proper hand washing is crucial for prevention.
“The best way to protect yourself is really good hand washing, and you have to use soap and water,” Gooden said. “You don’t necessarily rely on hand sanitizer, especially if you’ve touched a contaminated surface or been in contact with someone who has norovirus.”
A quick wash of your hands isn’t enough; use hot water and soap, and wash your hands “a full Happy Birthday, twice,” Wasaga stressed. “Most people don’t wash their hands long enough to really make a difference.”
In addition to hand-washing, frequent disinfecting of surfaces with bleach-based cleaners and washing sheets can also kill the virus, Wasaga noted. This is especially important if someone in your family is sick.
“The spread of this virus … is so contagious that you really have to work to make sure that no one else in the household gets it,” Wasaga said.
Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea. Grace Cary via Getty Images
If you are sick, stay home, stay hydrated and monitor for serious symptoms.
“Norovirus-related vomiting usually lasts shorter, 24 to 48 hours, but diarrhea can last up to two weeks,” Newman said.
Newman added that people are most contagious in the first day or two after showing symptoms, but they can spread the virus for weeks after that.
If you’re sick, stay home as much as possible (and keep sick kids home), three experts told The Huffington Post. Also watch out for dehydration, which is “the biggest concern with complications from most stomach ailments,” Newman says.
“You lose a lot of fluids with vomiting and a lot of fluids with diarrhea,” Wasaga said. Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urination, dizziness, dry mouth, confusion, and fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
To prevent dehydration, Gooden notes, drink plenty of fluids, whether it’s water, tea, Gatorade or soup. Even if you vomit, you should still drink small amounts of fluids.
“It is important to monitor the development of severe symptoms,” Gooden said. “If your symptoms persist for more than 72 hours, I generally recommend contacting your health care professional.”
Gooden added that if you have a fever, severe abdominal pain or blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention.
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