This “perfect pathogen” is tougher than you think—Learn the secret to beating norovirus now!
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As the seasons shift and the chill of winter settles in, it's not just the cold air that's catching.
A formidable foe known as norovirus, often dubbed the “winter vomiting disease,” or the less-than-charming “two-bucket disease,” is making its unwelcome presence felt across the nation.
But what exactly is norovirus, and why is it so notoriously difficult to combat?
Often referred to as “the perfect human pathogens,” noroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever, and body aches.
They spread rapidly through tiny droplets of vomit and on surfaces, and because they mutate frequently, it's possible to be infected with norovirus multiple times throughout your life.
This highly contagious virus, which causes both vomiting and diarrhea, is on the rise, with recent wastewater data and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating a significant spike in cases.
In fact, the week of December 5th saw at least 91 outbreaks reported, more than double the maximum number of outbreaks typically recorded during the same period in previous years.
Outbreaks can happen at any time but are most common from November to April.
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, consuming contaminated food or liquids, and, notably, through shellfish such as oysters and clams that have filtered virus-laden untreated sewage.
It usually travels in vomit and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last from 1 to 3 days.
However, even after symptoms subside, individuals can remain contagious for up to two weeks. The intense vomiting and diarrhea associated with norovirus can lead to severe dehydration, a particular concern for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
There's no specific medicine to treat norovirus–instead, symptoms are managed with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
The best defense against norovirus is diligent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
Hand sanitizers are not very effective against norovirus due to its hardy protein shell, or capsid, which protects it from alcohol-based disinfectants.
This resilience also makes norovirus a challenge to clean from surfaces, where it can linger for weeks or even months.
When disinfecting contaminated areas, it's crucial to wear gloves, use bleach, and allow the disinfectant to sit for at least five minutes.
Disposable paper towels are recommended over reusable rags, and any clothing or bedding used by an infected person should be washed with detergent at the highest heat setting possible.
Despite the challenges norovirus presents, there is hope on the horizon.
Moderna has initiated a phase three trial in the U.S. for a vaccine using mRNA technology, aiming to test it in 25,000 adults worldwide.
While there's currently no approved vaccine, this trial represents a significant step forward in the fight against a virus that causes approximately 200,000 deaths globally each year.
Remember that norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145°F, so quick steaming will not kill the virus.
Even if you have had norovirus before, you can still be infected every year, because there are various types of the bug due to the rapid mutation rate seen in RNA viruses.
As we navigate the peak norovirus season, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, practice good hygiene, and be proactive in disinfecting surfaces.
Source: @rubin_allergy / Tiktok.
In earlier news, we shared a must-have norovirus survival kit. As we face a new year, let’s remain prepared and vigilant. Learn about the essentials to combat and handle norovirus in this story here.
Have you had any experiences with norovirus? Do you have any tips for staying healthy during the winter months? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
A formidable foe known as norovirus, often dubbed the “winter vomiting disease,” or the less-than-charming “two-bucket disease,” is making its unwelcome presence felt across the nation.
But what exactly is norovirus, and why is it so notoriously difficult to combat?
Often referred to as “the perfect human pathogens,” noroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever, and body aches.
They spread rapidly through tiny droplets of vomit and on surfaces, and because they mutate frequently, it's possible to be infected with norovirus multiple times throughout your life.
This highly contagious virus, which causes both vomiting and diarrhea, is on the rise, with recent wastewater data and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating a significant spike in cases.
In fact, the week of December 5th saw at least 91 outbreaks reported, more than double the maximum number of outbreaks typically recorded during the same period in previous years.
Norovirus is highly contagious and known for causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Image source: Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio.
Outbreaks can happen at any time but are most common from November to April.
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, consuming contaminated food or liquids, and, notably, through shellfish such as oysters and clams that have filtered virus-laden untreated sewage.
It usually travels in vomit and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last from 1 to 3 days.
However, even after symptoms subside, individuals can remain contagious for up to two weeks. The intense vomiting and diarrhea associated with norovirus can lead to severe dehydration, a particular concern for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
There's no specific medicine to treat norovirus–instead, symptoms are managed with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
The best defense against norovirus is diligent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
Hand sanitizers are not very effective against norovirus due to its hardy protein shell, or capsid, which protects it from alcohol-based disinfectants.
This resilience also makes norovirus a challenge to clean from surfaces, where it can linger for weeks or even months.
When disinfecting contaminated areas, it's crucial to wear gloves, use bleach, and allow the disinfectant to sit for at least five minutes.
Disposable paper towels are recommended over reusable rags, and any clothing or bedding used by an infected person should be washed with detergent at the highest heat setting possible.
Despite the challenges norovirus presents, there is hope on the horizon.
Moderna has initiated a phase three trial in the U.S. for a vaccine using mRNA technology, aiming to test it in 25,000 adults worldwide.
While there's currently no approved vaccine, this trial represents a significant step forward in the fight against a virus that causes approximately 200,000 deaths globally each year.
Remember that norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145°F, so quick steaming will not kill the virus.
Even if you have had norovirus before, you can still be infected every year, because there are various types of the bug due to the rapid mutation rate seen in RNA viruses.
As we navigate the peak norovirus season, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, practice good hygiene, and be proactive in disinfecting surfaces.
Source: @rubin_allergy / Tiktok.
In earlier news, we shared a must-have norovirus survival kit. As we face a new year, let’s remain prepared and vigilant. Learn about the essentials to combat and handle norovirus in this story here.
