A woman vomits.Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
Cases ofnorovirusare surging in the United States — particularly in the Northeast, where CDC data has showna steady increasein people with the illness.
“Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus,”the CDC explains.
The way norovirus is transmitted is just as unpleasant as the illness.
The Northeast is seeing a surge of norovirus cases.Getty Images
Due to how it’s transmitted, norovirus spreads easily in close quarters such asschoolsorcruise ships,which last summer saw a record 13 outbreaks ofnorovirus before July.
TheCovid-era recommendationtowash your handswith soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can help avoid the spread of norovirus,the CDC says.
Hand sanitizer, on the other hand, “does not work well." The Mayo Clinic echoes this, recommending soap and water overalcohol-based sanitizers.
Regular handwashing helps stop the spread of norovirus.Getty Images
However, “for some people — especially young children, older adults and people with other medical conditions — vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention,” theMayo Clinicsays.
Warning signs of dehydration include fatigue and dry mouth. Parents are cautioned to monitor their children, as those “who are dehydrated might cry with few or no tears. They might be unusually sleepy or fussy.”
In these extreme cases, intravenous hydration might be required.
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source: people.com
