It\u2019s the holiday guest no one invited. <\/p>\n
The notorious \u201cwinter vomiting disease\u201d is spreading rapidly across the country, with cases of the potentially deadly virus doubling over the past few months as Americans head into peak party season.<\/p>\n
Health officials are sounding the alarm, urging the public to take steps to protect themselves from the highly contagious stomach bug. Here\u2019s everything you need to know to stay one step ahead of it.<\/p>\n
freshidea \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
What is the \u201cwinter vomiting disease\u201d?<\/p>\n
Better known as norovirus, this microscopic menace is the nation\u2019s leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis, which inflames the stomach and intestines, according to the CDC<\/a>. <\/p>\n It\u2019s also the top source of foodborne illness in the US, responsible for nearly 60% of all cases.<\/p>\n Each year, about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported nationwide, resulting in roughly 900 deaths. The infection also drives 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 emergency department visits and up to 21 million illnesses annually. <\/p>\n What are the symptoms of norovirus? <\/p>\n The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, with some people also developing a headache, fever or body aches, according to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>. <\/p>\n Symptoms typically hit 12 to 48 hours after exposure and usually clear on their own within 24 to 72 hours. There\u2019s no cure or specific treatment for norovirus, but staying hydrated is essential to replace lost fluids. <\/p>\n Dragana Gordic \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n While most people recover quickly, adults 65 and older, young children and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness or death. <\/p>\n How does norovirus spread? <\/p>\n Primarily through contact with the virus, which is present in the vomit or feces of an infected person. You can continue spreading the virus for up to two weeks after you start feeling better.<\/p>\n People can become infected by having direct contact with someone who is sick, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cWe hear about it on cruise ships<\/a> because you\u2019ve got these packed environments, but cruise ships only account for about 1% of outbreaks,\u201d Dr. Joanna Turner Bisgrove<\/a>, a family physician and assistant professor of family medicine at Rush University Medical Center, told the American Medical Association<\/a>. <\/p>\n Norovirus most often spreads in health care facilities, restaurants, catered events, schools<\/a> and child care centers, Bisgrove said. <\/p>\n What are norovirus cases like now? <\/p>\n Norovirus levels in wastewater have jumped 69% nationwide since October, with the Northeast and Midwest seeing the biggest increases, according to data from WastewaterSCAN<\/a>, a Stanford University-led tracking tool. <\/p>\n \u201cRight now, we\u2019re in the high category for norovirus at the national level,\u201d Amanda Bidwell, scientific program manager for WastewaterSCAN, told NBC News<\/a>.<\/p>\n The latest CDC data<\/a> shows that 14% of norovirus tests are now coming back positive, up from roughly 7% three months ago. <\/p>\n That\u2019s still below last winter\u2019s record-breaking surge, when positive tests peaked at nearly 25%. <\/p>\n How to stop the spread of norovirus<\/p>\n First: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, the CDC recommends. <\/p>\n tan4ikk \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n That\u2019s especially important after using the restroom, changing diapers, before eating or handling food, and before giving medicine to yourself or someone else. <\/p>\n Notable, unlike for many other viruses, hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing. <\/p>\n You should also disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like counters, doorknobs and cell phones, as well as children\u2019s toys. <\/p>\n But, as Bisgrove notes, \u201cgetting norovirus off of surfaces is tricky because it is resistant to most disinfectants and hand sanitizers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn fact, norovirus can stay on food, countertops and serving utensils for up to two weeks, even at freezing temperatures and until heated to above 140\u00ba F,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n