Stomach Bug Alert: Norovirus Outbreaks Increase in Winter

Hey there, did you know that norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the US? Well, get ready for some not-so-fun facts. Recently, the number of norovirus outbreaks in the US has gone up. In just one week, from December 5 to December 12, the cases jumped from 69 to 91. That's a lot of people getting sick! Norovirus spreads like wildfire because it only takes a few virus particles to make someone ill. And guess what? It's most common during the cold months, from November to April. You might be thinking, "What are the symptoms? " Good question! Sudden vomiting and diarrhea are the top signs, along with nausea, stomach pain, and sometimes a fever. So, how do you catch it? Mostly through contact with infected people, like sharing food or using the same utensils. But it can also spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Once you get it, symptoms usually show up within a day or two and last for about one to three days. The thing is, while most people get better quickly, norovirus is no joke. It causes around 20 million illnesses in the US each year, leading to about 900 deaths and over 100, 000 hospitalizations, often among older adults. Plus, it sends hundreds of thousands of people to the ER, mostly kids. Anyone can get norovirus, but some people are at higher risk. Young kids, seniors, and those with weak immune systems need to be extra careful. Dehydration is the biggest worry, so staying hydrated is key. There's no magic pill to cure norovirus, so drinking lots of water and avoiding things like coffee, tea, and alcohol is important. To protect yourself, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before meals. And don't forget to clean surfaces with household disinfectants. Stay safe out there!