With norovirus cases surging across the country, ThedaCare is advising people about the best ways to avoid the illness and how to manage it if they catch it.
The average year brings approximately 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April.
Dr. Maria Rossi, a family medicine physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Menasha, offers tips for weathering gastroenteritis.
“No one wants to endure a bout of gastroenteritis,” she said. “With rest and self-care measures, most people recover within a few days. If symptoms worsen and become severe, we’re advising people to seek medical attention from their health care provider.”
Defining Gastroenteritis
Norovirus is commonly referred to as the stomach flu. It is a group of viruses that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
“This highly contagious gastrointestinal bug causes sudden bouts of diarrhea and vomiting,” Dr. Rossi said. “And although it’s often called the stomach flu, it isn’t related to seasonal influenza, which causes respiratory illness.”
The disease causes an estimated 109,000 hospitalizations, 21 million illnesses, and 900 deaths annually, according to the CDC.
Highly Contagious
The virus spreads quickly. People who have the virus can shed billions of microscopic particles, and it only takes a few particles to make others sick, according to the CDC.
Norovirus spreads in several ways, including:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food they have handled
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting unwashed fingers in one’s mouth
“The virus spreads easily in confined places like daycare centers, schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships,” Dr. Rossi said. “Foodborne norovirus outbreaks happen occasionally in restaurants. The foods in question typically include fresh fruits, leafy greens, and shellfish.”
Symptoms and Home Care
The most common symptoms of the gastrointestinal infection are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. People also may experience headache, fever, and chills.
For most people, the illness will run its course within one to three days, Dr. Rossi said. She offered the following home care measures to help people recover from the illness:
- Get plenty of rest
- Isolate from others until symptoms resolve
- Rehydrate with ice chips and small sips of water; babies and younger kids can have an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte
- Reintroduce food slowly starting with bland, easily digestible options
- Wash hands frequently and disinfect surfaces when caring for someone who is sick
When to Seek Care
In some instances, gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration.
“This is particularly worrisome for young children, pregnant people, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals,” Dr. Rossi said. “That’s because they are at increased risk for complications.”
Watch for signs of dehydration, Dr. Rossi said. In adults, that includes decreased urine output, dark-colored urine, dry skin, thirst, and dizziness. Signs of dehydration in children include:
- Dry diapers (from a lack of urination)
- Lack of tears
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Sunken fontanel (the soft spot on the top of an infant’s head)
Prevention
To help halt the spread of the virus, Dr. Rossi advises people to follow these steps:
- Wash hands well and often using soap and water.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces.
“Even with the most stringent steps in place, it’s possible to come down with gastroenteritis,” Dr. Rossi said. “If you become ill, take steps to recover at home. Seek care if you think you or a loved one is experiencing dehydration or if symptoms don’t resolve within three days.”
