There is a new health alert to be aware of. Cases of stomach virus (norovirus) are increasing across the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that positive tests for norovirus in the Northeastern United States have reached nearly 14% in recent weeks. This is the highest number nationwide.
The New York City Department of Health website does not have specific numbers on cases but tracks reported symptoms during emergency room visits. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers have visited the emergency room due to vomiting and diarrhea in recent months.
Norovirus is a common stomach virus that is highly contagious and can be transmitted through food and personal contact. Sharing utensils, changing diapers, consuming contaminated food or drinks, or touching infected surfaces or objects can cause infections, according to the Department of Health.
In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, fever, chills, aches, and fatigue.
Doctors say the best way to avoid the virus is to wash hands frequently.
Although it is called gastroenteritis or “stomach flu,” noroviruses are not related to the flu, also known as influenza.
Symptoms can start one to two days after infection but usually last only one to three days.
What is the treatment for norovirus?
According to doctors, there is no specific or antiviral treatment for norovirus. Hydration is key to replenishing fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea, specialists noted, which means drinking plenty of water, Pedialyte, or sports drinks.
Then it’s just a matter of eating light foods and trying to let them pass through the body, which usually takes one to three days. Over-the-counter anti-nausea medications and pain relievers can also be used to relieve symptoms, experts say.
Cases in the Northeast have been rising since mid-November, according to CDC data. In the past two years, norovirus cases have increased in February and March.
Source: NBC News