Why are stomach flu outbreaks increasing? -Deseret News

Norovirus — the highly contagious stomach flu — is spreading in the U.S. at the highest rate in a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This month, there were 91 outbreaks in the first week of December alone, up from 69 the week before.

The CDC reports that norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the country and “most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact.” It is strongly believed to be the case The numbers are an undercount because norovirus is not reported in many jurisdictions.

Experts told Fortune magazine the increase could be due to more people getting together “for the first time in several years.”

What is Norovirus?

The virus can spread after consuming microscopic particles of infected feces, often after touching a contaminated surface. The disease can spread further by exchanging food and drinks with a sick person with or without symptoms, by eating contaminated food, or by close contact with an infected person.

While norovirus most commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea, it can also cause fever, headaches, and body aches. The Minnesota Department of Health and the Cleveland Clinic add cramps, dehydration, dry mouth, weakness and dizziness to the list of possible symptoms.

Symptoms can appear suddenly.

Noroviruses are more common from November to April, but can also occur year-round. Outbreaks can occur at dining gatherings, in restaurants, on cruise ships, in community settings such as prisons or long-term care facilities, in schools and elsewhere.

Most people recover on their own within about three days. But not everyone survives.

Children under 5 and adults 85 and older are at greatest risk of serious illness. The CDC reports between 19 and 21 million norovirus illnesses in the U.S. each year, with an average of 900 deaths and nearly 110,000 hospitalizations per year. Most of the 465,000 emergency room visits involve young children.

Dehydration is the biggest risk. Signs include decreased urination, dry mouth, and dizziness when standing. In children, dehydration may manifest as excessive sleepiness, restlessness, or crying with few or no tears.

If someone shows signs of severe dehydration, seek medical attention. This is a medical emergency.

Tips for avoiding norovirus

• Washing your hands comes first. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds every time you go to the bathroom, change a diaper, shake someone’s hand, or care for someone who is sick.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and be sure to cook seafood and meat thoroughly.
• Stay at home if you have symptoms of stomach discomfort – even for two days after the last symptoms. And since you can pass on the disease for several weeks afterward, continue to wash your hands regularly.
• Wash laundry in hot water.
• Clean and disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces.

If you get sick:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

According to the CDC, do not take antibiotics because they do not treat the virus. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections.