Aitkin County has had an increase in Norovirus, often dubbed the “stomach flu” during the past few weeks. Students were affected during the holidays. Care centers have recently had widespread outbreaks.
Norovirus is actually not a flu or influenza and is not covered by your flu shot. Norovirus is a gastroenteritis illness. Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines causes vomiting or diarrhea or both. Sometimes people also have nausea, abdominal cramping, a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or tiredness.
Norovirus is very contagious and is spread through direct contact with vomit or diarrhea or anything contaminated by them. It is also passed on through poor hand washing after using the bathroom or before eating.
You can prevent the transmission of Norovirus by taking some extra precautions. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 50-60 seconds. Norovirus can NOT be completely removed with alcohol based hand sanitizers. Wash before you leave home and immediately upon return, but especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Don’t share towels for drying your hands. If you have visited with anyone who has recently been ill with the virus, wash your clothing. When shopping, utilize available cleaning supplies and wipe off cart handles before use. Wash foods that may have been exposed to Norovirus, including fresh produce. Clean surfaces that may have been contaminated with bleach. Remember, the Norovirus can live on surfaces for up to two weeks.
Thirty percent of the people are infected, but have no symptoms, so frequent hand washing is important for everyone. Norovirus gathers strength 12-48 hours before symptoms appear. If you have symptoms of Norovirus, stay home. Do NOT visit patients at the nursing homes or hospitals. Drink plenty of fluids. The very old and the very young are especially vulnerable to becoming dehydrated during illness.
You will be very infectious for the 48 hours after your last symptom. You will remain somewhat infectious for two – three weeks. Limit your contact with people who are more susceptible, including small children, the elderly, and those who have existing health issues. They are more at risk for severe infection or ongoing complications.
For more information, you may visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/overview.html or call Aitkin County Health & Human Services at 218-927-7200 or 1- 800-328-3744.