The U.S. is seeing a "quad-demic" as cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV and norovirus spread at the same time. Experts said this is what you need to know.
Norovirus, also known as the stomach bug, is spreading across the U.S. Here's what to know about the contagious virus and how best to prevent an infection.
The cases mark the fourth norovirus outbreak on Holland America ships since early December, following others on its Eurodam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam vessels. Other companies, including Cunard Line and Princess Cruises also saw outbreaks in recent weeks.
As many people know all too well, norovirus is a wicked illness. It causes gastroenteritis, a fancy name for violent
You can also get norovirus by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated and then putting your hands in your mouth without washing them first. Hand-washing with soap and water is key, as hand sanitizer will not do the trick in the case of norovirus, experts say.
The brief but miserable symptoms have no treatment except hydration and rest. Doctors have several tips on how to stop the spread.
No. Hand sanitizer is simply not as effective against norovirus as it at killing other pathogens due to the virus's firm shell, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told TODAY.com recently.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A new strain of Norovirus is impacting children and adults, and it’s spreading in our state. Respiratory illnesses continue to surge, that’s because it’s colder and more people are indoors allowing germs to spread, but it can be prevented.
Rates of norovirus in that CDC system have reached levels at or above last season's peak in all regions of the country. Norovirus test positivity rates look to be the worst in the Midwest, in a grouping of states spanning Kansas through Michigan.
"It is too early to tell if this strain is associated with more severe norovirus disease but likely lower population immunity is the reason for the early surge of an otherwise seasonal increase of this virus," Jan Vinjé, head of the CDC's CaliciNet system, told CBS News in an email.
“Commonly known as the stomach flu, norovirus has been around forever, and has become the leading cause of gastroenteritis or inflammation of the intestinal tract that causes vomiting and diarrhea,” says Dr. Edmund Milder, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego Health.