Cooler weather and lots of indoor activities and gatherings each year can lead to an increase in a variety of viral infections. One of the most common, often referred to as "stomach flu," is a group called "norovirus."
Noroviruses are different from those that cause influenza and other respiratory infections. Millions of people across the country suffer from vomiting and/or diarrhea each year after catching this virus, which usually starts abruptly and lasts for only a couple of days.
Stomach cramps, headache and fever are also common with this illness. For most people the illness is very uncomfortable, but they recover completely with no after-effects. However, people unable to drink enough fluids to replace what is lost through vomiting or diarrhea should seek a doctor's care.
Viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea (also called viral gastroenteritis) are passed to others by those who are ill, especially if hands have not been washed carefully after using the bathroom. Material can be passed directly by close contact - touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or faucet handles, or preparing food. People living in close quarters, such as nursing homes, dormitories and cruise ships are especially likely to come in contact with the virus when someone is infected.
Here are some tips to help keep yourself and your family healthy:
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Don't prepare food for others when you are ill.
Stay home from school and work and avoid contact with well persons until you recover.
Thoroughly clean household surfaces that may have been soiled during illness.
See a health care provider if you or a family member is unable to drink enough fluids during illness or does not recover readily. - Washington State Department of Health
Posted January 15th, 2007 by harminka
