By WWH Chief of Staff, and Medical Director, Lifestyle Medicine Program, Dr. Kathleen Findlay, MD, MPH, MHCDS, Diplomate-ABFM, ABOIM, ABLM; CYT-200
BALDWIN, WI – On December 17, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that they were seeing a greater than usual number of outbreaks for the norovirus season. It seems that this norovirus season is continuing.
You might know norovirus as the “stomach flu.” Norovirus is not actually an influenza or “flu” virus, but a different type of virus, of which there are many varieties. It is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks and the number one cause of vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately, even if you have had norovirus before, you can get it again. Anyone can get norovirus, but children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections.
Norovirus is found in the stool or vomit of someone who is infected. It can be on a person’s hands and spread by touching them or something they have touched and then touching your mouth. It can also be spread by eating or drinking something that is contaminated with norovirus.
Symptoms of norovirus usually begin 12-48 hours after being exposed and commonly include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Occasionally, people will have low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, and/or fatigue.
While most people recover in 1-3 days, norovirus is very contagious and spreads easily. There is no treatment for norovirus—it is very important to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Someone who has had norovirus can still spread the virus for weeks after they feel better. This can lead to outbreaks in settings such as nursing homes, day care centers, schools, and cruise ships.
Prevention is key with norovirus, and the most important step is handwashing, particularly after using the bathroom/changing diapers and before touching food. People with vomiting and diarrhea should stay home and should not handle food for 48 hours after symptoms are gone. If someone in your home is sick, clean and disinfect surfaces that they have been in contact with and wash their laundry in hot water.
References: cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html. Norovirus | Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
