Why norovirus is so hard to kill: What doesn’t work and how to protect yourself
Norovirus, sometimes called the “winter vomiting disease” or “two-bucket disease” — because it causes both vomiting and diarrhea — is on the rise across the nation, even as seasonal flu is taking off and walking pneumonia rages on.
Norovirus, sometimes called the “winter vomiting disease” or “two-bucket disease” — because it causes both vomiting and diarrhea — is on the rise across the nation, even as seasonal flu is taking off and walking pneumonia rages on.
Wastewater data and reports from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention have shown a significant spike in norovirus in the last few weeks, with rates far exceeding those of the past few years.
At least 91 outbreaks were reported the week of Dec. 5, more than double the maximum number of outbreaks reported in the same time frame over the last several years.
What is norovirus and how can you stay protected?
Noroviruses have been called “the perfect human pathogens.” They’re a type of highly contagious stomach bug that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, along with headache, fever and body aches. It spreads fast and far on surfaces and through the air in tiny droplets of vomit. Most people fully recover, but only after days of misery. Because it mutates, people can get sick with a norovirus every year.
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