A serious outbreak of norovirus, also called the stomach flu, is spreading across the United States, and doctors are sharing advice on how to stay safe. Here’s what you need to know about this highly contagious illness.
Why this matters?
The stomach flu isn’t your typical seasonal bug—it’s highly contagious and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s now at its highest levels for this time of year in over a decade. In the week of December 5, there were 91 reported outbreaks, compared to an average of 65 during the same week from 2012 to 2020.
Norovirus causes a lot of trouble each year in the U.S., with an estimated 19 to 21 million cases, around 109,000 hospitalizations, and about 900 deaths. Older adults are especially at risk, making prevention incredibly important.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for over half of all such infections annually. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, describes the illness as “brief but fierce.”
Most people start feeling sick with a sudden episode of vomiting, followed by more vomiting and diarrhea. While most recover in one to three days, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of dehydration and might need hospitalization to recover.
Although the virus tends to peak from November to April, it can strike at any time. Dr. Jatin Vyas, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University Medical School in New York City, explained that outbreaks are often linked to our food supply, making norovirus a year-round issue. Leafy greens, fresh fruits, and shellfish are some of the most common culprits.
Interestingly, freezing contaminated food doesn’t kill the virus, and it takes a sustained temperature of over 140 degrees Fahrenheit to get rid of it. This makes certain foods, like uncooked salads, particularly risky.
How to protect yourself
Here’s where things get tricky. Norovirus is incredibly contagious—just 10 viral particles can make someone sick. It spreads quickly in crowded spaces, so practicing good hygiene is essential.
Handwashing with soap and water is your best defense. Hand sanitizer doesn’t work as well against norovirus, so stick to good old-fashioned soap. Avoid close contact with anyone who’s sick, and make sure to clean surfaces regularly since the virus can linger on objects for hours.
One outbreak, for instance, was traced back to contaminated playing cards at a bridge club. Kitchen items used by someone sick, or exposed to contaminated food, should be thoroughly cleaned with heat and soap.
Even washing fruits and vegetables can help, though it’s not guaranteed to completely eliminate the risk.
What’s next?
Unfortunately, there’s no specific vaccine for norovirus yet, though Moderna has started trials for one. Until then, prevention is your best bet. Stay vigilant, practice good hygiene, and be extra cautious with food and shared surfaces.
With a little care and attention, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this tough virus. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you or someone in your family feels severely dehydrated.
