“Stomach flu” isn’t flu at all – it may be norovirus

At this time of year we often focus attention on influenza, or flu, and that is good! It’s important to remember that flu is a respiratory illness. What some people call “stomach flu” really is an infectious illness with vomiting and diarrhea. During fall and winter months, a primary cause of gastrointestinal illness is a germ called norovirus.Norovirus is responsible for more than 21 million cases of gastrointestinal illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And more than half of all foodborne illness outbreaks can be attributed to noroviruses. In El Paso County during October alone, the Health Department investigated four norovirus outbreaks at institutionalized health care settings, affecting frail patients. These outbreaks serve as indicators of what is circulating in the rest of the community and what may cause sickness in your home.Common symptoms of norovirus infection include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Symptoms usually begin one or two days after exposure to the virus but may appear as early as 12 hours after exposure. The illness typically comes on suddenly, and the vomiting and diarrhea can be frequent. Lack of proper fluid intake can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children or the elderly.People can become infected with norovirus in several ways:

• Being in close contact or sharing food or drink with someone who is ill with norovirus
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus: This could happen if an infected person prepares food for other people while they are sick.
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands

One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and others from norovirus (and many other illnesses) is to wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.When you are sick with gastrointestinal illness, drink plenty of fluids so you don’t become dehydrated and contact your health care provider if you are concerned about your symptoms. Remember, antibiotics do not work with viruses such as norovirus.For more information, visit our Web site, www.elpasocountyhealth.org.

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How to limit spread of norovirus if you or someone in your household has a gastrointestinal illness:

• Do not handle, prepare or serve food to others while you have symptoms and for at least 48 hours after you feel better; norovirus stays in stool for several days after the illness has resolved.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea (use hot water).