As winter descends upon us, so does the height of norovirus season, so much so that Colorado is witnessing an uptick in outbreaks, a trend that stretches beyond any typical "stomach bug". The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is raising awareness that what you might think is just a touch of flu, could be norovirus, which manifests through symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
As reported by DDPHE, the impact of norovirus in the U.S. is palpable, with the virus becoming the main cause of gastrointestinal distress across ages, Americans endure an estimated 19 to 21 million cases of illness due to this virus, which can lead to around 900 deaths, approximately 109,000 hospitalizations, over 450,000 emergency department visits largely among young children, and nearly 2.3 million outpatient clinic visits annually again mostly consisting of young children., with older adults and young children being particularly susceptible to more severe outcomes.
According to DDPHE guidelines, to ward off this aggressive virus, hand hygiene tops the list of preventive measures, scrubbing hands for a full 20 seconds with soap and water is paramount as hand sanitizers alone won't cut it against norovirus. Additionally, you should rinse your fruits and veggies, thoroughly cook your shellfish, and avoid playing chef if you're feeling under the weather, especially for a period extending to two days post-symptom cessation.
When norovirus invades a household the battle to halt its spread doesn't end with personal hygiene, the DDPHE recommends a strict protocol for environmental cleanliness too that includes cleaning and disinfecting surfaces specifically with products that are effective against norovirus since the run-of-the-mill wipes won't necessarily do the job, it's crucial to verify the kill list on your cleaning products and look for the mention of norovirus, staying home when sick and avoiding food preparation for others are key, along with laundering clothes in hot water to eliminate any traces of the virus lurking around.
It's worth noting that norovirus isn't a one-and-done deal, catching it once doesn't grant immunity to the numerous strains out there, which means re-infection is a possibility. Thus, staying vigilant remains essential throughout what's typically the peak norovirus season, spanning from November to April. In a community setting, this vigilance is even more critical as the virus can proliferate rapidly in places like childcare centers, schools, and long-term care facilities where close contact is common. So, this holiday season, take the time to spread cheer while stopping the spread of norovirus
