Starting early this year (January 2025), the norovirus began infecting more and more people. This time of year is very popular for sicknesses to travel around, so it’s important to know how to be careful and protect yourself from harmful bacteria! You do not want to be one of the 19-21 million cases that happen per year.
The National Library of Medicine states that “starting in 1929, an outbreak occurred, and the sickness was named the “winter vomiting disease.'” Time went on and more winters passed, and the virus was renamed the “Norwalk virus” as they first identified virus was discovered in Norwalk, Ohio, around 1968. Modern technology advanced and the virus was documented as the “Norovirus” when discovering more groups of the bacteria.
Symptoms of this virus often include stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most of the documented cases have experienced all of these and more such as headaches, fevers, and muscle/body aches. This virus is commonly spread through food and water, but also can be spread through surfaces, and direct contact with someone who is infected.
Ways to prevent the virus include:
· Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
· Wash your food before you eat it, the norovirus spreads mostly through fruits and vegetables
· Cook your food all the way, shellfish especially
· Clean and sanitize surfaces
· Wash your clothes and bedding
· Avoid people with norovirus!
Coming from someone who has had norovirus, it is one of the worst I have experienced. Make sure to follow these steps very closely to ensure the safety of your health and don’t end up like me.
The timeline of this virus is not very long, and certainly not deadly, but it is painful to have. The virus usually runs through your system for 24-48 hours and during this time you should stay home, drink lots of fluids, and rest. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this virus, and it is just something that will have to run its course. Stay safe as always and be aware of the risks!