Hendrick Health physician shares what to look for with norovirus

The last several weeks, the country has seen a rise in norovirus, commonly known as the stomach bug. This highly contagious gastrointestinal virus spreads through shared surfaces, close contact with someone with the virus and eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages.

Dr. Hudson Beard, infectious disease physician at Hendrick Health, said norovirus typically causes nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as stomach pains and discomfort.

Young children are more likely to catch the norovirus, but individuals of all ages are susceptible.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends the following to fight against the norovirus:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Hand sanitizer alone does not eliminate norovirus germs.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using an EPA-registered antimicrobial product effective against norovirus or a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (1/3 cup to 1.5 cups of bleach per gallon of water) and let air dry for five minutes.
• Wash laundry in hot water to ensure proper sanitization.
• Wash produce thoroughly to avoid consuming contaminated food.

The virus is contagious for up to two weeks or more after symptoms resolve, so it’s important to follow the recommended steps until then to prevent the spread of infection.

Recommended treatments include drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, following a bland diet to help settle the stomach and staying home for the duration of symptoms and for 48 hours after symptoms resolve.