Cases of norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting disease" or "stomach bug," are climbing across the United States, including in Georgia and South Carolina, according to CDC data and wastewater data.The symptoms of norovirus aren't pleasant."Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort -- sometimes pain is common in people with norovirus," said Dr. Tim Connelly, an internal medicine physician at Memorial Health in Savannah. "We are seeing some of it, not a terribly large amount in Savannah right now, but inevitably we're likely to see more in the near future."Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, food and close contact with infected people. Connelly said one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is also one of the simplest: thorough handwashing with soap and water."Hand sanitizers are a great substitute, but there are some bugs that the hand sanitizers are a little less effective for," he said, noting that soap and water for about 20 seconds is preferred when trying to prevent norovirus.If someone in the household becomes ill, cleaning practices are also critical. Connelly said not all common household cleaners can kill norovirus and recommended using stronger products on frequently touched surfaces."Bleach kills a lot of things, particularly viruses," he said. "So you definitely want to use a bleach-based cleaner on certain surfaces."For those who do get sick, staying hydrated is essential, especially for people experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. "If you're starting to get weak, you're starting to feel faint, or you're having an increase in your symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately because you can have electrolyte abnormalities. You can be dehydrated. It can be very dangerous," he said.There is a swab test available to determine whether someone has norovirus. Connelly said anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor, both to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other illnesses that may be treatable.
Cases of norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting disease" or "stomach bug," are climbing across the United States, including in Georgia and South Carolina, according to CDC data and wastewater data.
The symptoms of norovirus aren't pleasant.
"Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort -- sometimes pain is common in people with norovirus," said Dr. Tim Connelly, an internal medicine physician at Memorial Health in Savannah. "We are seeing some of it, not a terribly large amount in Savannah right now, but inevitably we're likely to see more in the near future."
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, food and close contact with infected people.
Connelly said one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is also one of the simplest: thorough handwashing with soap and water.
"Hand sanitizers are a great substitute, but there are some bugs that the hand sanitizers are a little less effective for," he said, noting that soap and water for about 20 seconds is preferred when trying to prevent norovirus.
If someone in the household becomes ill, cleaning practices are also critical. Connelly said not all common household cleaners can kill norovirus and recommended using stronger products on frequently touched surfaces.
"Bleach kills a lot of things, particularly viruses," he said. "So you definitely want to use a bleach-based cleaner on certain surfaces."
For those who do get sick, staying hydrated is essential, especially for people experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
"If you're starting to get weak, you're starting to feel faint, or you're having an increase in your symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately because you can have electrolyte abnormalities. You can be dehydrated. It can be very dangerous," he said.
There is a swab test available to determine whether someone has norovirus. Connelly said anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor, both to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other illnesses that may be treatable.