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When you hear about a norovirus outbreak, cruise ships may be the first thing that comes to mind.
But the nasty virus that many people refer to as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu” is more common than you may realize, and there have been multiple outbreaks this year.
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Norovirus, which sickens 19 to 21 million people in the U.S. every year, spreads quickly from person to person in enclosed places like nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.
It can also cause outbreaks at restaurants if contaminated food is served or people handling food are sick.
How do you know you have it? These symptoms will come on fast:
Symptoms usually last between 24 and 48 hours, primary care physician Dr. John Hong told Clark.com.
Norovirus can be spread by consuming contaminated food or water, but most infections occur when infected people give the virus to others, even by doing something as simple as shaking hands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to protect yourself:
Norovirus can be found in your stool before you start feeling sick, the CDC said. The virus can stay in your stool for up to two weeks or more after you feel better.
That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands thoroughly, especially during this period.
As Dr. Hong explains in the video below, you may want to go to the ER or an urgent care facility if you can’t hold anything down because over-the-counter medications haven’t been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting.
And make sure to stay hydrated to replace fluids that are lost from throwing up and diarrhea, the CDC recommends.
RELATED: DIY cold remedy: How to make a Starbucks ”˜Medicine Ball’ drink at home
This post was last modified on December 21, 2017 11:16 am
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