We’re fully in winter virus season. Throughout the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting high levels of many illnesses ― including norovirus , which is commonly known as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu.” As of early December, norovirus cases are double what they were in previous years.
“This year seems to be a banner year for norovirus occurring — there’s a lot of cases being reported,” said Dr. Michael Sweat , the director of the Center for Global Health at the Medical University of South Carolina. The virus is typically most prevalent from November to April, he added.
Norovirus is known to cause some pretty nasty symptoms, but there are steps you can take to stay healthy and things you can do to feel better if you do get sick. Here’s what to know: When you have norovirus, you’ll get sick quickly but won’t stay sick for too long. Once exposed to the virus, you’ll come down with symptoms about 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected, said Dr.
Matthew Lokant , an infectious disease specialist at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. “One of the hallmark symptoms is a rapid onset. Suddenly, you feel very nauseous,” Sweat said.
Although this virus comes on quickly, it runs through folks pretty fast, too. Sweat noted that most people are sick for one to three days, and Dr. Daniel R.
Kuritzkes , the chief of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said that the.
