Adam’s Journal
It seems that quite a few friends and coworkers have come down with stomach bugs in the past month or so. Is it just a coincidence, or is there a larger trend at work here?
Dr. James Prescribes
For early December, which is the most recent data available, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a surge in the number of cases of norovirus, the virus most frequently responsible for vomiting and diarrhea.
This uptick is not uncommon for this time of year, when people spend more time together indoors. Still, according to the CDC, “This year, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks have exceeded the numbers that we’ve seen recently and in the years before the pandemic.”
I know it may seem like ancient history, but the pandemic may actually have a fair amount to do with this year’s norovirus spike.
Both during and in the aftermath of the pandemic, people traveled less. They also were more vigilant about handwashing. Both of these reduced the spread of norovirus.
However, the body’s immune system has only a limited memory when it comes to norovirus. When the virus doesn’t circulate widely for a few years, we lose our immunity to it. So, when it reappears, we’re more likely to become sickened.
Fortunately, symptoms are relatively short-lived, with most people beginning to feel better in one to three days. Still, it’s important to stay vigilant, as people can remain contagious even after they are no longer symptomatic.
For that reason, it’s important that those who get sick stay home and away from others for 48 hours after they are asymptomatic. To prevent the virus from spreading, those who are infected should wash their hands frequently and clean all clothing and linens in hot water, which kills the virus. In addition, be sure to thoroughly cook shellfish and wash fruits and vegetables before consuming.
While misery-inducing, norovirus is typically not life-threatening. Most years, the virus claims the lives of fewer than 1,000 Americans, most of whom have significant underlying health issues.
There is one final silver lining to the current uptick: In the years that follow surges, we typically see a drop-off in cases.
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Dr. Judith James is executive vice president and chief medical officer of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Adam Cohen is OMRF’s senior vice president and general counsel. Send your health questions to contact@omrf.org.
