Tis the season to catch something. First Influenza, COVID, RSV, and the common cold -- and now it appears Norovirus is the next big thing.

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is extremely contagious, with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, body aches, headache, and more.

Symptoms usually last one or two days. However, during that brief period, people can feel very ill and vomit, often violently and without warning, many times a day.

Norovirus spreads easily through close contact or on contaminated food or surfaces. The illness runs its course in a few days.

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Norovirus Prevention

  • Our regularly used hand sanitizers are ineffective against the norovirus. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is a great plan of action.
  • Wash food, primarily fruits and vegetables, well before eating.
  • Cooking food thoroughly also helps to kill the virus.
  • Of course, avoiding people wit the norovirus is essential to prevention.

When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if you’re unable to eat or drink. This can lead to dehydration. You should also contact your provider if you have symptoms that last longer than three days.

The Minnesota Department of Health says,

Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestines. Norovirus is by far the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota and the rest of the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States, and people of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus.

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