Posted on 01/09/2007 12:21:17 PM PST by Bella_Bru
You have to go to the link...Gannett and all.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.aol.com ...
Lasts for a shorter period of time.
VERY unfortunate title...
What are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including:
* Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) * caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae) * small round structured viruses.
Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person’s body.
What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses?
The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults. Most people with norovirus illness have both of these symptoms.
What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses?
Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including: * stomach flu – this “stomach flu” is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. * viral gastroenteritis – the most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. * acute gastroenteritis * non-bacterial gastroenteritis * food poisoning (although there are other causes of food poisoning) * calicivirus infection
How serious is norovirus disease?
People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated and may need special medical attention. This problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.
How do people become infected with noroviruses?
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:
* eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; * touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth; * having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).
Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments.
We had this right before Christmas.
IT HURT!
I don't touch door handles in public places and I use a paper towel after washing to open the door to the restroom to exit. I wait for someone to come out or in the store front if the don't have automatic doors, and hold the door by the frame up high if necessary,........
"We live in a civilized nation...maybe we should start acting as if we do."
I just got over this crap, even though I was in a known contaminated environment and washed my hands ALL THE TIME. Very contageous, nasty stuf.
Noro is mistakenly called a flu. It's a nasty and hardy virus. If can be avoided though if people are careful.
Nancy's Fault.
Katha Pollit makes even her own co-workers barf.
I do that too, in restrooms, and sometimes think I'm being silly, but I haven't had so much as a head cold in several years, let alone anything more serious.
It only takes a few particles of the virus to get it. So you touch a doorknob that some disgusting person who didn't wash their hands touches and then you rub your eyes and guess what? Hello porcelain throne....
and All thru the house
Not a person was stirring
I do too, but I still seem to catch everything that comes along.
I'm an emetophobe so I have been avoiding anyone who might make me barf. LOL.
Same here. No colds or "flu" (it ain't flu!) in several years.........
In the EYE? I figured it had to actually hit the disgestive tract.
Sorry to hear that. What a terrible way to spend Christmas that must have been for you.
No need to go to that extent. Just keep your hands off of your face, and use an alcohol gel hand disinfectant when needed, like after holding a menu (but before touching silverware and glasses).
And you're on FR?........
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