There are repeated outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus in the USA. Also known as the “winter sickness virus” or “stomach flu,” the seasonal illness is at its highest levels in more than a decade this time of year.

Officials reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December. This is the highest level at this time of year since at least 2012 and one of the highest case numbers reported at any time of year in the past 12 years.

Because this data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently only covers 15 states, it does not provide a comprehensive picture of norovirus across the country. The increasing number of cases could be influenced by more states joining the program over the years.

Still, it reflects spikes and trends in the spread of the virus, which typically becomes more widespread between November and April each year. The U.S. reports about 2,500 outbreaks per year, typically peaking in February.

This year it appears to be hitting harder and earlier, possibly because more people are gathering “for the first time in several years,” experts said Assets Magazine.

Increase in seasonal illnesses

Many countries are experiencing a surge in multiple seasonal viruses as people gather more over the holidays than during the pandemic. Illnesses like the flu and the respiratory disease RSV are on the rise, and while they no longer pose the same threat they once did, COVID-19 is widespread. The relatively high incidence of whooping cough, which can be fatal to infants, is also a cause for concern for health experts.

Countries such as the United Kingdom have made numerous public statements encouraging populations to get vaccinated against diseases and practice everyday hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Officials in the country’s public health system say they are battling a “quad-demic” of flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus, with 95% of hospital beds in England occupied as of early December.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. Although it is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” it has nothing to do with the flu.

The virus spreads through tiny particles of infected feces that enter the mouth. This means you can become infected by eating or drinking something contaminated with the virus and by touching your mouth after touching a contaminated surface such as a doorknob. If you are caring for someone who has the disease, it can be easy to become infected yourself.

Noroviruses often cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain, but can also lead to fever, headaches and body aches. It can be very uncomfortable, but most people recover within about three days of symptoms appearing.

If you become infected with norovirus, it is important to drink water as both vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If you suspect someone with norovirus is suffering from severe dehydration, seek medical help.

How can I protect myself from norovirus?

You can protect yourself from norovirus by washing your hands carefully. Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, shaking hands, or caring for a sick person.

Do not share food or drinks with a person infected with the disease and be sure to wash potentially contaminated bedding and clothing in hot water.

Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cooking seafood helps prevent the spread of the virus through food.

If you become infected with norovirus, you can protect others by staying home for two days after symptoms disappear. You can continue to pass on the disease for two weeks after your symptoms have subsided. Therefore, make sure to continue washing your hands regularly.

Is there a vaccine for norovirus?

Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine against norovirus. But researchers at Moderna recently began testing a possible shot that could one day provide protection.

Vaccinations are the best prevention against several other seasonal illnesses, as well as other illnesses such as whooping cough and measles, which are on the rise in the United States

Flu vaccines are available every fall. They are recommended annually for almost everyone over 6 months old and are especially important for people at risk of serious illness, which hospitalizes between 140,000 and 710,000 Americans each year – and tragically kills an estimated 12,000 to 51,000.

RSV vaccines are available for the elderly and pregnant women, which can provide protection for their at-risk infants.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended annually for everyone ages 6 months and older. They are particularly important for older adults, people at risk of serious illness and people who have never been vaccinated.

Detailed information about each vaccine can be found on the CDC website.