Stomach bug makes early appearance in region

Date: 1/26/2017

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – It’s been popping up all over everyone’s Facebook feed, messages from friends bemoaning days of nausea and other symptoms as they battle the latest thing going around.

But is it really a stomach flu, as some call it? Or is it a new virus – maybe some nasty illness that’s cropped up this year?

According to Dr. Vincent Meoli, regional medical director for AFC Urgent Care, it’s norovirus – scourge of cruise ships, hospitals and daycare centers – making a slightly earlier appearance this year.

“It just came through kind of quickly,” said Meoli, who reported the area’s AFC Urgent Care clinics are seeing upwards of nine to 10 cases a day. “I think the last time it came through like this was a strain from Australia a couple of years ago.”

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number of reported cases of norovirus began jumping nationwide the week following Thanksgiving.

Meoli said the virus, which produces unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, usually affects a sufferer for about 72 hours

“But it’s a long 72 hours, he agreed.

It’s also an easy illness to pick up, passed along through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact, “anywhere there are a lot of people around, and food that’s been handled by someone with the virus,” he said.

And because it spreads so easily, Meoli said “This is one of those disease that, if you do get it, you should stay home so you don’t spread it to your entire office or school.”

He said your best defense against contracting norovirus is the standard winter virus instructions – frequent hand washing and “staying away from contaminated sources” whenever possible.

The CDC said the most commonly contaminated food sources are leafy greens, fresh fruits and shellfish, all of which should be handled with extra care during outbreak season.

If you do fall victim to norovirus, Meoli said the most important thing is to stay hydrated.

“Anything they can tolerate as far as liquids go – plain water, Gatorade, ginger ale and such,” he said.

But not all liquids are a good fit for treating gastrointestinal illnesses, he noted. “Stay away from things that have a lot of sugar like juices and regular soda, they make the diarrhea worse,” Meoli said.

Though most cases of norovirus resolve in three days, Meoli said if someone gets “to the point where they can’t keep up with the fluids because of vomiting, seek medical attention. “

As long as you can stay hydrated and are able to eat and drink, you’ll recover. If not come see us,” Meoli said.

Norovirus in the house?

WebMD offered the following advice for handling a norovirus infection in your home:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after going to the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food.

• Carefully dispose of any contaminated items (such as dirty diapers).

• Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook oysters and other shellfish before eating them.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces with a mixture of detergent and chlorine bleach after someone is sick.

• If you have norovirus, don't prepare food for at least two to three days after you feel better. Try not to eat food that has been prepared by someone else who is sick.