A new virus causing diarrhea and vomiting has spread rapidly nationwide, causing an increasing number of outbreaks of what many call the ?stomach flu,? according to a Jan. 24 2013 report issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
The new norovirus strain (named GII.4 Sydney) is highly contagious, and seems to cause more hospitalizations than other gastrointestinal viruses. It hits suddenly with diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, chills, and headache. Most people get better in one or two days, after the stomach or intestinal inflammation eases, but they are still contagious for 3 more days..
?
Dehydration is Danger
Even healthy people?can get dehydrated with this illness if you don?t drink enough liquids to replace the fluids lost from throwing up or having diarrhea many times a day. Special rehydration drinks (such as Gatorade) are best, because they contain nutrients and minerals lost in diarrhea or vomiting.
Norovirus?infection can quickly become serious? in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions if they become seriously dehydrated. Symptoms include urinating less often, ?a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up?which, for elderly or weakened individuals, greatly increases the chance of a fall during a rush to the bathroom.
Highly contagious
People ill with a norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least 3 days after they recover.?Some people may be contagious for even longer. So even if you feel better, remember that you can still be infecting others. This is a hardy virus which can survive in food and especially on surfaces for quite awhile?such as bathroom appliances, door handles, bedding, and even on pets.
The CDC recommends that when norovirus hits a household:
(1)??? Handwashing?is the first defense, scrubbing with soap and water or alcohol-based cleanser before and after cooking and eating, using the bathroom, coming in contact with anyone who is ill, touching your pet, and especially before and after treating a cut or wound or caring for your catheter, port, or ostomy.
(2)??? If you are ill, do not prepare food for yourself or others while you have symptoms and then for 3 more days;
(3)??? Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. After throwing up or having diarrhea, contaminated surfaces should be immediately cleaned with a bleach-based disinfectant.
(4)??? Wash laundry thoroughly: any clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool should be handled carefully (ideally, wearing gloves, not agitating them to avoid spreading virus, and washing hands after handling). Wash with detergent on the longest possible cycle, and then machine dry.
?Cancer patients, especially if getting chemotherapy, should take special precautions
The CDC also provides clear advice for cancer patients, stating that if you get a fever during your chemotherapy treatment, it?s a medical emergency because infection during chemotherapy can be life-threatening.
And of course for patients with colorectal cancer or having an ostomy, dehydration also can become serious?quickly.?The CDC advises?cancer patients to take your temperature any time you feel warm, flushed, chilled, or not well. If your temperature is 100.4?F (38?C) or higher for more than one hour, or 101?F (38.3?C) or higher for any length of time and you are on chemotherapy especially, call your doctor right away, even if it happens in the middle of the night.
You and anyone who comes around you, including all members of your household, your doctors, and nurses, should clean their hands frequently.
Sources: ?Emergence of New Norovirus,? Jan. 25 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ;???New Norovirus Strain Hits US,? Jan. 24 Medscape ]; ?CDC Researchers Spot Increase in New ?Stomach Bug? Strain,??Jan. 24 HealthDay News; general tips to??Prevent the Spread of Norovirus,? and ?Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients,? Centers for Disease Control.
?
?
?
Source: http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/c3_news/2013/01/new_strain_of_stomach_bug_spreads_in_us
grammys 2012 deadmau5 phoebe snow jennifer hudson tribute to whitney houston nicki minaj grammy jason whitlock beach boys
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.