Stomach Flu Alert
Norovirus on the rise in our area.
Updated 8:30 AM EST, Fri, Jan 16, 2009
The stomach flu’s spreading in South Jersey. Lourdes Health System put out an alert on Wednesday, Jan 15th. Emergency rooms in Camden and Willingboro have seen a notable increase in the number of norovirus patients.
Norovirus is an acute stomach illness.
Typical symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration (in some cases)
Symptoms last anywhere from one day to 5 days, according to Dr. Al Sacchetti, head of the Emergency Department at Our Lady of Lourdes.
The virus is on the rise across the entire state, according to the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services.
The infection is spread primarily through what the state calls “the fecal-oral route, either through direct person-to-person spread, or by consuming food or water contaminated with the virus.”
The best medicine is prevention:
- Wash your hands very well with warm, soapy water after changing diapers or using the bathroom.
Treatment:
- Chicken soup
- Plenty of fluids
- Rest
Don’t count on hand sanitizers as a substitute for washing your hands. The state says waterless hand sanitizers have been shown to be ineffective against the norovirus.
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First Published: Jan 15, 2009 4:56 PM EST
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