Breaking News: The Norovirus is Here, and This is What Doctors are Saying to Look Out For

Health experts are urging caution today, January 1, due to a surge in norovirus cases. To protect yourself and your loved ones, knowing what to look out for and how to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus is essential.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It’s the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US ¹.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Body aches

These symptoms usually appear 12-48 hours after exposure to the virus and can last between one to three days ¹.

How Norovirus Spreads

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread through:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Contaminated food and water
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose

Prevention Measures

To reduce your risk of getting norovirus, follow these precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Wash your food before eating it, especially fruits and vegetables
• Cook your food thoroughly, especially seafood and shellfish
• Avoid close contact with people who have norovirus
• Clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces and objects

What to Do If You Get Norovirus

If you’re experiencing symptoms, drink plenty of liquids, especially those that contain electrolytes, and get plenty of rest. Avoid preparing food for others, and wash your clothes thoroughly if they’re soiled ¹.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as:

• Severe dehydration
• Blood in stool
• High fever
• Shortness of breath
• Severe vomiting that prevents hydration

Seek medical attention immediately ¹.

According to the CDC, there were 91 norovirus outbreaks reported in the week of December 5, 2024, with approximately 19-21 million norovirus infections occurring in the US every year ¹. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe in 2025.

Sources:
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ¹
CNN Wellness Expert Dr. Leana Wen ¹

Photo by Freepik.com

Over 60,000 people have said goodbye to neck pain by using this pillow. Find out why this pillow is so popular and how it can help you.

At no extra cost to you, some or all of the products featured are from partners. It’s how we make money as an Independent Digital Magazine. This does not influence our recommendations or editorial integrity, but it does help us keep the site running.