According to an article in the Denver Post, outbreaks of norovirus doubled in 2008 and continue to concern infectious disease specialists. “Most outbreaks happened in long-term care centers for senior citizens,” the Post said.

We realized if outbreaks were up in Colorado, they were probably up nationwide and thought it would be useful to provide more information on norovirus to our customers.

What are noroviruses?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu” or gastroenteritis in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people also have low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly and the infected person may feel very sick.

How serious is norovirus disease?

People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within one or two days and have no long term health effects related to their illness. However, others are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated and may need special medical attention.

How does one become infected with noroviruses?

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. We may become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then placing the contaminated hand in their mouth
• Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (such as when caring for someone with illness or sharing food or eating utensils with someone who is ill)
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus

This virus is contagious and can spread rapidly.

What treatment is available?

Currently there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and there is no vaccination to prevent infection.

Can norovirus be prevented?

We can decrease our chances of coming into contact with noroviruses by following these preventative steps:

• Frequently wash hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables and steam oysters before eating them
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with the virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap)

In addition, the Post reported that Tamiflu appears to be less effective with norovirus. When we are faced with immune threats like these, the best initial defense is a healthy immune system. Our recent research on Del-Immune V®, published in the Ukranian Journal of Immunology demonstrates the activity of Del-Immune V®. By raising levels of natural interferons, Del-Immune V® helps users’ immune systems, and a healthy immune system is less vulnerable to foreign invaders.

To learn more about how Del-Immune V® can give your immune system an immediate boost, click here.