This virus is spreading rapidly in NC & there’s no treatment. Here’s how to stay safe
There’s a virus rapidly circulating through much of the South, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show — and there’s no treatment for it.
There has been a recent uptick in cases of norovirus in North Carolina (or “winter vomiting disease”), since it’s more common in the winter, Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at the UNC School of Medicine, told The Charlotte Observer earlier this month.
This virus is highly contagious and can be passed through close contact with an infected individual, through contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces, which often leads to outbreaks in close settings like schools, offices and health care facilities, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
Here’s what to know about the virus.
Norovirus vs. stomach bugs
“Stomach bugs” are similar to norovirus, but there are some key distinctions between them, according to the American Medical Association (AMA):
Onset: Norovirus symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Duration: Norovirus usually lasts one to three days, which is often shorter than other stomach bugs.
Specific symptoms: Norovirus commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It may also lead to fever, headache and body aches.
Who is most at risk of contracting norovirus?
Anyone who eats raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus, according to the CDC.
“If eaten raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness or death,” the CDC says.
Children younger than 5 years old, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are also more likely to develop severe illness, per the CDC.
How can you treat the symptoms of norovirus?
There’s no specific treatment once symptoms onset, and you’ll have to just ride it out until they subside.
Use these strategies to prevent complications:
Stay hydrated. You must replenish the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea or you could feel a lot worse. Drink water, clear broths, fruit juices or sports drinks.
Use oral hydration solutions. If you are finding it hard to ingest any of the above fluids, try these to help your intestines absorb more quickly.
Get as much rest as possible to help your body recover.
Eat bland foods. If you can manage it, or once you can keep food down, eat soft, bland foods to ease back into eating.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol or drinks with extremely high sugar content.
Over-the-counter medications can, in some cases, help manage symptoms, but use these with caution.
When should you see a doctor?
You should seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that doesn’t go away within several days, according to Mayo Clinic.
You should also contact your doctor if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain or dehydration.
How to prevent norovirus
You can use these tips to help prevent norovirus infections in your household, according to NCDHHS:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often.
Handle and prepare food safely.
When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others who are sick.
Wash laundry thoroughly.
Clean and disinfect surfaces.
Inspired by a story from The Sun Herald in Mississippi.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 12:51 PM with the headline "This virus is spreading rapidly in NC & there’s no treatment. Here’s how to stay safe."
