Saturday, January 10, 2009

Stomach Virus going around---the Norovirus

Here's some information on the stomach virus currently going around Burlington County. It's most likely the norovirus.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus

While this is going around, be careful not to shake hands with strangers.

Also, don't develop a false sense of security with anitbacterial sprays or gels.

The norovirus is a virus---it won't be destroyed by anything 'antibactierial' and because it does not have a lipid envelope, it is impervious to alcohol.

People who have had the virus are contagious for up to 3 days afterwards (two weeks in some cases).

Also, like the common cold, there are so many strains of the norovirus that building up and immunity to it is difficult. In fact, some people simply don't build an immunity to it. So be careful.

Wash your hands well with soap and water, avoid the hands of strangers, avoid eating out where dishes are prepared by strangers who may be sick and have to come to work, and keep your hands out of your mouth and eyes.

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