Preventing illness this winter Published Jan. 22, 2009 By Dr. Misty Looney 14th Medical Operations Squadron COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- -- Winter is cold and flu season, but did you know you can be affected by the "stomach-flu"? Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause an intestinal flu-like illness. They're a major cause of outbreaks in closed and crowded environments. Winter time keeps us indoors in closer proximity to crowds making us more susceptible to circulating viruses. What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses? Norovirus illness usually begins 24 to 48 hours after exposure, but can appear as early as 10 hours after exposure. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Sometimes people have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only one or two days. How is norovirus spread? Noroviruses are very contagious and spread easily from person to person. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected in several ways, including eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated by infected food handlers, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth before handwashing, or having direct contact with another person who is infected and then touching their mouth before handwashing. How long are people contagious? People are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least three days after recovery. Some may be contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery. Therefore, good handwashing is important. What treatment is available for people with norovirus infection? Currently, there is no specific medication or vaccine for norovirus. Norovirus infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. By drinking fluids, such as juice or water, people can reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated. If you have questions about this or any other infectious disease, feel free to contact your Public Health Office at 434-2143 or 434-2140.