Norovirus on the Rise in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a wave of restrictions and guidelines, including physical distancing, wearing masks, and limiting social gatherings. As a result, many infectious diseases that typically spread through close contact or public gatherings declined in frequency in 2020, 2021, and 2022. For example, cases of the flu decreased dramatically due to increased awareness of hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. However, now that many of these measures have been lifted, these infections are beginning to re-emerge – including something known as Norovirus.

Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is a virus that causes gastroenteritis or stomach flu, and is currently on the rise in North America. Norovirus is a common cause of recent surges of gastroenteritis in Canada, particularly in areas where people live in close quarters, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Norovirus can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, and people. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food and water. One of the most concerning aspects of the virus is its high level of contagiousness, as it can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms. Additionally, it only takes a few particles of the virus to cause infection. This means that Norovirus can spread very quickly in environments where many people are in close contact. Norovirus is particularly concerning because it is resistant to heat, cold, and even alcohol-based cleaning products. This means that it can survive on surfaces and objects for extended periods, even after they have been disinfected. In healthcare settings, Norovirus can easily spread from patient to patient, despite efforts to clean and disinfect surfaces.

The symptoms of Norovirus can appear anywhere from 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle Aches

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may last for up to three days.

There is no specific treatment for Norovirus, and antibiotics will also not be effective against it. However, there are certain steps that you can take to alleviate symptoms. First and foremost, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking water, sports drinks, or clear broth. You should avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks, as they can worsen dehydration. Additionally, anti-nausea medications and pain relievers can be helpful in managing symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to prevent dehydration. This is particularly important for young children and the elderly, who are much more vulnerable to dehydration. In hospital settings, Norovirus can easily spread from patient to patient, which is why it is important to isolate infected patients and use proper infection control measures where necessary. Preventing the spread of Norovirus is essential to reducing its impact.

To protect yourself from Norovirus, it is important to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, particularly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before preparing or eating food. It is also important to disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with Norovirus. This can be done using a bleach-based cleaning solution or a disinfectant that is designed to kill Norovirus. In addition to good hygiene, it is important to avoid contact with people who are infected with Norovirus. If you do become infected, it is important to stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have resolved. This can help prevent the spread of Norovirus to others.