Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu,” is making its rounds in Ontario, warns Dr. Linna Li, Deputy Medical Officer of Health, and Andrew Dunn, Senior Public Health Inspector.
Unlike the flu, norovirus is a different virus causing sudden diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, and dehydration.
Dr. Li says it’s highly contagious, spreading through contact with infected people, surfaces, or contaminated food. And she adds, you can get it more than once.
Dunn says Norovirus can stay infectious on surfaces for weeks, noting outbreaks are common in schools, nursing homes, and daycares.
Preventive measures include washing hands with soap, cleaning surfaces with bleach, and staying home for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Dunn adds that Handwashing is the most effective way to stop the spread.
Dr. Li highlighted hydration as key during illness.
Though brutal for 1–3 days, the doctor says most recover fully. There’s no vaccine, so prevention is crucial.
For more, visit KFLAPH.ca.
Written by Bob Perreault
