Norovirus spreading
Updated: March 7, 2013
URBANA -- Norovirus is spreading across Champaign County and one of the biggest places hit is campus. It causes vomiting and diarrhea and it is spread by a simple touch of the hand.
Dr. Robert Palinkas is the director of McKinley Health Center. He says the virus is common, but for people who have it, it's no fun.
"People who have the virus on their hands and touch a handrail for a doorknob can put it there and it's very resilient so it can stay there for awhile," said Dr. Palinkas.
It's what make norovirus so easily spread on a college campus like the University of Illinois.
"With so many people living in a common shared place and so much indoor activity, there may be some sort of contamination," said Dr. Palinkas.
He says these types of cases usually pop up around the end of winter but this year is different.
"Every few years or so a new strain of norovirus will emerge. That means that sometimes cases are just slightly more severe than usual and spread a little more easily," said Palinkas.
People who get the virus will start to see symptoms within a day or two. The only way it can be treated is with bed rest and staying hydrated.
Many people with symptoms of norovirus may think they have the stomach flu. Actually, there's no such thing.
Flu or influenza is sickness in your upper respiratory system. Gastroenteritis is a stomach bug. If you want to keep norovirus out of your home, the best thing you can do is wash your hands.
Dr. Robert Palinkas is the director of McKinley Health Center. He says the virus is common, but for people who have it, it's no fun.
"People who have the virus on their hands and touch a handrail for a doorknob can put it there and it's very resilient so it can stay there for awhile," said Dr. Palinkas.
It's what make norovirus so easily spread on a college campus like the University of Illinois.
"With so many people living in a common shared place and so much indoor activity, there may be some sort of contamination," said Dr. Palinkas.
He says these types of cases usually pop up around the end of winter but this year is different.
"Every few years or so a new strain of norovirus will emerge. That means that sometimes cases are just slightly more severe than usual and spread a little more easily," said Palinkas.
People who get the virus will start to see symptoms within a day or two. The only way it can be treated is with bed rest and staying hydrated.
Many people with symptoms of norovirus may think they have the stomach flu. Actually, there's no such thing.
Flu or influenza is sickness in your upper respiratory system. Gastroenteritis is a stomach bug. If you want to keep norovirus out of your home, the best thing you can do is wash your hands.
