Norovirus is entering its peak season! Take these precautions to stay away from "terrorists"

Recently, disease control departments in many parts of the country have issued warnings: Norovirus infection has entered its peak season. According to statistics from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, since February this year, the number of reported Norovirus infection cases in the country has increased by 30% compared with the same period last year, and collective units such as childcare institutions, schools, and nursing homes have become key prevention and control sites.

As the Infection Control Department of Changde Fourth People's Hospital , we have specially compiled a scientific protection guide to help you and your family stay away from viruses.

1. Understanding Norovirus

The "invisible assassin" of winter (cold season)

Norovirus has the characteristics of short incubation period (12-72 hours), rapid mutation and strong infectivity. 10-100 virus particles can cause disease. It is worth noting that alcohol and hand sanitizer are ineffective against it, which is also an important reason why ordinary disinfection measures are difficult to block the spread.

Of the recent outbreaks, approximately 65% ​​were caused by foodborne transmission (such as uncooked shellfish and raw fruits and vegetables), and 35% were caused by human-to-human contact, especially close contact when caring for patients.

2. Identify symptoms of infection

Not just "stomach upset"

Norovirus infection is not common gastroenteritis! Typical symptoms include: projectile vomiting (especially in children), watery diarrhea (4-8 times a day), low to moderate fever (some patients may not have fever), abdominal pain, and muscle aches.

Be especially alert to red flags:

1. Infants and young children continue to cry without tears and do not urinate for 8 hours;

2. The elderly are in a state of confusion; diarrhea has not subsided for more than 3 days.

If these conditions occur, seek medical attention immediately!

3. Six steps to family protection

Build a health barrier

1. Wash your hands: Be effective, not just a formality

Key moments: after using the toilet, before cooking, before eating, and after dealing with vomit.

Correct method: Wash your hands strictly according to the six-step hand washing method, and rub with hand sanitizer + running water for 20 seconds.

Equipment to carry: Chlorine disinfectant wipes (alcohol wipes are ineffective!).

2. Kitchen safety rules

Shellfish and other seafood should be cooked thoroughly to above 90°C, raw and cooked knives and cutting boards should be strictly separated, vegetables and fruits should be rinsed under running water and soaked in a special disinfectant for 5 minutes.

3. Vomitus handling SOP

Isolate immediately: The patient uses the bathroom alone.

Scientific disinfection: wear gloves and masks; cover vomitus with chlorine-containing disinfectant (concentration 5000mg/L) for 30 minutes; clean it with disposable adsorbent materials and put it into a double-layer medical waste bag. Wipe the contaminated area with 1000mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant.

4. Key points for clothing disinfection

Contaminated clothing should be soaked for disinfection before washing (soak in 1:50 diluted 84 disinfectant for 30 minutes). Avoid shaking when handling to prevent the formation of aerosols.

5. Special tips for collective units

When a case occurs in a class/dormitory, the student must be isolated for at least 72 hours after the symptoms disappear, group activities must be suspended, separate dining must be adopted, and the air must be disinfected with ultraviolet light for 1 hour every day.

6. Enhanced protection for vulnerable groups

Patients with chronic diseases can supplement with zinc gluconate (to enhance intestinal immunity);

It is recommended that the elderly receive rotavirus vaccination (to reduce the risk of mixed infection).

IV. Guidelines for recovery after infection

1. Prioritize fluid rehydration: Oral rehydration salts (III) 100 ml for each diarrhea episode.

2. Dietary principles: BRAT diet (bananas, rice cereal, applesauce, toast).

3. Use drugs with caution: antidiarrheal drugs may delay the excretion of the virus, and montmorillonite powder must be taken under doctor's advice.

5. Dispelling common misunderstandings

● Drinking vinegar can kill viruses → The acetic acid concentration is insufficient and irritates the stomach and intestines

● Diarrhea requires antibiotics → Norovirus is ineffective against antibiotics

● You can return to school once symptoms disappear → Still need to observe for 72 hours

Tips from the Hospital Infection Department:

Prevention is better than cure, details determine health! There is no specific medicine or vaccine for norovirus at present, but scientific protection can effectively block the transmission chain. Forward this article to the family group, let us jointly protect the health of the elderly and children! If you have suspected symptoms, you can go to the hospital's infectious department's intestinal outpatient clinic for norovirus nucleic acid testing.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Liu Ping, Infection Control Department, Changde Fourth People's Hospital

Follow @湖南医聊 to get more health science information!

(Edited by YT)