One More Illness Hangs On Affecting Minnesotans

Even though we’ve got a “wintery mix” of weather coming our way this week, we’ve moving into the warmer seasons. That’s good for those who don’t really enjoy the cold weather, but it’s also good because hopefully a lot of the illnesses we’ve been dealing with will go by the wayside. 

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It’s been an interesting winter for us for sure. The flu, as always, was a hurdle for many folks this past winter. It caused people to miss work either because they got it themselves or one of their kids got it and they missed time to take care of them. 

Then there was RSV and other respiratory ailments that had a ton of people coughing and hacking their way through the colder weather. Fortunately, those numbers have been going down recently.  

But there is one illness that is still looming around and likely will be for the next month or so; Norovirus. 

My wife and I know of two people who have gotten it in the last week, and the way they describe how they feel sounds horrible. The most common symptoms of norovirus are vomiting and diarrhea to put it mildly.  

Often times norovirus, which is sometimes called stomach flu, is really debilitating causing its victims to feel depleted and weak. In addition to the vomiting and diarrhea, those who suffer from norovirus could feel nausea, headaches, body aches and they could run a fever. 

The Cleveland Clinic says there are a few different ways to contract norovirus; coming in close contact with someone who has it, touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes or mouth or consuming beverages that are contaminated with norovirus.  

The duration can last anywhere from a day to around three days. The recommended treatments are drinking plenty of fluids, eating bland, soft foods, and lots of rest.  

It’s also advised that is symptoms continue, that you see a doctor. Norovirus could lead to a more serious condition that would need treatment from a medical professional.