The Norovirus, a contagious stomach bug, is on the rise in Canada after being fairly mute during the pandemic.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) estimates that each year about four million people in Canada get sick from the food they eat.
“Since early January 2023, overall, the number of cases of norovirus reported to the NESP has been increasing both at the national level and within several provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador,” PHAC told NOW Toronto in an email.
The virus accounts for 60 per cent of stomach flu cases in people, according to the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID).
It affects people of all ages, but it causes “severe acute gastroenteritis” in children under the age of five, according to the NCCID’s website.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Norovirus is most commonly caused by contaminated food.
Symptoms can appear within hours and can begin as soon as 12 hours after being exposed to the virus.
In fact, symptoms can be severe for older adults and children younger than 12 months, as well as immunocompromised people.
“Fever is more common in these people, and the illness can last for several days. Diarrhea and vomiting can occur frequently throughout the day, resulting in dehydration, fatigue, and weakness. Dehydration is the most common complication requiring hospitalization and intravenous fluid treatment,” NCCID’s website reads.
TREATMENT
The Government of Canada states there is no prescription medication to treat norovirus infections.
Most people begin to feel better on their own within two or three days and do not experience any long-term health effects.
You can also catch the virus more than once. And if you suspect you have the virus, contact your doctor.
