Submitted by Sheila Nelson, Public Health Nurse. The local Public Health office reminds you there had been an increase in Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses throughout BC this fall.
The main symptoms are sudden onset of nausea, cramping, chills and fever. Usually vomiting and/or diarrhea accompany these symptoms, which usually last between one to three days.
Drinking lots of clear fluids while ill is important. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent Norwalk-like virus. The key to reducing person-to-person spread is hand washing. A proper hand wash requires warm running water, soap and lots of friction. This takes about 30 seconds.
Anyone who is ill should avoid going to work or school, especially food handlers or caregivers.