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CDC: New Norovirus Making Flu Season Seem Worse

Does it seem like the flu season is hitting really hard this year?  A lot of it isn’t flu at all, but outbreaks of a virus that has arrived in the U.S. after a trip around the globe.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig explains:

Audio clip:

A new strain of norovirus is causing hundreds of outbreaks in the U.S.  Norovirus is commonly called the stomach flu, though it’s not really the flu at all and is actually the #1 cause of food poisoning.

(Dr. Vinje) “Norovirus causes more food-borne infections than all Salmonella, e-coli together.”

Dr. Jan Vinje with the Centers for Disease Control says that’s because it takes just a few particles to make someone sick and they’re harder to kill.  In fact, the CDC says hand sanitizer alone will not cut it.

(Dr. Vinje) “Washing with soap and water, that’s what we recommend.  As an add-on, then sanitizer can be used.”

Dr. Vinje says some sanitizers can work, but they’re hit-or-miss.

Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.

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3 Comments

  1. Jill

    January 27, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Dr. Siegel. Is so Intense we can not watch him. He needs to sit back, Look at the camera instead of Jamie and slow down. He is one intense individual.
    Better still, he doesn't even need to be on the show. The other doc does such a better job , he is knowledgeable not talking IN YOUR FACE.
    My two cents for this morning.

  2. D. Walton

    January 27, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    My husband and I had the norovirus which lasted for six days. It was not even possible to make it to the toilet several times. We had diarrhea that was beyond anything that we could have imagined.

    We drank lots of water after each episode as well as Pediacare, and other clear juices. The diarrhea was CONSTANT. We threw up just twice on the first day, we di not have belly cramps.

    We we cleaned all surfaces and stayed away from friends and family for two weeks. We are still staying away from restaurants, movie theaters, malls, and more. We ride our bikes and go on hikes. No crowds for us!!

  3. pam

    January 28, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Why don't we all wear a MASK when possible?? Why isn't this recommended by the Center of Disease Control nationwide. That's
    what they do in Japan. It would have to diminish the length of time for the spreading of the epidemic and not to mention the loss of life. Do not understand why this isn't even mentioned!!!!!!!