SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - Outbreaks of the norovirus, commonly referred to as the stomach flu, have been on the rise. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
The virus is highly contagious. It is contracted by consuming food and drink contaminated with the virus, being in close contact with an infected person, and touching your mouth or nose after touching a contaminated surface.
Symptoms usually appear between one to two days after someone has been exposed to the virus. Norovirus usually lasts between one to two days.
You should try to eat and drink if you have the norovirus symptoms, even if you don't feel like doing either. This will help you stay hydrated. Antibiotics will not treat the norovirus.
If you believe you have the norovirus, stay home for at least two days after symptoms stop, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, wash your laundry in hot water, clean any contaminated surfaces, and wash food thoroughly before preparation. This will help stop the spread of the virus.