New stomach bug strain sweeps the United States

[marmar]

New stomach bug strain sweeps the United States
The new Sydney strain of norovirus caused 140 outbreaks in the U.S. Many people reportedly will not be able to fight off its sickening effects.


A new strain of stomach bug sweeping the globe is taking over in the U.S., health officials say.

Since September, more than 140 outbreaks in the U.S. have been caused by the new Sydney strain of norovirus. It may not be unusually dangerous; some scientists don't think it is. But it is different, and many people might not be able to fight off its gut-wrenching effects.

Clearly, it's having an impact. The new strain is making people sick in Japan, Western Europe, and other parts of the world. It was first identified last year in Australia and called the Sydney strain.

In the U.S., it is now accounting for about 60 percent of norovirus outbreaks, according to report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/new-stomach-bug-strain-sweeps-united-states-article-1.1248303#ixzz2KoqMlgLq

[bluestateguy]

1. I think I may have had it a couple months ago

After taking a flight to see my parents, I was constipated for two days, felt stuffed and had reduced appetite. Then I had really bad gas. Then I had diarrhea for two days (and still had gas). I also felt dehydrated and kept drinking water.

Then it was all over very suddenly.

[kestrel91316]

2. Norovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. You probably had something else.

[luvs2sing]

3. This is scary stuff.

My husband and his sister both got norovirus a year ago. It was going around the nursing home where their mother lives. My SIL died from complications of the virus. This is not something to take lightly, especially if you have chronic health issues and a weakened immune system.

[John1956PA]

4. Here is an informative post from last month about the Norovirus.

This post is worth reading for its information about the Norovirus:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2256917

As I posted in that thread, I came down with the virus in October and promptly visited the E. R. where I received intravenous fluid to get re-hydrated.

I urge anyone who thinks that they have come down with the virus to visit the E. R. immediately.

[COLGATE4]

5. I had it a month ago.

Never had something as fierce in my long life, and that includes getting Dysentery in India some years ago. Puked until the only thing left to come up was my stomach lining, then moved on to diarrhea that was so imtense that I had to get Depends - excreting clear water for hours after everything else moveable had moved on. It's no joke, for sure. Fortunately mine only lasted about 36 hours - other family members went more than a week.