Calvert County Health Department
- Adult Evaluation Reviews (AERS)
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
- Developmental Disabilities Program
- Health Equity Program
- Health Insurance Programs
- Home and Community-Based Services
- Maternal and Child Health
- Medical Assistance Program
- Medical Assistance Transportation Program
- Reproductive Health
- Reproductive Health Clinic Schedule
- Child Safety Seats
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness & Screening
- Diabetes and Prediabetes
- E-Cigarettes and Vaping
- Heart Health
- Injury Prevention
- Oral Cancer Prevention
- Poison Prevention
- Responsible Tobacco Retailer Program
- Skin Cancer Awareness
- Tobacco Cessation Program
- Stroke Awareness
- Tobacco Cessation for Pregnant Women
- Tobacco Use Prevention
Norovirus
Every year, during the winter months, some unwanted viruses like the flu, colds and “stomach flu” circulate. Currently we are seeing a “stomach virus” or “stomach flu” caused mainly by norovirus. This virus has been in the news for causing problems on cruise ships, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines or both. This is called acute gastroenteritis.
The most common symptoms:
- diarrhea
- throwing up
- nausea
- stomach pain
Other symptoms:
- fever
- headache
- body aches
If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days. If symptoms continue, please see your doctor.
Symptoms of dehydration:
- decrease in urination
- dry mouth and throat
- feeling dizzy when standing up
Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
Ways to prevent getting or passing on Norovirus are:
- wash your hands often
- rinse fruits & vegetables
- cook shellfish thoroughly
- clean surfaces with a bleach based cleaner & wash laundry & tumble dry
- when you’re sick, don’t prepare food or care for others
- Stay home from work or school and avoid social gatherings
For additional information visit www.cdc.gov/norovirus