Norovirus in the US: Why it is worse in winter, causes and preventive tips

Causes of norovirus: One of the most common reasons for the spread of norovirus is consuming food and water that is contaminated. This often happens when food or drinks are obtained from unhygienic food settings (Image: Canva)

In the United States, norovirus has recently observed a surge, becoming one of the most common infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant increase in the winter vomiting bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Being highly contagious, norovirus spreads quickly, affecting people of all age groups, making it crucial to understand it better, says Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. “This virus invades the gut lining, causing inflammation in the stomach and intestines, and leads to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and cramping,” he adds.

Research suggests that the prevalence of this virus is higher in winter, and follows a seasonal pattern, with its peak occurring between November and April. “During the winter, most people tend to stay indoors and remain in close contact to avoid the cold. This raises the likelihood of person-to-person contact, increasing the chances of the virus spreading quickly. Additionally, when the environment has low humidity, airborne particles containing norovirus can linger longer,” explains Dr Vatsya.

He adds, “This makes the virus spread more rapidly in winter when humidity levels are considerably low. Another factor contributing to the increased prevalence of norovirus during the winter months is the weakened immune defenses of those in colder weather. When the weather is cold and damp, the virus is also highly capable of thriving on non-living surfaces, further raising the chances of its spread."

Dr Vatsya shares the causes of Norovirus and also suggests preventive tips

Causes of Norovirus:

Consumption of contaminated food and water: One of the most common reasons for the spread of norovirus is consuming food and water that is contaminated. This often happens when food or drinks are obtained from unhygienic food settings.

Surfaces that are contaminated: Like many other viruses, norovirus can survive on surfaces (or non-living objects) and remain active for up to 10 days. If you touch a contaminated surface and then accidentally rub your hands on your face, the virus can enter your body and cause infection.

Person-to-person contact: If you are directly exposed to an infected person, there is a high chance of you contracting the virus. For example, sharing utensils, towels, or being intimate with someone who is infected can quickly spread the virus to a healthy person.

Visiting unhygienic and overly crowded places: Being in close contact with large crowds in places like weddings, cruise ships, schools, colleges, and hospitals increases the likelihood of getting infected with norovirus, especially in unhygienic environments.

Prevention tips:

Good hygiene practices: To reduce the spread of the virus, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom and before and after eating. Also, try to avoid touching your face or nose with your hands.

Washing food properly: Avoid eating food from unhygienic restaurants. At home, thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of infection.

Using disinfectants: Since norovirus can spread from contaminated surfaces, use a bleach-based cleaner to disinfect surfaces in crowded places to reduce the spread of the virus.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.