2008 Woodie Awards
Health Center warns students about threat of Norovirus
Christina Piazza
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News
"It was my first day of classes and I couldn't go to two, I have never felt so sick in my life," said senior Jen Haring, who recently came down with the infamous Norovirus.
According to an illness alert email sent by Cortney Davis, registered nurse at the Health Center, this 24-60 hour virus causes the sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, chills, a low-grade fever, and a headache.
As per Davis's email, this virus is extremely contagious; one can catch it simply by coming into contact with someone infected by the virus, sharing drinks or a utensil with someone infected, or touching contaminated surfaces.
"The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is predicting that this will be, in general, a bad year for the virus. In Britain, two hospitals were closed due to this virus spreading among staff and patients. The virus has closed several floors in Boston hospitals as well. There have been some outbreaks reported in Putnam County," said Davis.
Historically, "Noroviruses are named after the original strain "Norwalk virus," which caused an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a school in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1968," according to the CDC's website.
Still, most students have been lucky enough to avoid getting sick.
"I don't know anyone that has gotten it yet but I'm just going to make sure I don't share food or drinks with anyone and use a lot of antibacterial hand stuff," said junior Caroline Worth.
So far, Davis said there have only been three formally diagnosed cases, with several students calling in complaining of these symptoms.
However, if you should catch the virus, she recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water, ginger-ale, and Coke are good choices but fitness drinks are not because they do not replace the minerals lost during this virus.
Davis said that if you feel extreme weakness or dehydration to seek medical attention immediately; a trip to the emergency room could warrant IV fluid replacement.
According to the CDC website, "The incubation period for norovirus-associated gastroenteritis in humans is usually between 24 and 48 hours but cases can occur within 12 hours of exposure."
Ms. Davis urges contaminated students to avoid going back to class too early and preparing food in an effort to prevent spreading the virus.
Viruses are non responsive to antibiotics and currently have no cure, according to Ms. Davis. Both the CDC and Health Center urge everyone to frequently wash their hands in order to prevent an outbreak.
"I'm afraid of getting it because it makes you feel miserable and I hate the feeling of throwing up, so make sure to wash your hands all of the time especially before touching your face," said sophomore Leanne Snelders.
According to an illness alert email sent by Cortney Davis, registered nurse at the Health Center, this 24-60 hour virus causes the sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, chills, a low-grade fever, and a headache.
As per Davis's email, this virus is extremely contagious; one can catch it simply by coming into contact with someone infected by the virus, sharing drinks or a utensil with someone infected, or touching contaminated surfaces.
"The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is predicting that this will be, in general, a bad year for the virus. In Britain, two hospitals were closed due to this virus spreading among staff and patients. The virus has closed several floors in Boston hospitals as well. There have been some outbreaks reported in Putnam County," said Davis.
Historically, "Noroviruses are named after the original strain "Norwalk virus," which caused an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a school in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1968," according to the CDC's website.
Still, most students have been lucky enough to avoid getting sick.
"I don't know anyone that has gotten it yet but I'm just going to make sure I don't share food or drinks with anyone and use a lot of antibacterial hand stuff," said junior Caroline Worth.
So far, Davis said there have only been three formally diagnosed cases, with several students calling in complaining of these symptoms.
However, if you should catch the virus, she recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water, ginger-ale, and Coke are good choices but fitness drinks are not because they do not replace the minerals lost during this virus.
Davis said that if you feel extreme weakness or dehydration to seek medical attention immediately; a trip to the emergency room could warrant IV fluid replacement.
According to the CDC website, "The incubation period for norovirus-associated gastroenteritis in humans is usually between 24 and 48 hours but cases can occur within 12 hours of exposure."
Ms. Davis urges contaminated students to avoid going back to class too early and preparing food in an effort to prevent spreading the virus.
Viruses are non responsive to antibiotics and currently have no cure, according to Ms. Davis. Both the CDC and Health Center urge everyone to frequently wash their hands in order to prevent an outbreak.
"I'm afraid of getting it because it makes you feel miserable and I hate the feeling of throwing up, so make sure to wash your hands all of the time especially before touching your face," said sophomore Leanne Snelders.
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