By Dr. Summer Beattie, ND
For months my facebook page has seemed to be full of local posts concerning friends and their friends bouts with what is commonly called the “stomach flu”. So what is this evil “bug” making the rounds in Juneau? It is most likely the highly contagious Norovirus. This virus is most prevalent in winter and spring, though it can be contracted at any time of year. Unfortunately an individual does not acquire lasting immunity from having suffered through it. You can catch it multiple times. This virus is not the flu (a respiratory condition), but it has some similar symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. However, the primary symptoms are intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. While it is a decidedly miserable illness to contract, it is usually self-limiting and not dangerous. Still, some people have reported trips to the ER – likely to treat dehydration. Like many illnesses, it’s more serious in the very young, elderly or those with already compromised immune systems. It typically lasts a maximum of three days, though some symptoms may linger for weeks. While most doctors will tell you, there is no treatment because antibiotics do not work against viruses (only bacteria); I want to offer you a couple of ideas.
First of all, healthy people weather common illnesses much better than if your vitality is waning….so if you are not already focusing on healthy home, healthy habits, etc. start now!
This virus is speculated to be more virulent in the winter and spring because we spend more time indoors close to one another, with the windows and doors shut and the heat up – drying out the air in our homes and creating a breeding ground for sharing both viruses and bacteria… so now that the weather is a bit nicer, open up your windows, do a deep spring clean and then get outside.
Norovirus is primarily spread when infected people do not wash their hands or do not wash them well after using the bathroom. The virus is then transmitted to surfaces and fabrics they touch, food and even drinking liquids. Vomit easily aerosolizes the virus, as does flushing the toilet with contaminated stool or vomit. Those who are contaminated should not prepare food or care for other sick individuals for up to three days after they are feeling better. The virus can be found in stool up to three days prior to a person feeling ill and for two weeks in a person who has been sick. Surfaces and fabrics can harbor the virus for up to two weeks as well. Fruits and vegetables should always be carefully washed, and seafood needs to be cooked thoroughly as the virus withstands temperatures up to 140°F (a quick steam). Most store bought cleaners and disinfecting wipes do not kill norovirus, neither do hand sanitizer gels or alcohol. Instead, clean all surfaces with either a bleach or 5% Hydrogen Peroxide cleaner. Some sources say clean once with hydrogen peroxide and then follow with another wipe down of vinegar. Please, wash your hands, and then do it again. When you wash, lather with plenty of soap and wash hands, wrists and lower arms very, very thoroughly before rinsing in hot water.
If you’ve already contracted the stomach bug, then the following may be helpful in treating your symptoms. Make sure not to get dehydrated. Continue to drink water and electrolyte replenishing drinks such as recharge. Once you have stopped vomiting, take a high quality pro-biotic every few hours. I like the selection of brands available at Ron’s Apothecary, though you can find them in the health food section of most stores… in fact I recommend a daily probiotic to most healthy individuals too. Teas with ginger, fennel and burdock not only help combat dehydration, but can settle the stomach and alleviate nausea. I also like blends of essential oils used both topically (diluted in oil – coconut or jojoba are great and easy to find in Juneau) and in diffusers. For this virus, a good blend is peppermint with lemon. While both are strongly anti-viral, they also help soothe nausea. Get plenty of rest, and if you’re worried, seek medical care sooner rather than later.
More detailed information is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
Dr. Summer Beattie, ND is a graduate of Bastyr University. She has over 8 years experience as a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in women’s health with an emphasis on environmental medicine. Having served two terms on the board of directors for the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, she has also worked in the medical aesthetics field since 2008. You can reach her at onehealingcenter@gmail.com or
907-209-4611.