The Norwalk virus:

• is responsible for most of the food born illnesses in the country
• is also known as the cruise ship virus and the Norwalk flu
• has no cure, and antibiotics are not effective against this type of viruses
• viral outbreaks in this country come from eating contaminated eggs, raw shellfish and water
• viral infection and transmission can be prevented by frequent hand washing with warm soap and water
• Echinacea/Goldenseal w/Org. Alcohol, Ester C 500mg and Sambucus Immune Support/AF can help your body fight against viruses.

What is the Norwalk virus, and why is it so common? The actual scientific name for this group of viruses is noroviruses, and they are responsible for millions of cases of gastroenteritis, sometimes termed the stomach flu. Norwalk viruses, and others called Norwalk like viruses, are responsible for most of the food borne illness in the USA and many other countries, and not just in cases of food poisoning. This infection has also been called the Norwalk flu and the cruise ship virus, the last name being given because of the large outbreaks of this infection that has appeared on cruise ships in recent years. The Norwalk virus was first identified in Norwalk, Ohio in the year 1972, after an outbreak of the infection. Other viruses that belong to the same family and caused outbreaks of illness were later identified and called Norwalk like viruses. All of these viruses belong to the calcivirus family, and can cause symptoms that range from mild to life threatening.

The Norwalk virus and viruses alike are abundant in every part of the world, and the only known host that these viruses have are the human body. The virus is transmitted through the stool of the infected person, and if food is contaminated with this material the virus can cause a wide variety of symptoms. These infectious viruses are transmitted through food or water contamination, and then these substances are consumed by humans and become the source of the infection. Many Norwalk virus and similar viral outbreaks in this country come from eating contaminated eggs, raw shellfish like raw clams and oysters, water, and many other common foods and beverages. This group of viruses are very contagious and easily spread, and food handlers can still be contagious and transmit the infection even days after the symptoms have stopped. Raw shellfish are frequently the culprit when eaten because of boaters, and raw sewage being dumped into the waters where the shellfish are located.

Norwalk virus symptoms and symptoms of others in the same family of viruses can include many intestinal and stomach problems, and can range from mild to severe depending on many factors. If you have an infection from a Norwalk virus or viruses in the same group then you may experience vomiting, nausea, cramps and pains in your stomach, diarrhea, and rarely dehydration or other serious medical complications. Normally the symptoms will last two or three days and then disappear, and medications can be used for the symptoms, but there is no cure for a viral infection. Rest, plenty of fluids, and medications to control your symptoms are the only treatments that will help, and this infection must pass on it’s own.

Because these viruses are so contagious, they have come to be known as the cruise ship virus thanks to recent outbreaks aboard these pleasure vessels. It is possible to prevent these viruses from spreading if certain precautions are used. Frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can stop you from catching these infections, and from spreading them if you are already infected. Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them, and cook all shellfish instead of eating it raw. Anyone who has any symptoms should be kept away from preparing food until three days after the symptoms stop. Symptoms will normally start within two days of eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages. Because the viruses and symptoms last for such a short time span, it is almost impossible to diagnose usually, and there is not much a physician can do unless you have complications like dehydration. Frequent hand washing with warm soapy water is the key to preventing infection and transmission of these viruses and stopping outbreaks.

Since you can’t always make sure that people do their part in avoiding spreading infections, you can be sure to gird up your immune system to combat anything that comes your way. Check out products like Echinacea/Goldenseal w/Org. Alcohol, Ester C 500mg and Sambucus Immune Support/AF to give your immune system the boost it needs.

Viral Infections2 Feb 2009