Covid-19 and Other Respiratory Virus Guidance

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance

This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

• Immunizations for Respiratory Viruses
• Hygiene and Respiratory Virus Prevention
• Taking Steps for Cleaner Air for Respiratory Virus Prevention
• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
• Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention
• Physical Distancing and Respiratory Viruses
• Testing and Respiratory Viruses

Employees and managers who become aware of a serious health condition should immediately contact the office of Human Resources. A serious health condition is a condition that requires an overnight hospital/medical facility stay OR a continuous period of incapacity for more than 3 consecutive days with ongoing treatment OR a chronic condition which cause occasional periods of incapacity and require treatment at least twice a year OR pregnancy.

Norovirus Surge: CDC Data Show Stomach Bug Is Circulating in the Northeast

• Norovirus has surged in the Northeast region of the U.S. in the past few weeks, CDC data shows.
• Norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach bug or winter vomiting illness, is an extremely contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
• Experts say “meticulously” washing your hands and avoiding people who are ill are the best ways to stay healthy.

The ‘Winter Vomiting Bug’

Though alarming, the current surge in norovirus cases is typical for this time of year, according to Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo. You can get norovirus any time of year, but it’s most common in the cooler months. “It’s usually a November to April illness, but it often tends to peak in January,” Russo told Health.

Resource: Norovirus Surge: CDC Data Show Stomach Bug Circulating in Northeast (health.com)

Stay Healthy By Protecting Yourself and Others

• The best way to protect yourself against norovirus is to practice proper hygiene—and maybe take it up a notch. “Meticulously wash your hands,” suggested Adalja (hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus). 
• If someone in your house has norovirus, it’s important to thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution, said Schaffner. Keep other frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and remote controls clean, too.
• While it’s not an official recommendation, Russo added that wearing a mask and gloves while taking care of someone who is sick may help since the virus can be spread through droplets and particles during a vomiting episode.
• There’s no specific treatment for norovirus, but if you do happen to get sick, it’s important to stay hydrated through taking small sips of water or sports drinks, said Russo. If you lose too many fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, you could become dehydrated and possibly need intravenous (IV) fluids to rehydrate.