Yamhill County
Public Health

Norovirus
5/17/06 news release

Norovirus is always present in the community at some level, and the most common cause of gastrointestinal disease. Over half of all disease outbreaks investigated in Oregon are caused by norovirus. Although these usually occur when people are living together in small places such as in assisted living facilities or on cruise ships, it can occur anywhere.

What is norovirus?
Noroviruses are a group of highly contagious viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, in humans. Recovery is usually complete with no serious long-term health effects.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually begin 30-36 hours after exposure but can occur earlier.

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Abdominal cramps
  
• Possibly headache, low-grade fever, or chills

People feel sick for a few days and may have severe vomitting or diarrhea. These people usually do not feel like leaving the house or visiting others. It is important that people who have norovirus do not spread the infection to others.

How is norovirus spread?
Norovirus must be swallowed to cause infection. Once it is swallowed it is then passed on in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected by:

• Eating or drinking food or liquids that are contaminated by the feces or vomit of an infected person.
  
• Touching a contaminated surface, and then touching their mouth before hand washing.
  
• Having direct contact with an infected person, and then touching their mouth before hand washing.

The virus can survive on contaminated surfaces for up to 24 hours. People can become contagious shortly before they start to feel ill, and can remain infectious for days after symptoms are gone.

It is especially important that if you are taking care of someone who is sick or a young child, to constantly wash your hands. Especially after cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, or after changing a diaper.

How to avoid getting sick?

• Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after going to the bathroom and prior to handling food.
  
• If you are sick stay home, do not go to work or school for at least a day after symptoms end.
  
• Immediately clean contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners.
  
• Promptly washing soiled clothing and linens in hot water.
  
• Avoiding food preparation, working in day care centers, or caring for patients in a health care facility until at least a day after symptoms have completely gone away.

Most people recover fully without medical treatment after 1-2 days. If you have a medical condition, severe dehydration or your symptoms last longer than a couple of days contact your healthcare professional.

Remember to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands throughout the day; stay home if you are not feeling well; and drink plenty of fluids.

For more information please click on the following:
Norovirus Poster
Norovirus Fact Sheet    ~for healthcare professionals
Letter to care facilities
Instructions on cleaning   ~.pdf

Check out these links:
Investigating gastroenteritis in nursing homes
CDC website on Norovirus
Food & Drug Administration website on Norovirus
Handwashing

Flu Season 2007-08 ~Espaņol

Public Health's flu clinics
Tuesday & Thursdays, 9:00-11:30am or 1:00-4:30pm
Walk-in basis at 412 NE Ford St. in McMinnville.
Call 503-434-7525 or 554-7842 for more information.

How much does the flu shot cost?
Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurances can be billed, and people under those plans will not need to pay up front. The cost of the flu vaccine is $29.56, and $46.89 for pneumonia vaccine. People without insurance or unable to pay may be able to receive the flu vaccine for a reduced fee of $15.19 or less.

Vaccines for Children
Some children may be eligible for low cost flu shots and nasal spray for children under the Vaccines for Children program. Children ages 6 months through 18 years are eligible if they have no insurance, are on the Oregon Health Plan or are Native Alaskan or American Indian.

Otherwise to find a flu shot you may contact your healthcare provider, local pharmacy or other sources. Information on flu clinic locations and dates around the state can be obtained by calling 1-800-SAFENET.
Lung Association's flu clinic locator
Find a Flu Shot.com
Get a Flu Shot.com

Flu Shots
Who needs the flu shot?

• Healthcare workers with direct patient care;


• Adults 50 years and older;


• Infants age 6-59 months


• Adults & children who have a chronic health problem (heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma, HIV or anemia);


• Women who will be pregnant during the flu season;


• Residents of long-term care facilities;


• Caregivers of children under 6 months of age;

FluMistŪ
Who should get the nasal spray?
The guidelines are that anyone may be eligible for the spray if they do not have a contraindication.
People who should get the spray include any healthy person between the ages of 2-49. This includes parents, siblings or caregivers of children under 6 months; healthcare workers; or others that have close contact with someone at risk for the flu.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved use of the nasal influenza vaccine LAIV (FluMistŪ) for healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59 months old). Previously, approval was for healthy persons ages 5-49 years. More information is available here.

Who should not get the nasal spray?

• Adults age 50 or older;


• Children under the age of 2;


• People who have a chronic health problem (heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma, HIV or anemia);


• Women who are pregnant;


• People allgergic to eggs or gelatin;


• Close contacts of immunosupressed people;


• Children receiving long-term aspirin therapy;

Click for more information about FluMistŪ

Not sure if you should get the nasal spray?
Read through these questions and answers about the nasal spray and call your healthcare provider.


How to keep from getting sick   Print a brochure    ~Espaņol
Influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing the flu, although it is not the only way. Even if you did not get a flu shot, you can protect yourself from many types of common illnesses by taking some simple precautions.

• Wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing and sneezing;


• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve;


• Drink plenty of fluids


• Get enough rest;


• Eat right;


• Stop smoking;


• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items;


• Stay home from work & school when you feel ill;

News Releases:
10/19/07 Flu Clinics to Begin

Resources:
Flu facts    ~Espaņol
Preventing the Flu
Stopping Germs at Home, Work & School
Cover your cough    ~poster
CDC Flu website
Common Questions about the shot
Questions about the nasal spray
Getaflushot.com clinics scheduled