DAT TUMY FLOOMONSTER

Although the flu is on everyones minds this season, the winter vomiting bug,
or the norovirus, is making its rounds.The Centers for Disease Control
reports that a new strain of Norovirus was detected last year in Australia,
and has now reached the United States and is spreading rapidly. The
norovirus causes about 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths each year,
mostly in young children and the elderlySome of the virus' common symptoms
include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains. The CDC points out
that the norovirus is often referred to as the stomach flu, but it is
unrelated to influenza. The illness often begins suddenly. You may feel very
sick, with stomach cramping, throwing up, or diarrhea. Other, less common
symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and
general sense of fatigue.

It usually lasts 2-5 days, but when you are feeling better YOU ARE STILL
CONTAGIOUS for up to 3 days.This hardy virus is extremely contagious.
Norovirus is one of the few infections you can catch from a toilet seat.
The virus can survive temperatures as high as 140F, which makes eating raw
fish such as oysters, particularly dangerous. Influenza virus needs 1000
parts per million to infect you with flu, Norovirus needs only twenty parts
per million.


Noroviruses can live in vomit or stool even before a person experiences
symptoms, and up to two weeks after symptoms disappear. People are most
contagious when they experience symptoms and during the first three days
after recovery, reports the CDC.
HAND SANITIZER is NOT EFFECTIVE against this virus, However bleach based
household wipes do a good job.
There is no treatment or vaccine against norovirus. To help prevent
contamination, the CDC recommends the following tips:

1 Always wash your hands carefully with soap and water:
2. Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly
3. When you are sick, do not prepare food, or care for others, or provide
healthcare while you are sick and for at least 2 to 3 days after you
recover.
4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces'
Use a chlorine bleach solution with a concentrate 25 tablespoons of
household bleach per gallon of water)
5. Wash laundry thoroughly handle contaminated clothing with disposable
gloves

This is what Aunti Sylvia sent our Mom n Pa. They are feeling a wee bit
better and we are being good nursecats to them.
Love
Mosey, PookyKat, Sqweex ansd Pipps