Norovirus aka the Stomach Flu

What are noroviruses?

Noroviruses are completely unrelated to influenza, which is a respiratory virus.  Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis or, the “stomach flu” in humans.

Who gets norovirus?

Some people are more likely to become infected with norovirus and develop more severe illness than others.  Anyone can get a norovirus.  There are many different strains of norovirus, so it is difficult for a person to develop an immunity. 

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus is passed in the stool or vomit of an infected person.  Norovirus is highly infectious.  Thorough hand washing following toileting and before handling of food is the best way to prevent the spread of norovirus.  Person’s ill with diarrhea or vomiting should not handle food, work in a day care, or care for patients in a health care facility until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.    Outbreaks have also been associated with drinking water and recreational water (i.e. swimming lakes) where persons may have swallowed water contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.   Touching something that has been contaminated with the vomit or stool of an infected person can result in illness.

Symptoms?

The most common symptoms include a sudden onset of vomiting, watery, non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and headache.   Symptoms appear 12-60 hours after exposure to the virus, usually 24-48 hours after exposure. 

How long is a person infectious?

The person is infectious from the time of onset of symptoms to 48 hours after diarrhea or vomiting.

What is the treatment for Norovirus?

There is not treatment for norovirus.  Most people recover in 2-3 days.  It is important to drink fluids during and after the illness to prevent dehydration.

Winter Safety Tips

When accidents happen with chemicals or medicine, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 to get help from an expert. If someone has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.

Here are some seasonal dangers to watch out for every winter:

Antifreeze

• Antifreeze is a poisonous liquid used in cars. It has a sweet taste. Children and animals like its taste. If even a little is swallowed, it can be harmful. It can cause kidney damage and death.
• Keep antifreeze, and all strong chemicals, in the containers they came in. Cap tightly, and store in locked cabinet.
• Before throwing away an antifreeze container, rinse with water. Replace cap and put in the trash.

Salt

• If eaten, salt used on driveways and sidewalks can harm a pet or child.
• Store this type of salt with other poisons. Keep it out of reach and in a locked cabinet.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• CO is a leading cause of poison deaths. It causes many thousands of illnesses.
• CO is a poisonous gas. It has NO color, odor, or taste. ALL fuel-burning devices make CO. They do this mostly when they aren’t working properly, or are not used in a ventilated space. CO can collect in closed areas.
• Sources of CO include:  gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves, gas ovens, kerosene space heaters, wood and gas fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, power generators, and car engines.
• Signs of CO poisoning:  headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness.
• Persons at greatest risk:  pregnant women, infants, young children, older people, people with breathing and heart diseases.
• PREVENTION IS KEY!  Have at least one CO alarm in your home. The best places are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.
• Have your heating system, vents, and chimney checked every year by experts.
• Always follow product instructions for installing and repairing appliances that burn fuel.
• Never burn charcoal inside a house or garage.
• Never use a gas oven to heat a house or apartment.
• Never use unvented fuel-burning devices in a house or apartment.
• Never run a car in a closed garage.

January is National Radon Month

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. Between five and ten percent of the homes in Wisconsin have radon levels above the US EPA guideline of 4 pCi/L for the year average on the main floor. Every region of Wisconsin has some homes with elevated radon levels.

The only way to know the radon level in a house is to measure it. You can get Radon test kits in hardware stores or from the Oneida County Health Department

 for around $7.  Radon can be controlled in any house.

Print this article and get $5 off a radon test kit.

For more information check the following websites:

http://www.epa.gov/radon/

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph_beh/radonprot/

What is WIC?

What is WIC?

 

WIC is a government funded program that supports pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of 5 by providing nutrition education, supplementary foods and community referrals. WIC has been around since 1974 and has proven to help reduce nutrition disparities among lower income families.

If you or someone you know would benefit from WIC services please contact the Oneida County WIC office at (715) 369-6109.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.co.oneida.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=1853&locid=136

A Healthy Twist on Holiday Traditions

Tired of Christmas cookies and cream cheese based appetizers at holiday parties and gatherings? Bring this appetizer to your next party or surprise your family with a delicious snack! Not only does it stay true to the holiday colors (red and green) it is tasty and full of nutrients. For the health savy, make sure the slices of French bread are thin, add less cheese and pile on the tomato salad mixture. Add 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar to your tomato salad mixture for an extra zing!

Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1 loaf crusty Italian bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick (about 16 pieces)

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups fresh, chopped tomatoes*

2 Tbsp fresh, chopped basil

4 cloves of garlic, chopped very fine

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

1/2 tsp salt

1 oz. shaved mozzerella cheese

Preparation:

1. Combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Set the oven to the broil setting.

3. Place the bread slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Using a basting brush, brush a small amount of the olive oil on each slice. Place the bread in the oven and broil for about 1 minute, or until the bread becomes lightly toasted.

4. Remove the bread from the oven, and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the tomato mixture on each slice. Top each with a couple shaves of mozzarella. Broil for another 30 seconds. Watch the bruschetta carefully during this time to make sure it does not burn.

* If time is an issue, substitute organic, diced tomatoes (drained).

Serves 16 -  Calories per serving  68

Do I have a food borne illness?

• What are the symptoms of a food borne illness: Symptoms of a food borne illness are typically nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and sore throat with a fever.      
• How long after eating will symptoms start: Typically, symptoms start between 2 and 12 hours.
• How long can a food borne illness persist: A severe infection can persist for two weeks, but typically, most food borne illnesses clear up in two days.
• What is the difference between a food borne illness, the “24-hour flu”, and “the flu”: Intestinal illnesses commonly referred to as “stomach flu” or the “24-hour flu” are actually caused by foodborne pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites) resulting in a foodborne illness. Influenza or “the flu” is primarily an illness of the respiratory system caused by influenza viruses that are spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. If diarrheal symptoms do not occur with respiratory symptoms, a person may actually have a foodborne illness.
• Have I ever had a food borne illness: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates over 76 million cases of food borne illness occur each year in the U.S. Most people do not go through their lives without having a food borne illness. Since symptoms can be subtle, sometimes people are not aware a food borne illness exists, which is why it is under-reported. Most people get more than one food borne illness per year.  
• If symptoms persist sometimes for only a day, why should I be concerned: During vomiting, bacteria can spread via mist. Unclean hands after a diarrheal event can spread bacteria. Therefore, proper hygiene should be used when handling food, both in restaurants and at home.

 

For more food safety information, please visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/fact_sheets/Foodborne_Illness_What_Consumers_Need_to_Know/index.asp

Holiday Stress and Depression

The holiday season can be a time full of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. But for many people, it is a time of self-evaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures and anxiety about an uncertain future.

What Causes Holiday Blues?

Many factors can cause the “holiday blues”: stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one’s family and friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension. People may also develop other stress responses such as headaches, excessive drinking, over-eating and difficulty sleeping. Even more people experience post-holiday let down after January 1. This can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded by the excess fatigue and stress.

Coping with Stress & Depression During the Holidays

• Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don’t put the entire focus on just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day). Remember that it’s a season of holiday sentiment, and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.
• Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely; there is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
• Leave “yesteryear” in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don’t set yourself up in comparing today with the “good ol’ days.”
• Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some of your time to help others.
• Enjoy activities that are free, such as taking a drive to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping or making a snowperson with children.
• Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
• Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends, or contact someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
• Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.

Can Environment Be a Factor?

Studies show that some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which results from being exposed to fewer hours of sunlight as the days grow shorter during the winter months. Phototherapy, a treatment involving a few hours of exposure to intense light, is shown to be effective in relieving depressive symptoms in patients with SAD.

Other studies on the benefits of phototherapy found that exposure to early morning sunlight can be effective in relieving seasonal depression. Recent findings, however, suggest that patients respond equally well to phototherapy when it is scheduled in the early afternoon. This has practical applications for antidepressant treatment because it allows the use of phototherapy in the workplace as well as the home.

For more information visit http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=c7df954d-1372-4d20-c80ed0a7ab69d250