Theres one potential party guest that you definitely want to steer clear of this New Years Eve: norovirus.
Though norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, its a prolific source of gastrointestinal misery everywhere.
While cases are rarely life-threatening, about 100,000 Americans are hospitalized as a result of it annually.
A 3D illustration of norovirus particles.© Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library via Getty
But 2024 has been an outlier even compared to typical trends.
These reports are just part of the picture.
Another important factor is our limited immunity to norovirus.
People cantake stepsto minimize their risk of spreading and catching norovirus, however.
You should not use hand sanitizer instead, since the viruss physical structure makes it resistant to alcohol.
You should always wash fruits and vegetables and cook your shellfish thoroughly.
You should regularly clean your kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces, especially after preparing shellfish.
There are scientists and pharmaceutical companies working on norovirus vaccines, with some about to reachlate-stage clinical trials.
So with any luck, the nightmare of norovirus will someday be a distant memory.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
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