East Texas doctor speaks on uptick in ‘winter vomiting disease’

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) -Norovirus, commonly known as winter vomiting disease, is spreading earlier and quicker than normal this year, according to the CDC.

The increase is partially attributed to a new strain of the virus, which caused 75% of outbreaks last year.

“Experts say that this is more contagious but in terms of symptoms, it’s still the global symptoms,” said Dr Jennie Zheng, a family physician with UT Health East Texas. “The nausea, the vomiting, the abdominal cramps, those are the dominant and most notable features.

Zheng says you can get this new strain even if you’ve had a previous strain in the past.

Virus affects all age groups

Zheng has seen the virus in various age groups.

“Children, adults, the elderly, they come back from a cruise and they have it, it’s very contagious,” she said.

The CDC reports there are around 2,500 outbreaks each year, which is defined as when two or more people get sick from a common exposure. Zheng said it’s important to practice proper hygiene, especially with holiday gatherings.

“Decontaminating all the surfaces with alcohol, and heavily cleaned surfaces can help delay the spread,” she said.

Treatment and recovery

Symptoms usually go away in two to three days. Zheng said it’s important to fight digestive battles with rehydration.

She added to see a doctor if you have a fever or your digestive symptoms are no longer manageable at home.

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