2024-02-02 14:22:30
It’s winter – and therefore virus peak season. The germs have been circulating in the republic since it was cold. Runny nose, throat, head, fever: Many people struggle with the classic symptoms of a cold. Many people also become infected with corona, flu viruses and RSV. But it’s not just that. Now the gastrointestinal pathogens are also on the loose. More precisely: the noroviruses.
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It is not surprising that noroviruses are currently circulating. They have high season between October and March. The pathogens are feared for suddenly causing severe diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. This January in particular, however, they are circulating more strongly than last year. This is shown by feedback from general practitioners’ practices to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
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Are there more gastrointestinal infections than last year?
The numbers can be found in the epidemiological bulletin. Noroviruses are making around twice as many people sick this January as in the same period last year. 8,230 cases were reported to the health authority in the first four weeks of the year alone. For comparison: In January 2023 there were 3,947. “Many practices are currently observing a significant increase in gastrointestinal infections,” said Markus Beier, federal chairman of the General Practitioners Association, when asked by RND. He also assumes that the number of unreported cases is high because many people cure a gastrointestinal infection at home and do not go to the doctor.
In many places we now have the impression that the situation is becoming more and more similar to the pre-pandemic years.
Markus Beier,
Federal Chairman of the Association of General Practitioners
However, the RKI is not sounding the alarm. The individual weekly values “currently show the normal increase for the time of year,” explains RKI spokeswoman Susanne Glasmacher when asked by RND. “Compared to the pre-pandemic period, nothing unusual can be seen.” The fact that there have been fewer such infections in the meantime has to do with Corona. During the pandemic itself there were generally fewer infections.
This is also how Beier explains the renewed increase in numbers. During the pandemic, the number of gastrointestinal infections, such as those caused by noroviruses, fell. “We now have the impression in many places that the situation is becoming more and more similar to the pre-pandemic years.” The German Society for Gastroenterology (DGVS) had also expected this development. In October last year, the experts had already predicted more gastrointestinal diseases for this season. Simply because avoiding contact, wearing a mask and hand disinfection are largely no longer necessary.
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How do you protect yourself from norovirus?
Regular hand washing, thorough hygiene and keeping a distance from sick people are sensible measures to protect against the coronavirus – but also against gastrointestinal infections.
Regular and careful hand washing in particular offers “the best protection” against norovirus infections, which are often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, emphasizes the DGVS. “Always wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food and before eating,” advises the Federal Center for Health Education on its website. “Then dry your hands carefully with a clean cloth. This prevents pathogens from the intestine from reaching the mouth via contaminated hands.” There is currently no vaccination against noroviruses.
How do you get infected with norovirus?
The pathogens are highly contagious and are excreted en masse in the stool and vomit of sick people. They are usually transmitted from person to person via a smear infection. The pathogens are carried on the hands in the smallest traces – and can easily reach the mouth. Tiny virus-containing droplets in the air that are produced during vomiting are also very contagious. Noroviruses can also stick to door handles, handrails or fittings. But also raw foods, such as salads, fruit, crabs, even frozen berries.
What to do when you’re sick?
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Anyone who is sick can excrete viruses for up to two weeks, and in individual cases even longer, and can still be contagious, even if the vomiting and diarrhea have already subsided. Be careful when coming into contact with others – and be gentle.
“Anyone suffering from a gastrointestinal infection should pay particular attention to their fluid and mineral balance,” advises family doctor Beier. That means: Drink a lot, such as lightly salted tea or broth. Especially when you’re still vomiting, it’s a good idea to avoid solid food at first – your body will usually give you the right signals. Typical home remedies, such as cherry stone pillows, could also provide relief and peace of mind.
Beier advises that particular attention should be paid to seniors, infants, small children and people with a weakened immune system. “Among other things, they are at particular risk due to the lack of fluids.” If other symptoms such as high fever or very severe circulatory problems occur, or if symptoms persist for a longer period of time, it is advisable to contact your family doctor.
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