Parkridge Medical aims to lower risk of Norovirus
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Parkridge Medical Center aims to raise caution and lower the spread of Norovirus in Hamilton County.
“We have been seeing an Influx. And, you know, influenza, we’ve actually seen some occurrences of COVID cases. And then, you know, is it influenza? Sometimes we have the actual intestinal challenges in our virus. In particular, it is a little bit different than the older influenza, sort of, you know, GI or an intestinal outset, which is going to be associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” said Dr. Daniel Poor, Regional Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Parkridge.
Norovirus is known as the winter vomiting bug that is a leading cause in foodborne illness in the United States.
Dr. Poor explains why this virus is a big deal.
“If you can not get nutrients or fluids or even meds in my mouth, then we will have to worry or not if we have to bring them to the hospital, put an IV in them, keep them overnight, maybe two nights. We want to make sure they can pee, and walk and tolerate stuff by mouth before they can even go home, so it affects everyone in the family,” said Dr. Poor.
According to the CDC, the new strain of norovirus now makes up a majority of outbreaks across the country.
Along with Vomiting and Diarrhea folks can even experience symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headaches, and fever.
Dr. Poor believes the best practice to prevent norovirus is hand hygiene.
“Really get that hand lather, in between the webs in between the fingernails and really wash it off good. and then anything that is contaminated they vomit on something it goes in the washing machine, if they have diarrhea get that out of the way. Wipe everything down if you have the ability to use gloves at your house, even if you have gloves on when you take them off you still need to wash your hands with soap and water,” said Dr. Poor.
Parkridge says if you are unable to eat or drink and feel dehydration, get to the nearest hospital immediately.
Dr. Poor considers it important to take care of your health.
“It is a personal responsibility, a social responsibility, and a family responsibility for everybody across the board. And if you have any questions or concerns about your health, your family members health, just come into the hospital and see us. We’re happy to see anybody take care of anybody we can,” Dr. Poor concluded.
