One of the best ways to improve your odds of enjoying a long and healthy life is to have — and regularly see — a primary care provider, said nurse practitioner Stacey A. Connell, CRNP, a primary care provider.

“I take great pride in treating patients holistically, not just the disease or problem,” said Connell, who has a doctorate in nursing. “As the patient, your input is invaluable, and I believe every interaction should feel personal. We work as a team to find the best options to maximize your health.”

PCPs deliver comprehensive care, often over a lifetime, she explained. This includes routine sick and well care, chronic illness and medication management, and specialty care coordination.

For routine care, seeing your PCP first could save you time because many PCPs offer same-day appointments and online scheduling to make finding and keeping appointments easier.

Another benefit to having a PCP is they take the time to get to know you and put your needs first. You could also save money as most insurance plans have lower copays and charges for visits at your PCP office than urgent care or the emergency.

“PCPs work closely with their colleagues throughout the St. Luke’s Health Network to help patients stay well,” she said. “Recently, Kara Mascitti, MD, St. Luke’s Chief Wellness Officer, provided the following information about the norovirus, which is prevalent in our community.”

Dr. Mascitti is also the medical director and a health care epidemiology and infection prevention physician at St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Associates.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis (the “stomach bug”), an inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

The most common symptoms of norovirus are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Other symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

Most people with norovirus get better within 1 to 3 days.

How contagious is norovirus?

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly. People with norovirus can release billions of tiny virus particles when they are sick.

It takes exposure to only a few virus particles to get the infection.

People with norovirus are most contagious from the time they become infected until 48 hours after their symptoms stop but can still spread virus for up to 2 weeks after they feel better.

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads easily and quickly in several different ways:

• Direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing close living quarters or sharing food or utensils.

• Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with norovirus.

• Eating food that is contaminated with norovirus. Leafy greens, fresh fruits and shellfish like oysters that are grown with contaminated water have caused past norovirus outbreaks.

How is norovirus diagnosed?

Norovirus is usually diagnosed based on symptoms alone, especially if someone has had contact with other sick people.

For people with a weakened immune system or other medical conditions, their health care provider might recommend a stool test for norovirus and other possible infections.

How is norovirus treated?

There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus.

• As dehydration can quickly occur, adequate hydration with sports or electrolyte drinks is essential.

• Young children, older adults, and people with other medical conditions may require medical attention if their dehydration becomes severe.

How can I protect myself from getting norovirus?

Norovirus can be prevented with several simple measures:

• Wash your hands well and often with soap and water. Please note that hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus particles as effective as washing your hands with soap and water.

• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.

• Wash soiled laundry in hot water.

• Cook shellfish thoroughly.

• Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.

Connell sees patients at St. Luke’s Palmerton Primary Care and welcomes new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 484-822-5324.