What we sometimes call “the stomach bug” is viral gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection.

The most common stomach bugs are norovirus and rotavirus, and they’ve been buzzing around eastern Pennsylvania this winter.

In fact, data is showing that the number of cases in the area this year could be the highest recorded in a decade.

Norovirus and rotavirus: what’s the difference?

These two illnesses, which are both highly contagious, are caused by different viruses.

Rotavirus is a gastrointestinal infection that mostly affects children under age 5.

There are now rotavirus vaccines that have kept many kids healthy.

For those who do get infected, rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.

Norovirus, which can affect anyone, is similar and is distinguished by “a lot of vomiting,” as well as nausea and diarrhea. This virus is super hardy.

Viruses that cause the flu or COVID-19 can be killed when you use hand sanitizer or alcohol. But norovirus is not affected by alcohol or high temperatures. And it can survive on surfaces for weeks.

Prevention and treatment

We asked Tammy Merrifield, CRNP, DNP, with LVPG Internal Medicine–Carbon, about ways to prevent these two illnesses and how they should be treated.

Q: How do you get norovirus and rotavirus?

A: You can become infected by direct contact with someone already infected, touching an infected surface or consuming contaminated food or drinks. These viruses often spread through the fecal-oral route. For example, without proper hand-washing, tiny particles of fecal matter from an infected person may find their way into a noninfected person’s food.

Q: What are some ways to prevent contracting the stomach bug?

A: Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. Therefore, proper hand washing with soap and water is important, especially after using the bathroom and prior to eating or handling food. Wash fruits and vegetables well. Because the viruses can be transmitted by food — especially shellfish — that’s tainted by the virus, it’s recommended to cook oysters and other shellfish until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to clean utensils, cutting boards and counters after handling shellfish and other foods.

Q: What is the best treatment if you have a stomach bug?

A: There is no specific medication used to treat either norovirus or rotavirus. The best course of action is to drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated; eat bland, easy-to-digest foods; and get lots of rest.

You can take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications or antiemetics to help stop vomiting as needed.

As dehydration can be a serious complication of these two viruses, rehydration is extremely important as symptoms begin to go away.

You might also want to take a probiotic to help support the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

To make an appointment with LVPG Internal Medicine–Carbon, call 484-224-9700.