"You put together a holiday party, a holiday party that's 2crowded and people talking loudly at one another with not much 3ventilation, and that's the ideal setting for spreading the 4respiratory viruses."
Right now, nationally, CDC 5surveillance of 6wastewater shows COVID-19 levels are high. Influenza A and RSV levels are both 7moderate. And the agency says cases of norovirus, sometimes called the 8stomach flu or stomach bug, are also surging. Between August 1st and December 11th, there were 36% more 9norovirus 10outbreaks reported by states who share data on this virus than in the same period last seasonal year.
"Norovirus is the most common cause of 11gastrointestinal symptoms, 12nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. It's really kind of a miserable illness."
Dr. Paul Sax with Brigham and Women's Hospital says norovirus is spread through direct contact with 13contaminated surfaces and other people's hands. Cleaning things like 14countertops and washing hands can help stop the spread. That can also help keep respiratory viruses from passing between people. And Sax says if you're sick, stay home.
"Sharing is not always caring, at least 15when it comes to these viral infections."
