If you’ve already suffered through Norovirus, you know that it’s not a pleasant illness. Unfortunately, because new strains develop every few years, you’re not protected from the Sydney strain that was identified last March. In fact, you’re at a higher risk of catching it that people who have never been ill with the gastroenteritis before.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that they are not yet sure if the new strain that is sweeping the Denver area is a more serious illness than previous strains or even if it will cause more outbreaks. They are monitoring the situation closely and estimate that more than have of the cases of Norovirus in September, October, November, and December of 2012 were caused by the new Sydney strain.
In addition to the abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting caused with the illness, there is also the possibility that the blood pressure could drop drastically, causing a person to faint and fall. It is extremely important that precautions are taken so that the patient doesn't get dehydrated because of vomiting and diarrhea.
It only takes a few viral particles to catch the illness. These can be spread by projectile vomiting. The particles are carried in the air and linger on surfaces, making it easy to pass from person to person.
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