Norovirus Outbreak

On December 20, 2007, The NYC Health Department reported that New York City and other parts of the North East is starting the stomach flu season with a significant increase of the dreaded norovirus. Cases of the illness dubbed the "vomiting virus" are spiking around the metropolitan area. Local hospitals are treating approximately 500 daily cases. The daily average for this time of year is typically 200 cases. The norovirus can cause days of severe vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and fevers

There are no antiviral treatments or vaccines for the illness. The norovirus is a common stomach ailment and will run its course in a few days. As always, with these types of ailments, patients are at risk of dehydration. Plenty of fluids are a must.

In East Lyme, Connecticut all five public schools shut down after a suspected outbreak of the norovirus sickened numerous students. This is the same virus notorious for causing outbreaks on cruise ships.

On December, 19, 2007, Rudolph Giuliani the Republican presidential candidate spent a night in a Missouri hospital after suffering from flu-like symptoms.

The former NYC mayor and current presidential wannabe was on a flight from Missouri to New York. In a dramatic turn of events, aids to the candidate had the pilot turn around and land, in order for Giuliani to seek medical treatment. He was subsequently treated and released after an overnight stay at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Was it the norovirus? I don't know. Perhaps, it was a simple case of severe bellyaching over Giuliani's status as front-runner dissipating. The same day he became ill, polls indicated a 13-point plummet resulting in Mitt Romney tying or leapfrogging to the lead as front-runner for the Republican nomination.

I'll tell you what makes me sick. It's watching Rudy Giuliani exaggerate his role during the aftermath of 9/11.

The common way to spread the bug is glad handing and poor food handling. Most experts, mom, agree that the best way to stop the spread of this virus is to regularly wash your hands.

Hey, if "America's Mayor" can force an emergency landing for a tummy ache, you can call out sick for a day or two. If little Johnny or Susie is sick, keep them home. During this time of year most schools are closed anyway due to Christmas vacation, err I mean winter break.

Stay well, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and for goodness sake don't breathe all over Santa's cookies and milk.