News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
While flu, COVID, and RSV rates are normal for this time of year, Upper Cumberland citizens need to be watch out for the spread of norovirus.
Upper Cumberland Regional Medical Director Don Grisham said norovirus hits the digestive system and is spreading across the country. Grisham said washing your hands with soap is the best defense against the virus.
“When it hits you, it’s a pretty devastating event for those two or three days,” Grisham said. “Because it’s just this protracted nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. And the key with it, if you do get it, is it’s highly contagious and the only way to really clear it is to use bleach when you clear surfaces.”
Grisham said experts believe there is a new, more infectious variant of norovirus. He said that appears to be the reason behind the increase in cases. Grisham said the virus makes its victims dehydrated so drinking water is the best way to prevent symptoms.
“With norovirus you can feel fine one minute and then the next minute you can have explosive vomiting and diarrhea and fever and you’ll feel crummy for two or three days,” Grisham said.
Grisham said flu, COVID, and RSV started surging in November and still have not let up. Grisham said Tennessee is one of six states that has very high influenza activity right now.
“(Last week) there were three hundred and eighteen admissions for influenza across the state,” Grisham said. “And a hundred and eighty-three admissions to the hospital for COVID. There were a hundred and sixty-seven admissions for RSV. So there are people with all three conditions being in the hospital right now.”
Grisham said infection numbers in the Upper Cumberland may not be quite as severe as the whole state but the numbers fluctuate weekly. Grisham said these numbers increase a lot every winter.
“When people gather together in the winter months, they have a greater tendency to pass infections,” Grisham said.
Grisham said the key to fighting illnesses outside of norovirus is to get the proper vaccinations.
“All three of these illnesses can cause significant problems,” Grisham said. “Particularly in the very young and the very old they can contribute to pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.”
