Norovirus cases, often referred to as the "stomach bug," have nearly doubled since the beginning of fall and are rising just in time for Thanksgiving.

Wastewater data maintained by WasteWaterSCAN, a Stanford University-led tool for tracking the spread of disease, reported norovirus activity as being "high" nationally the week ending Nov. 11, representing a 52% increase in the median concentration compared to October, meaning more of the virus has been detected in the wastewater of more communities nationwide.

The highly contagious disease has been steadily increasing since September, a typical pattern for viruses that spread most widely during colder months.

The week ending Nov. 15 saw the percentage of positive tests nearly double since the first week of September, according to the most recent CDC data; 7.81% of tests came back positive for the virus the week ending Sept. 6, while 13.74% did so the week of Nov. 15.

Hoping to avoid sharing something other than good times with your family this holiday weekend? Here's what to keep an eye out for.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, often referred to as the "stomach bug" or "stomach flu," though it is not actually related to flu.

It is typically contracted from contaminated food or water, and is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic and CDC. It is known for causing sudden, repeated vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Once someone contracts norovirus, their body sheds billions of tiny, contagious virus particles. Another person can become ill after coming in contact with even a few of these particles.

Usually, you'll stop being contagious about 48 hours after symptoms subside. You can continue shedding the virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery, however, according to the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic.

There are different strains of the virus; if your body builds up a response to one type, you can easily become ill again with another. Cases are most common during colder weather months from November to April.

The only silver lining that? It is typically short-lived, lasting one to three days in the system.

Symptoms of norovirus, better known as the stomach bug

These are symptoms of norovirus infection, according to the Mayo and the Cleveland Clinics:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramping or pain
  • Sometimes, fever, headache or body aches may occur

Dehydration is a significant concern once you have contracted the virus. Symptoms indicating that your body may need more fluids include:

  • Urinating less or having dark-colored urine
  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

A person who is sick and has been infected with the virus will typically experience the symptoms suddenly. Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears.

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days.

Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic and show no symptoms at all. But they can still be contagious and pass the virus to others. Children younger than 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections, according to the CDC.

How does norovirus spread?

One very important holiday tip: wash your hands. This especially goes for those on turkey duty.

Norovirus is easily spread via close contact with someone who is infected (even if they don't have symptoms), touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose, or, most commonly, eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages.

The virus can and often does spread when someone who is infected or has come into contact with contaminated surfaces touches food that is being prepared or served. The virus is difficult to kill, as it can withstand hot and cold temperatures and many disinfectants.

Don't spread something other than joy this holiday season

The best way to avoid contributing to a whole new level of suffering on "Brown Friday"? Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds and do it often. Wash them before and after eating, before and after handling food and after using the bathroom.

General food safety practices can also prevent a holiday catastrophe. Cook your food thoroughly and to the designated internal temperature (at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit as a general rule), clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces and objects, especially if they have been in contact with food and wash fruits and vegetables before serving or eating them.

If you are feeling sick, consider sitting out family gatherings for at least 2 days after your symptoms stop, according to the CDC. Avoid close contact with others, avoid handling food, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly clean up any bathroom messes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cases of norovirus are on the rise just in time for the holiday season

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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