UK Set to Test World's First Norovirus Vaccine
UK Set to Test World's First Norovirus Vaccine For Vomiting Bug Norovirus
The Facts
Pharmaceutical firm Moderna is set to test the world's first vaccine against norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug. The virus reportedly causes around 12K hospitalities in the UK alone — and 685M cases of gastroenteritis globally — each year, especially during winters.Pharmaceutical firm Moderna is set to test the world's first vaccine against norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug. The virus reportedly causes around 12K hospitalizations in the UK alone — and 685M cases of gastroenteritis globally — each year, especially during winters.
Norovirus, or the winter vomiting bug, spreads via contact with infected persons or through contaminated surfaces or food and water. Its symptoms are nausea, projectile vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, severe abdominal pain, and aching limbs. It affects people of all ages.Norovirus spreads via contact with infected people or through contaminated surfaces or food and water. Its symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, severe abdominal pain, and aching limbs. The so-called "winter vomiting bug" affects people of all ages.
The Spin
A norovirus vaccine will mark a crucial breakthrough. Norovirus's ability to spread rapidly in close quarters makes it a public health concern. With no current treatment and prevention reliant on hygiene, a vaccine would be a game-changer, — potentially reducing the burden of outbreaks and preventing severe cases.
The increase in norovirus cases is a natural consequence of returning to normal social interactions after thea covidlong period of COVID-era cloistering. The human immune system needs exposure to common viruses to maintain strength. While a vaccine is always welcome, overreacting to a situation could lead to unnecessary panic and disruption of daily life.
