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About the Authors

Dr. J. Patrick "President Pat" Vandersluis is our fearless leader here at HealthRx. He spends much of his time learning about and researching cardiology, bioengineering, medical informatics, and health IT. Someday Pat plans to write a novel that has nothing to do with any of those things. In his little free time, he enjoys Battlestar Galactica, home improvement, How It's Made, and circus peanuts. Say hi to Pat on email or LinkedIn.

Kelly Morgan is our Director of Marketing and Communication. She is a health communication researcher and Ph.D. candidate, adjunct professor, and a fitness instructor outside of HealthRx. Kelly has also been "fixin' to" finish writing a novel for the last five years, but prefers talking about it to doing it. She also enjoys party stores, ghost stories, fashion mags, The Simpsons, and ginger tea. Holler at Kelly on email, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.

Patrick Walsh is our COO. He directs operations from our offices in Myrtle Beach (tough duty) and cracks the whip when the rest of us start going down rat holes. Pat is crazy for golf at its highest level (so the Golf Channel is a favorite), American history, classic movies, fast cars (as they go by), and an occasional Rocky Patel and cognac. Send your love to Pat by email .

Eric Morgan is our Director of Advanced Technologies. He specializes in iPad development, but willingly dabbles in less exciting "hacking" as well. In his spare time, Eric brews beer and occupies Micro Center. Eric loves sci-fi, fast cars, Batman, and fancying himself as an Ancient Alien Astronaut Theorist. Transmit geeky messeges to Eric on email or LinkedIn.

Lauren Spengler is our Customer Support Manager.  She spends her time guiding researchers down the easiest path to solving their problems. Lauren has also spearheaded our healthy company fitness initiative! She is a proud cat lady who loves bowling, live music, crafting, indoor rock climbing, painting, and being an advocate for women's health. Tell her all your secrets by email.

Jackson Sunuwar is one of our Software Developers. Outside of work, he plays soccer and cranks up his Xbox with Fifa and Halo. When he wants to show his artsy side, Jackson works on his photography skills with some sweet Nikon cameras and taps into his inner Jason Mraz by playing soft rock/acoustic on his guitar. Send a song request his way by email.

Dylan Pullia is a Software Development Intern. He is currently studying Computer Science at George Mason University and aspires to start his own software company. Outside of work, Dylan likes to play paintball, video games, and work on his own programming projects. Interface with Dylan by email or on Skype at dylan.pulliam.

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Oh, Norovirus! Everything You Need to Know to Stay Well

Posted on Mon, Mar 12, 2012
  
  
  
  

Stephen is on loan to us from George Mason University's MPH program. We're pleased to have his perspective on health sciences news.

HealthRx

Norovirus, a contiguous gastrointestinal disease and precursor to stomach flu, has reared its head in the Washington, D.C. area. Norovirus has left a hefty trail of sick people throughout these parts since January. Some comforting news: norovirus is common and can be found in various settings from public to private only as long as an infected person is present.

Norovirus has been in the news recently. Cases have been reported in Syracuse and Philadelphia this year. George Washington University reported 85 students with norovirus infections around Valentine’s Day (The Washington Post, 2012). Following the GWU announcement, area schools braced themselves for cases on their campuses in collaboration with the D.C. Department of Health (News4, 2012). More hand sanitizers were installed and more bleach was applied more often to doorknobs.

Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, stomach pain, muscle aches, and diarrhea, which usually last for 24 to 48 hours upon exposure. It’s contagious for three days while the symptoms are present, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Just imagine the fun norovirus brings! Sounds like a perfect time for an anti-social, stomach-cramping weekend that's only good for catching up on your Netflix queue.

Norovirus is the cause of more than half of all foodborne illness outbreaks (CDC, 2011). About 20 million cases are reported each year, according to the CDC. The virus is found in the excretions of infected persons – basically the vomit and stool. The virus is transmitted through consuming foods or liquids contaminated with the virus, touching tainted surfaces, and sharing food, drink, or utensils with someone who has the virus (CDC, 2011).

Prevention Tools

There is no vaccine for norovirus or medications used to treat it, but here are some steps to protect you:

  • Wash hands carefully after using the bathroom or changing diapers
  • Clean and sanitize surfaces that receive high traffic
  • Wash possibly contaminated clothing of infected persons (CDC, 2011).

 Stephen Hicks

 

 

 

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