Are Stomach Viruses more common now than 30 years ago?

[becca44]

I was discussing this with my Mum at the weekend, she says that stomach viruses didnt seem to be around when she was a kid in the 1950's, she said that colds and flu abounded along with polio, scarlet fever, measles etc. I didnt have a stomach virus as a child either, i got the odd upset stomach but never had any symptoms of what seems to be around today, i had my 1st at the age of 24 (im 35 now).It seems to be everywhere now, im always hearing someone saying that they or someone they know has been throwing up all night. Has it got more virulent over time or in the old days did people just blame bad food or something else for it?
Opinions please?

[maxwest555]

Apparently the first ever Norovirus (stomach virus) outbreak happened in 1972, in Ohio, so it's actually pretty recent!

[m0ndaymay]

I believe they are more common now, as are all these allergies, especially to peanuts.... probably because we are cleaning ourselves sick. Thirty years ago they didn't have hand sanitizer and such. They probably weren't nearly as aware as we are today about food safety. Children went outside and played until the street lights came on, Parents didn't run out with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers. Lunches weren't packed with a frozen drink to keep them cold. So the immune system had a lot of opportunities to do its job and stay strong. We've gone overboard now with cleanliness. A little knowledge really can be a dangerous thing.

It's kind of like this. My friend went to Mexico. The locals there drank the water and didn't get sick. She had a drink with ice cubes made from tap water and got sick. Why? Because her body was never exposed to whatever is in their water, but the locals grew up with it, so their bodies handle it fine.

[fibigrey]

Apparently the first ever Norovirus (stomach virus) outbreak happened in 1972, in Ohio, so it's actually pretty recent!

I didnt know that!! Thats kindof scary lol

[person54321]

Apparently the first ever Norovirus (stomach virus) outbreak happened in 1972, in Ohio, so it's actually pretty recent!

That's not necessarily the first time the virus appeared, it was just the first outbreak that was recorded and the first time the actual virus was identified. It had been around for awhile before that, just unidentified.

[asianeko]

I think it is more common, but not as much as we think. 30 years ago we didn't have twitter and facebook telling us all our friends were ill across the country, and we didn't know if there was an outbreak in England the same day England found out.

[turbokinetic]

Possibly people are more resisting to viruses now than in the past decades. My mom and others older than I say that today's "young people" don't seem to be as vulnerable as they were in their young day.

David

[hsbbd]

I have actually heard that most sickness is caused by food poisoning or like nasty bacteria you pick up from a light switch or door handle not by actual noro. The thing is that back then, people ate and hung out at home much more than they do now so there was a much lower chance of getting sick. You got you meat fresh from the market and your milk from the milk man so there was a very low instance of sickness related bacteria

[gumdropper1]

Yes, it is has been around since at least the 1930s when the first article about "epidemic vomiting" was published. It was called hyperemesis hiemis (excessive vomiting of winter), and eventually called winter vomiting disease. Sometimes I wish it were still called that; then people would be more specific about what it is.

Doug

[jkl81]

Truth is we have no idea how common it was back in the old days. Our knowledge of viruses as a distinct life form came only with the electron microscope and I would submit we still have a lot to learn about them. Back in the 1918-19 Swine flu pandemic they had no idea it was a virus or even what a virus was. There is probably some merit to the "hygiene hypothesis" that Becca44 was talking about but that has to do with allergies and autoimmune diseases. We are talking about an outside agent that is actually hostile. However, I think we'd be healthier if we all ditched our atibacterial soaps and our hand sanitizers. If I ever get the guts to, I'm going to switch to all natural fatty acid/glycerol soaps that I make at home. Since we can't "kill" noro, and this is some of the slipperiest stuff ever, it should still rid my hands of harmful bugs without naturally selecting for antibiotic resistant microbes....right? Or am I full of crap?

[becca44]

Truth is we have no idea how common it was back in the old days. Our knowledge of viruses as a distinct life form came only with the electron microscope and I would submit we still have a lot to learn about them. Back in the 1918-19 Swine flu pandemic they had no idea it was a virus or even what a virus was. There is probably some merit to the "hygiene hypothesis" that Becca44 was talking about but that has to do with allergies and autoimmune diseases. We are talking about an outside agent that is actually hostile. However, I think we'd be healthier if we all ditched our atibacterial soaps and our hand sanitizers. If I ever get the guts to, I'm going to switch to all natural fatty acid/glycerol soaps that I make at home. Since we can't "kill" noro, and this is some of the slipperiest stuff ever, it should still rid my hands of harmful bugs without naturally selecting for antibiotic resistant microbes....right? Or am I full of crap?

Your right as all soap gets rid of germs by washing and then rinsing them off your hands, id always use a liquid soap from a dispenser though as bars of soap harbour germs. if someone with flu/noro uses a bar of soap they are leaving their germs behind on it for the next person.

[turbokinetic]

... id always use a liquid soap from a dispenser though as bars of soap harbour germs. ....

Yes, and personally I don't like the film and residue left behind by bar soap.

Some people object to the fact that liquid "soap" is made in a factory; by saying it is "not natural." It is man made but it is made for the purpose of washing your skin. It has the proper pH and properties to be gentle on skin. Bar soap was invented many years ago, possibly by accident, and is alkaline, leaves residue, and can harbor germs.

I'm a beleiver in liquid shower gel and liquid handsoap. They are not really "soap" at all. They do not contain plant or animal fats, like "soap" does. They are not an alkalai like "soap" is. As much as the "all natural" people hate to admit it, these products are genuinely better than old-fashioned soap. Just stay away from the antibacterial ones for the reasons mentioned above.

Sincerely,
David

[cinque]

I get the feeling sv*s are nastier/more widespread than 15 to 20 years ago, but that might be my skewed perception of things.

I agree that antibacterial soap is unnecessary! Soap works in a mechanical sort of way. It doesn't need to 'kill' germs; they're being washed down the drain!

I'm not sure about hand sanitisers. I think they have their uses although I'd always go for soap and water where possible because I think it's simply more effective. But I'm unsure of resistant bugs being created by the use of them. It really depends. Something like bleach or benzalkonium chloride or Milton sterilising solution - that's not antibiotic or anything, it just destroys bacteria and viral particles and fungal spores. So I don't see how things could build a resistance to that?

I do despair of the aggressive marketing of things like Dettol in the UK where I actually feel that cleaning with bleach would be far better. Dettol is even advertised for getting rid of pollen and allergens. So would a damp cloth! I'm definitely all for good hygiene but that sort of thing gets to me.

I don't think we're all 'too clean' nowadays though. That's quite a common view that is put forward but there are a LOT of people who have very dirty habits - not washing their hands after going to the toilet or changing a nappy. Sending their children to school when they're very ill. Letting their dogs mess on the path and not cleaning it up. There are plenty of germs out there, still. Some people nowadays might be excessively clean, but there are an awful lot that really aren't.

[becca44]

I could be a complete idiot for even suggesting this, well actually my dad said it so i can pass the buck, he said maybe it is a manmade virus that was released into the community years ago as all viruses have to start somewhere and it wasnt documented prior to 1930's, he cant remember either him or his 9 siblings having stomach bugs, its his theory (maybe hes been watching too many films)

[Makeeba]

i think these days we are over-using antibiotics.

antibiotics kill GOOD bacteria in our guts, as well as the bad bacteria they are meant to fight.

the good bacteria in your gut is meant to help you resist and fight infections, be they gastrointestinal, respiratory, genitourinary, etc., in nature.

roughly 70% of your immune system is in your gut. basically, much of the work being done by your immune system takes place in your gut. makes sense, right? a primary mode of entry into your body is through the mouth. our mouths are open all day...we talk, eat, breathe, yawn...

the good bacteria in your gut plays a key role in resisting and fighting infectious disease. these bacteria are responsible for enhancing immunglobulin A(igA) response. igA is an antibody responsible for mucosal immunity.
the mucosal lining of the small intestine is where pathogens gain entry into our bodies.

probiotics increase the surface area of the small intestine by lengthening the microvilli that line the small intestine, more surface area means greater secretion of mucus, making it difficult for bacteria to adhere and grow in the small intestine, and making it difficult for viruses to adhere to the small intestine, gain entry into healthy cells, replicate, and make you sick.
basically, probiotics create a slippery environment making it hard for germs to really get a "firm grip". the good bacteria also, crowds out the bad bacteria.

that being said, probiotics cannot do all the work. a healthy diet, exercise, plenty of rest, and minimizing stress are all important in building resistance.

can probiotics prevent all stomach viruses, i dont know, but i take mine DAILY, and try to maintain a healthy diet, which gives me peace of mind, and peace of mind goes a long way in helping you stay well.

so yes, i think they are more common, because we are weakening our immune systems through abuse of antibiotics. I AM NOT AGAINST ANTIBIOTICS. THEY ARE ESSENTIAL. but i think we over-use them.

another factor that i think caused a surge in infectious disease is the fact that the world is getting smaller. we are traveling more, to different parts of the world, and souvenirs are not the only things we are bringing back with us.

for example, measles is still a problem in many parts of the world, but through vaccines, measles was a distant memory in the united states, until fairly recently. in cities across the country, there has been a resurgence of measles. people with lowered resistance, or in need of vaccine booster, travel to other parts of the world, get sick and bring the disease home with them. ahh, modern times!!!

that's my two cents....

[fixxxer2012]

Apparently the first ever Norovirus (stomach virus) outbreak happened in 1972, in Ohio, so it's actually pretty recent!

right but the virus was probably around well before then. it was discovered in 1972 and named. i would say it is no more prevalent than it has ever been although people get it more because of lack of hand washing and self care.

[cuhley70]

I read it was 1968 in norwalk Ohio

[cuhley70]

Actually when I was growing up it was around a lot that was the 1970's

[fixxxer2012]

I read it was 1968 in norwalk Ohio

i think you may be right, ill have to look it up. i also remember getting the sv every so often as a kid. but back then it could of been roto too.

[cuhley70]

OK look at where we are with things now. When is the last time you heard of someone with measles, mumps, polio, etc. We have vaccines for a lot of stuff except noro. I think the gov't should quit researching pig farts and why blueberries do what ever. Put the money to research a noro vaccine and cancer

[fixxxer2012]

OK look at where we are with things now. When is the last time you heard of someone with measles, mumps, polio, etc. We have vaccines for a lot of stuff except noro. I think the gov't should quit researching pig farts and why blueberries do what ever. Put the money to research a noro vaccine and cancer

i agree but don't forget hiv/aids. im a firm believer the government has cures for all of this, it's called population control and incentives for the health care system. i know i sound like a conspiracy theorist but thats my thoughts.

[cuhley70]

Sorry fixxxer2012 that I forgot about aids/HIV. I just jotted what is close right now. I'm a emetophobic and my mom may have cancer.

[fixxxer2012]

my mom may have cancer.

im soo sorry.

[CMM811]

I don't know but I do agree that we are a lot more unhealthy then we were even just 15 years ago!!!!! People eat too much junk food, watch too much tv and not exercise enough. They go to the dr for ache and cough to get some kind of pill to put into their body all in which is a foreign substance to your body and in turn weakening it. No I'm not against modern medicine but I agree with Fixxxxer our govt is in on a conspiracy theory. Like ever wonder why sv* or the flu don't just go away? Or why the start on the west coast and spread east? My theory is the government, they release the virus to the public because if people are sick they see a dr, a dr seeks out the insurance companies which have government backing and so on. It's all about the $ signs now. But if the people as a whole became healthier there wouldn't be nearly as many diseases out there!!!! Like I think it's funny sv* and the flu were barely heard of when I was a kid 28 years ago and we had a total of 5 vaccinations. Now the kids get over 29 vaccinations by the time they are 4 and sv* and the flu and all kinds of other crap is ALWAYS going around...makes you think! Another reason I don't pump vaccinations into my kids, I let their immune system do what it is made to do without monkey brains or cow blood in there too!

[hairyfairy]

It does seem to me that all you hear about these days are svs & allergies. People appear to be a lot less healthy than they used to be, especially kids, but then maybe it`s just that wer`e all becoming more worried about illness because of all the scare stories in the media.

[thelittlestranger]

I do despair of the aggressive marketing of things like Dettol in the UK where I actually feel that cleaning with bleach would be far better. Dettol is even advertised for getting rid of pollen and allergens. So would a damp cloth! I'm definitely all for good hygiene but that sort of thing gets to me.

I am EXACTLY the same! My sister bought me one of those Dettol 'no touch' hand washers. Bless her, she got it for a laugh as she knows I'm a bit mad with hand washing, but what is the point? Sure, it looks cool, but you put your hands under it to get the soap and then TURN THE TAP ON. What difference does it make?!

And Dettol is so overpriced. For antibacterial stuff, and general cleaning, it's good. I use their wipes if there's a few crumbs on our work top but other than that... I don't see what good it is?

[Rebecca85]

Just out of interest, how would conspiracy theories work in the UK, where healthcare is free at the point of need so every sick person actually costs them money?

[biscuitjusticex]

You all need to realise also that there were no forums or internet for every single useless piece of information to be released on to... the news thirty years ago would have been actual news that people have not heard from one day to the next not all the crap we get now and when they run out they run a sort about lurgies! The amount of information available to people in this day is absolutely ridiculous! people just did not have the resources back then to reach as many people!

[LouiseR]

Hmm I think sv have always been around...I don't think its a particularly new thing and that case in Ohio was probably just the first time it gained any media attention and was first given a name. It could have become more prevalent through industrialisation and the growth of cities, people living in closer proximity to one another and more public areas where illnesses spread.
But also it's properly just reported more, it's easy for us now to tell people in different continents when we get a sv! Back before the internet and all these other forms of communication you wouldn't be hearing about everyones stomach upsets. And the tabloids love a good health scare story.

Also I don't think the govt should put money into norovirus because as horrible as it is for us it's not actually a big deal and most people recover and those with complications, in the UK at least get free hospital treatment. There are far worse illnesses and diseases that medicine should research cures for, and we've come a long way with hygiene in recent decades and disease which would be way worse than a sv have been wiped out like polio etc. And the flu has definitely always been very prevalent, think back to the spanish flu!

[mhp8982]

I think it's a combo of people being less healthy today.. and then also media making it seem like more than it is. These bugs went around when I was a kid. I rarely got them.. but I knew plenty of kids who got them every year. I still don't get t hem often.. very rarely. It is weird to me that sometimes kids get them multiple times in a year now. I really don't have an explanation. I just wish they'd get a GOOD vaccine out for it...