There are several candidates in process, but given the strain diversity (and the immune response) we don’t generate robust memory immunity, so it does pose a challenge. I have a few pieces coming in the future (they’re all about half written) about differences in immune response and how that impacts memory/protection.
Thank you. 20+ friends and I were gifted Norovirus last year. It was my friend’s BARFday party as we now call it. His wife was up all night vomiting but didn’t cancel the party - held at a neutral site and mostly outdoors, not their home - and I am still astounded that without touching her, and without her touching the food, she managed to take down 2/3 of the guests. She also happily pretended we had food poisoning! But noro is no joke and we were not fooled. I thought I’d escaped it since I spent hours washing dishes afterwards and didn’t fall in the first wave, but my roommate is immune compromised and I knew avoiding his fomites would likely be impossible.
I’ve always found it utterly insane that cruise ships - known for being hotbeds for norovirus outbreaks - have hand sanitizer everywhere. Perhaps they should consider hiring scientists to help improve their protocols.
You mentioned a rotavirus vaccine. Is that only for children, or are adults eligible? If the latter, is it a recommended vaccine that demonstrates benefits in adults? I have a robust immune system, but GI viruses are SO contagious that I take them very seriously. I had a norovirus infection about 5 years after a successful hiatal hernia repair, and my illness loosened the “wrap.”
This is so helpful! Thank You!!
You’re so welcome!!
I’m curious what is known about the immune response to norovirus, and is there an effort toward vaccine development.
There are several candidates in process, but given the strain diversity (and the immune response) we don’t generate robust memory immunity, so it does pose a challenge. I have a few pieces coming in the future (they’re all about half written) about differences in immune response and how that impacts memory/protection.
Wonderful, thank you. I really enjoy your articles. I was involved with Gardasil development for many years.
Thank you. 20+ friends and I were gifted Norovirus last year. It was my friend’s BARFday party as we now call it. His wife was up all night vomiting but didn’t cancel the party - held at a neutral site and mostly outdoors, not their home - and I am still astounded that without touching her, and without her touching the food, she managed to take down 2/3 of the guests. She also happily pretended we had food poisoning! But noro is no joke and we were not fooled. I thought I’d escaped it since I spent hours washing dishes afterwards and didn’t fall in the first wave, but my roommate is immune compromised and I knew avoiding his fomites would likely be impossible.
I’ve always found it utterly insane that cruise ships - known for being hotbeds for norovirus outbreaks - have hand sanitizer everywhere. Perhaps they should consider hiring scientists to help improve their protocols.
You mentioned a rotavirus vaccine. Is that only for children, or are adults eligible? If the latter, is it a recommended vaccine that demonstrates benefits in adults? I have a robust immune system, but GI viruses are SO contagious that I take them very seriously. I had a norovirus infection about 5 years after a successful hiatal hernia repair, and my illness loosened the “wrap.”
I participated in an extended voyage 2023, the entrance to the cafeteria had 2 sinks.
Yes there were numerous alcohol hand-sanitizer dispensers that were appropriate for other contact (surface) pathogens.
JJF Phm 🇨🇦