The CDC reported 91 cases of Norovirus in the first week of December, 20 more cases than there were in the last week of November. If you or your loved ones came down with a days-long bout of vomiting or diarrhea this holiday season, it may have been Norovirus.

ILLINOIS (WAND) — The CDC reported 91 cases of Norovirus in the first week of December, 20 more cases than there were in the last week of November.

If you or your loved ones came down with a days-long bout of vomiting or diarrhea this holiday season, it may have been Norovirus.

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus commonly referred to as a stomach bug, typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route.

Dr. Christopher Atashian, the Medical Director of Emergency Services at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, said that the virus is highly transmittable.

"It can actually be, aerosolized. So if you're throwing up -- even if you're, like, flushing the toilet -- that can send the virus particles out in the air, and then you can get somebody sick." Dr. Atashian explained.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, headache, and lethargy. 

Dr. Atashian said the virus can last from 12 hours to 9 days. However, you can pass on the virus to others for even longer. "You can shed the virus for up to two weeks. So even after you're feeling just fine, you can still get people around you sick." 

Additionally, the germs from infected persons can stay on surfaces for extended periods of time.

Dr. Ted Clark, Chief Medical Officer at Decatur Memorial Hospital, explained that germs from the virus can be cleaned, but can fester for hours. 

"It will stay on surfaces for several hours. It can be cleaned with common disinfectants. Isopropyl alcohol or common disinfectant wipes will eliminate norovirus. But it can -- especially on hard surfaces -- it can stay there for several hours -- even up to a day or more -- and be transmitted fairly easily," said Dr. Clark.

There is no vaccine for norovirus; for at-home care, staying hydrated, taking over-the-counter Imodium, and practicing good hand hygiene can help stop the spread and quell symptoms.

If you are experiencing extreme lethargy, severe dehydration, or blood in the stool, Dr. Clark recommends going to the hospital.

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