Norovirus - is it one that mutates constantly like the common cold one?

[marina]

I assume it must do, because so many people seem to catch it every time there's an epidemic.
Just wondered if any of our medically/scientifically knowledgeable Mners knew if this was true.

I think they mentioned something about not developing immunity to it so it's not a case of having it then never getting it again iyswim.

I had to sit next someone on the train last night who honestly sounded like they were going to cough up a lung.

Well I'd have thought so Fio (that it's a different strain every time, or should that be "heave" perhaps) but - and am holding on to several wooden items as I touch this...we don't seem to fall prey to this sort of thing as a rule, and it is not because I run a super hygienic household

ah foxy, the scary commuter cough
Tis even better when you are all jammed in and you are convinced that someone is hawking phlegm on to your coat back

lol

yes, I was convinced that the cough was hitting me in the face because we were all crammed in and I could 'feel' the whoosh because the cough was so forceful.

I think you have just been lucky marina. Did you think twice about starting this thread or are you not that superstitious (apart from your wood touching )?

I did! I mulled it over for a full 20 secs you know
But my parents have gone into full siege mode (mad phone calls instructing us NOT TO GO OUT, hmm, that's practical mum - but they are very old ) and it made me wonder what the actual risk is, and whether a memorable dose of it in 1998 means I'm immune now. Probably not!

Apaprently it does yes- was printing stuff up from Government websites (dont have addy but was linked via BBC news website) and it said last huge outbreak was in 2002 due to a mutation in the virus.

Oha nd it also said that any immunity developed is very shirtlived compared to toehr illnesses

Well, that's entirely sensible Fio. I really hope she and you all dodge this one.
Unlike mum and dad, who have probably replaced their sheltered housing alert sign reading "We are all right today thanks warden" with one reading "feck off if you're feeling queasy, we have a gun trained on you and we'll use it"

Thanks for that Peachy, so it does mutate then. Bleurgh!

Your MIL could grow her own out of sheer spite though batters
I reckon she could give herself typhoid to annoy you all
Now, that's a thought...

Think I read somewhere that immunity last only 14 weeks. We had it before Christmas and again two weeks later (very mildy except ds2) Also we had a mild D&V in October. So different virus/different strain who knows!

Oh rotten luck Fio, I'm really sorry
Give her time IMO batters

LOL, what a little Sarah Bernhardt
Glad she is OK Fio