The number of norovirus cases is increasing across the US, but there are ways to reduce your chances of infection and stave off dehydration and other symptoms.

This winter’s dominant norovirus strain is a newer variant called the G11.17 [P17], CBS reports, citing data from a network of public health laboratories called CaliciNet that found seven in 10 outbreaks of the virus have tested positive for it.

Norovirus infections can occur at any time of year, but they tend to peak during the colder winter months—that happens every year. It is important to note that we do not know

Norovirus can survive quite well on surfaces, bathroom fixtures, countertops, doorknobs and any other items commonly touched. Many typical household cleaners cannot kill the virus or eradicate it from those surfaces. The best solution is to clean such areas with appropriately diluted bleach.

Norovirus tends to come on hard and fast. “Nausea and or vomiting are usually the first symptoms of norovirus,” says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

U.S. outbreaks this year are more than double what they were at the same time last year with the stomach virus causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus is known to cause some pretty nasty symptoms, but there are steps you can take to stay healthy and things you can do to feel better if you do get sick. Here’s what to

The CDC says a new strain of norovirus now makes up a majority of outbreaks and that could be why it's spreading so quickly. Stephanie Stahl reports.