Model Han Hye Jin (42) prepared a table full of dishes using oysters.
Recently, Han Hye Jin uploaded a video on her YouTube channel where she celebrated the New Year with comedian Um Ji Yoon and broadcaster Pung Ja. In the video, Han Hye Jin said, "When it comes to winter, it's oysters," and cooked oyster pancakes and oyster rice cake soup.
The three of them prepared oyster dishes together and even ate raw oysters. While cleaning the raw oysters, Han Hye Jin said, "These oysters are not fresh enough, so this won't do." To this, Um Ji Yoon replied, "Raw oysters are dangerous, so eating them will definitely give you a stomachache." They learned about raw oysters and norovirus.
Nutritious but Beware of Stomachaches
Oysters are rich in zinc and omega-3, earning them the nickname "milk of the sea." They help our bodies fight stress and boost immunity. They improve blood circulation, benefiting vascular and heart health. Rich in B vitamins, they are also great for recovering from fatigue.
While oysters are beneficial for health, eating them raw can easily lead to stomachaches, so caution is needed. In particular, they can be a cause of norovirus, which is a major culprit of food poisoning in winter. Norovirus is contracted by consuming raw oysters, sashimi, or shellfish contaminated with the virus. After an incubation period of 12 to 48 hours, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, chills, fever, and muscle aches.
If Infected with the Virus, Avoid Carbonated Drinks and Fruit Juices
Norovirus typically resolves naturally within 2 to 3 days. During the treatment period, patients often complain of discomfort due to severe vomiting and diarrhea. However, there are no specific antiviral medications to treat norovirus, so it is important to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration.
Water, barley tea, and electrolyte drinks are good for alleviating dehydration. Carbonated drinks and fruit juices should be avoided as they can worsen dehydration symptoms. Elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of dehydration. Therefore, if symptoms persist for more than 3 days, it is necessary to seek medical attention for appropriate treatment such as IV fluids.
Wash Hands Thoroughly and Cook Food Well
Since there is no clear treatment for norovirus, it is necessary to prevent it in advance. If you are worried about eating raw food like Han Hye Jin, it is better to cook it thoroughly. The best way to prevent norovirus is to cook food. Shellfish and seafood should be washed under running water and heated thoroughly at a core temperature of 85℃ or higher for more than 1 minute.
Handwashing is also important. It is necessary to wash hands with soap under running water for more than 30 seconds. Norovirus particles are small and have strong adhesion to surfaces, so thorough washing is essential. It is also advisable to wash ingredients several times under running water before consumption.
