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A norovirus infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea that appears out of nowhere. The norovirus is extremely contagious. They are frequently distributed through contaminated food or drink or through contaminated surfaces. Close contact with a person infected with a norovirus can potentially transfer the virus.
Diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting are common symptoms that appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Symptoms of a norovirus infection typically last 1 to 3 days. Most people heal completely on their own. However, vomiting and diarrhea can be highly dehydrating for certain people, particularly young children, elderly adults, and persons with other medical issues, and may necessitate medical attention.
Norovirus infection is most common in enclosed and crowded environments. Hospitals, nursing facilities, child care centers, schools, and cruise ships are some examples.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A NOROVIRUS INFECTION?
The following are signs and symptoms of norovirus infection:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Feeling ill
- Low-grade fever
- Cramps or stomach ache
- Diarrhea that is watery or loose
- Muscle ache
Symptoms normally appear 12 to 48 hours after your first norovirus encounter and last 1 to 3 days. After recovery, you may continue to shed virus in your stool for several weeks. If you have another medical issue, this shedding can linger for weeks or months.
Some persons with norovirus infection have no symptoms. They are, nonetheless, contagious and can transfer the illness to others.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NOROVIRUS INFECTION?
The norovirus is extremely contagious. As a result, the norovirus illness is easily disseminated to others. The virus is excreted in feces and vomit. From the time you first notice symptoms of disease until several days after you recover, you can transfer the virus. Noroviruses can survive for days or weeks on surfaces and objects.
Norovirus infection can occur as a result of:
- Consuming contaminated food
- consuming contaminated water
- Touching your lips with your hand after it has come into contact with a contaminated surface or object
- Being in close proximity to someone who has a norovirus infection
Noroviruses are tough to eradicate since they can tolerate extreme temperatures as well as numerous disinfectants.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR NOROVIRUS INFECTION?
The following are risk factors for norovirus infection:
- Eating in a location where food has been handled by someone infected with norovirus or where the food has come into touch with contaminated water or surfaces
- Staying in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or other locations with a large number of people in close quarters
- Contact with someone infected with the norovirus
- Preschool or child care center attendance
- Living in close quarters, like in nursing homes
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF NOROVIRUS INFECTION?
Most people recover from norovirus infection within a few days and it is not life-threatening. However, norovirus infection can be severe in some people, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, other medical issues, or who are pregnant. Infection with the norovirus can result in severe dehydration and even death.
Dehydration warning indicators include:
- Fatigue
- Mouth and throat dryness
- Listlessness
- Dizziness
- Reduced urine production
Dehydrated children may weep with few or no tears. They could be excessively drowsy or cranky.
HOW IS NOROVIRUS INFECTION DIAGNOSED?
The diagnosis of norovirus infection is mainly based on your symptoms, however noroviruses can be recognized from a stool sample. If you have a weaker immune system or other medical concerns, your doctor may suggest a stool test to confirm the presence of norovirus.
HOW IS NOROVIRUS INFECTION TREATED?
Norovirus infection has no specific therapy. Recovery is generally determined by the state of your immune system. Most patients recover from their ailment within a few days.
It is critical to replenish lost fluids. Oral rehydration solutions are an option. If you are unable to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, you may need to receive fluids through a vein (intravenous).
Your doctor may advise you to take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication as well as nausea medication.
HOME REMEDIES FOR NOROVIRUS INFECTION
If you have young children in your family, it’s a good idea to keep commercially produced oral rehydration solutions on hand. Sports drinks, broths, and oral rehydration treatments are all options for adults. Drinking sugary liquids, such as soft drinks and some fruit juices, might aggravate diarrhea. Caffeine and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
Reintroduce eating slowly. If you get nausea, try to eat tiny amounts of food frequently. Otherwise, start eating bland, easy-to-digest items like soda crackers, bread, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice, and chicken gradually. If your nausea returns, stop eating. For a few days, avoid milk and dairy products, coffee, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
Keep in mind that norovirus infection is extremely contagious. Avoid as much contact with others as possible while ill and for many days after recovery. Disinfect surfaces and items by washing your hands. Do not cook for others until your symptoms have subsided.
HOW CAN NOROVIRUS BE PREVENTED?
The norovirus infection is extremely contagious. Noroviruses come in a variety of forms. Anyone can become infected with the norovirus more than once.
To avoid norovirus infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet or changing a diaper, as well as before preparing meals and eating or drinking. Hand sanitizers containing alcohol are not as efficient against noroviruses as soap and water.
- Avoid contaminated food and water, especially meals that may have been cooked by a sick person.
- Before eating, wash fruits and vegetables.
- Seafood should be completely cooked.
- Disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces. Wear gloves and use a chlorine bleach solution or a norovirus-killing disinfectant.
- When traveling, exercise extreme caution. If you plan to visit locations where there is a high risk of norovirus infection, consume only cooked foods, drink only hot or carbonated beverages, and avoid food offered by street sellers.
To help prevent the spread of norovirus infection, take the following precautions during your sickness and for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms have subsided:
- As much as possible, avoid interaction with others.
- Use soap and water to thoroughly clean your hands.
- Leave work early. Children should not attend school or child care.
- Avoid handling food and goods that will be used by others. Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a norovirus-killing disinfectant.
- Carefully dispose of vomit and excrement. Soak up stuff using disposable cloths while wearing disposable gloves. To avoid the spread of noroviruses through the air, disturb contaminated material as little as possible. Put filthy objects in plastic bags and throw them away. Remove and wash any contaminated clothing and linens.
- Avoid traveling for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms have subsided.
