Some people develop gastroenteritis, causing diarrhea and vomiting. This inflammation can be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in adults.
In children, rotavirus is more common. These viruses spread mainly in fall and winter. Other viruses and bacteria can spread stomach flu, especially in people who travel abroad. What is norovirus and how do we avoid infection with it?
What is norovirus?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the American Centers, describes norovirus as a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is sometimes called the “stomach virus” and the disease that results from it is called “stomach flu.” However, it is not linked to influenza. Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis.
Most people infected with norovirus improve within 1 to 3 days, but are able to spread the virus for a few days afterward.
Dr. Chun Tang explains in an interview with the British newspaper The Independent, “Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The virus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person. It can also be contracted by touching surfaces that have been Contain the virus and then put the hand in the mouth, or by eating food that has been touched by a person infected with the virus.
Gastroenteritis can occur several times in a person’s life, because there are several types of norovirus. Infection with one type may not protect you from infection with other types.
Who is most susceptible to it?
Anyone can become infected and sick with norovirus, and people of all ages become infected during an outbreak. Your likelihood of contracting norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.
Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus. Children younger than 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe infection.
“Anyone can get norovirus, but it tends to spread more easily in environments where people are in close contact, such as schools, hospitals, or nursing homes,” Dr. Tang explains. “Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable.” “They are vulnerable to severe symptoms because their bodies may not handle dehydration and other effects as well as others.”
Symptoms of norovirus infection
Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after a person is exposed to norovirus. The most common symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Other symptoms may occur such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body pain
The patient may vomit or have diarrhea several times a day. This may lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, the elderly, and people with other diseases. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Less urination.
- Dry mouth and throat.
- Feeling dizzy when standing.
- Crying with few or no tears.
- Unusual drowsiness or restlessness.
“The most important thing to pay attention to is dehydration, especially in young children or the elderly, because it can occur quickly due to vomiting and diarrhea,” Tang explains.
Over-the-counter medications can help treat fever and pain, however recovery mostly involves resting and letting the virus run its course while consuming adequate amounts of fluids.
“The key is to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea,” Tang advises. “In extreme cases, dehydration becomes a problem, and some people may need intravenous fluids.”
Reducing the risk of infection
Norovirus is a very contagious virus, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others. These steps include:
- Wash your hands well and frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Cook shellfish well and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Stay at home after symptoms of illness stop for two days (48 hours).