What you need to know about Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes symptoms of diarrhea and vomitting. We are currently seeing outbreaks across the nation. It is a very common cause of viral gastroenteritis also known as the “stomach flu.” Norovirus infections can occur in people of all ages. Outbreaks can occur in places like schools, hospitals, nursing homes, workplaces, and other enclosed or crowded environments.
What are symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms of norovirus typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and can last from one to three days.
How long are you contagious if you are infected with norovirus?
The virus is most infectious from the start of symptoms until 48 hours after all symptoms have stopped.
It can be spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
How to prevent getting norovirus?
It can be difficult to prevent the spread of norovirus, but good hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and avoiding contact with infected individuals can help reduce the risk of infection.
To prevent getting norovirus practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, being in public places, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus since it cannot penetrate the outer layer of the virus. Avoid close contact with infected individuals. If someone in your household or close circle of friends has norovirus, try to avoid close contact with them until they are no longer contagious.
What is the treatment of norovirus?
There is no treatment for norovirus. Antibiotics are for bacteria, norovirus is a virus. Treatment is supportive and typically involves staying hydrated by drinking fluids and resting. Most people recover from norovirus without any long-term effects, although severe dehydration can occur in some cases, especially in young children and older adults.
Always talk to your doctor if you are sick. This is NOT MEDICAL ADVICE and no patient-physician relationship is made.