Norovirus: The Stomach Bug Everyone Should Understand
What Exactly is Norovirus?
Often dubbed the “stomach flu” or “winter vomiting bug,” norovirus is a highly contagious virus
that causes acute gastroenteritis—inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
It is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis in people of all ages worldwide.
Understanding this common bug is your first line of defense in preventing its unpleasant and sometimes serious spread.
Unlike influenza, which is a respiratory illness, norovirus targets your digestive system.
It’s a hardy virus that can survive in various environments and spreads with alarming ease,
leading to outbreaks in places like schools, cruise ships, nursing homes, and restaurants.
The Hallmark Symptoms of Norovirus Infection
The onset of symptoms is typically sudden and can be quite severe. The most common signs include:
Profuse vomiting: Often sudden and projectile.
Watery, non-bloody diarrhea: Can be frequent.
Nausea and stomach cramps: Significant discomfort is common.
Low-grade fever, body aches, and headache: These flu-like symptoms may also occur.
Typically, symptoms manifest within a timeframe of 12 to 48 hours post-exposure
and persist for a duration of 1 to 3 days.
While most people recover fully, the danger lies in dehydration,
especially for young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
How Does Norovirus Spread So Easily?
Norovirus is infamous for its contagious nature. You can get infected by:
Direct Contact: Having direct contact with an infected person (caring for them, sharing food/eating utensils).
Contaminated Food/Water: Consuming food or liquids that are contaminated.
Food can be tainted at the source (like oysters from contaminated water)
or by an infected food handler.Touching Contaminated Surfaces: Touching a surface or object with norovirus on it
and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
The virus is shed in stool and vomit of infected individuals,
even before they feel sick and for days after they recover.
It only takes a very small number of viral particles,
as few as 18—to make another person sick.
Prevention: Your Best Defense Against the Bug
There is no vaccine for norovirus, so prevention is crucial,
especially since the virus can resist many common disinfectants.
Key Prevention Strategies:
Practice Diligent Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds,
especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or handling food.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus; soap and water are best.Handle and Prepare Food Safely: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Cook shellfish completely. If you are sick,
do not prepare food for others for at least 2-3 days after symptoms stop.Clean and Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces: Use a chlorine bleach-based household cleaner or make a bleach solution
(5-25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water)
to disinfect surfaces immediately after vomiting or diarrheal accidents.
Wear gloves.Wash Laundry Thoroughly: Immediately remove and wash clothes or linens that may be contaminated.
Handle soiled items with gloves and wash with hot water and detergent.
Treatment: Managing Symptoms at Home
There is no specific antiviral drug to treat norovirus.
Antibiotics are ineffective because they fight bacteria, not viruses.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms
and preventing dehydration.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of clear fluids like water,
oral rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte®),
broths, or sports drinks (diluted if high in sugar).
Take small, frequent sips.Rest: Let your body recover.
Return to Food Slowly: As your appetite returns, start with bland,
easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice, bananas, and crackers.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea,
severe abdominal pain, or if symptoms persist beyond a few days.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only
and is not intended as medical advice.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns,
symptoms, or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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