What is norovirus? You may have heard people talk about the “stomach flu,” but there’s no flu that causes gastrointestinal symptoms; what they really mean is norovirus. As its name describes, norovirus is a virus that is highly contagious and it can infect someone more than once in your life. You build no immunity to it. Anyone can become infected with norovirus at any time, but the most common months for infection in the United States are November through April. What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms usually develop 12-48 hours after being exposed to the virus, and the illness usually goes away within 1-3 days. Because the illness causes vomiting and diarrhea multiple times a day it can cause dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. If dehydration occurs, you will notice a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and a feeling of dizziness. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears, and may be unusually sleepy or fussy. How would I get norovirus? Norovirus is the leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food sources in the United States. Most outbreaks begin in food service settings when ill food service workers touch ready to eat items (such as raw fruits or vegetables) with their bare hands. However, any food that is served raw or is handled after being cooked can be contaminated with norovirus. Outbreaks also can occur when foods are contaminated at their source, such as oysters, fruits, and vegetables. When am I most contagious? You are most contagious when you are sick with the virus, and during the first few days after you recover from the illness. But how do I get norovirus in the first place? Gross alert! You become infected with norovirus by accidently ingesting stool or vomit from someone else who is infected. This can happen by consuming food or liquids that are contaminated with the virus, touching a surface that has norovirus on it and then putting your fingers in your mouth, or having contact with someone who is infected with norovirus (for example, sharing food or eating utensils with someone who has norovirus). For this reason, norovirus can quickly spread through closed places like daycare centers, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships. Sounds gross. What do I do to protect myself?? Basic tips:
All these steps sound easy, but what do I do if I get sick anyway?
There is no specific treatment for norovirus; and because it is a virus, antibiotics do no good. If you do get norovirus, or any other gastrointestinal illness, be sure to drink plenty of liquids. Sports drinks or other drinks with no caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration, but oral rehydration solutions are more helpful and you can get them over the counter. If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call the doctor.
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AuthorOPHIE records and analyzes data from disease investigations, identifies risk factors, and provides education on disease prevention in Nevada. Archives
November 2018
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