What is it?
According to the CDC, norovirus is a very contagious virus that is sometimes called the “stomach bug” or “flu”, however the norovirus illness is not related to either. There is also many types of this virus, meaning that if you get one type, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are protected from getting another type or the same type again.
Signs and symptoms
A person will usually develop symptoms within the first 24 to 48 hours after being exposed.
The most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain/nausea
- Fever
- Headache/body aches
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get infected with norovirus and people of all ages can contract it in an outbreak.
How it spreads
Having direct contact with someone who has contracted the virus, like sharing utensils, or eating food handled by them. You can also get it by eating or drinking a substance that has been contaminated with the virus. “The norovirus is transmitted by people touching things, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth,” LHS nurse Marcey Watkins said. Remember, you can still spread it up to two weeks after you feel better.
Prevention
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Wash laundry with hot water
- Stay at home for at least 2 days after symptoms stop
“Hand washing is better than hand sanitizer when preventing the spread of diarrheal diseases. Always use bleach-based products to clean the bathroom if someone in the house has norovirus. If you have more than one bathroom, it is best to dedicate one bathroom to the sick person,” manager of infection prevention for Mercy Hospital, Dr. Gil Diesel said.
Treatment and recovery
Most people tend to get better within 1 to 3 days. As of now, there is no existing medicine to treat people with the illness. Antibiotic drugs will not help treat the norovirus infection because they fight bacteria, not viruses. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids to fight dehydration and flush your system, and seek medical care for severe dehydration.