Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is often referred to as the “stomach flu.” Norovirus can be very serious, especially for young children and the elderly.
What Are Noroviruses?
Noroviruses are highly contagious viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness. The most common symptoms of norovirus are vomiting and diarrhea, but other symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches. Noroviruses are often called viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, vomiting bug, or “food poisoning.”
Noroviruses are typically spread through contaminated food or water, but can also be spread through contact with an infected person.
The viruses can cause severe illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
How To Treat Norovirus
There is no specific treatment for norovirus infection, and most people recover on their own within a few days. However, some people may need to be hospitalized for dehydration or other complications.
8 Symptoms Of Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus symptoms typically last for one to three days, and people can spread the virus even when they’re not sick. Here are eight symptoms of norovirus so you’ll know if you’ve got it.
Vomiting
Norovirus is often called the “stomach flu” because one of its main symptoms is vomiting. Other gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping.
Fever
A fever is another common symptom of norovirus, though it’s more likely to be seen in children than adults. A fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a high fever.
Headache
A headache is another symptom of norovirus, though it’s more common in adults than children. The headache may be accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, such as a fever or body aches.
Muscle Aches
Body aches and muscle pain are common symptoms of norovirus. The aches may be accompanied by a fever or headache.
Fatigue
Norovirus can cause extreme fatigue, especially in children. This symptom may last for several days after the other symptoms have subsided.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of norovirus, though it can also be seen in other illnesses such as the flu.
Dehydration
Severe dehydration is a serious complication of norovirus and can occur when someone is vomiting or has diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine.
Weight Loss
Weight loss can occur as a result of dehydration or loss of appetite. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience any sudden or significant weight loss.
Risk Factors Of Norovirus Infection
- Eating in a location where food has been handled by someone who has been infected with norovirus or where food has come into contact with contaminated water or surfaces
- Attending a child care center or a preschool
- Close quarters living, such as in nursing homes
- Staying in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or other places where there are a lot of people
- Having contact with someone who has been infected with the norovirus
Disease Control And Prevention
Noroviruses are highly contagious and cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. The best way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Here are 10 ways you can protect yourself from norovirus:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom or handling food.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with norovirus.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- If you are sick, stay home and away from others to avoid spreading the virus.
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom or handling food.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
- Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus.
- Wear gloves when cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
- Drink plenty of water.
What Foods Are Frequently Linked To Norovirus?
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is usually spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person.
The most common foods linked with norovirus are:
- Leafy greens
- Fruits
- Shellfish
- Raw milk
- Mollusks (such as oysters)