What is Norovirus?
Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach and intestinal inflammation, also known as gastroenteritis. The virus is primarily spread through faecal-oral transmission, meaning that it is applied when someone ingests food or water contaminated with the virus.
It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as by sharing food or utensils or touching contaminated surfaces and the mouth or nose. The most typical Norovirus indications involve headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and pains in the abdomen. These symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and can last up to 3 days.
Symptoms of Norovirus
The normal incubation period for norovirus symptoms is between 12 and 48 hours. However, they can continue for up to three days. The following list of norovirus symptoms is usual:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
Some people may also experience the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
From moderate to severe, symptoms might vary from individual to individual. Most of the time, the symptoms go away within a matter of days, and most individuals recover without any long-term issues.
However, in some cases, the virus can lead to more severe complications, such as dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. If you suspect you have Norovirus, it is important to stay home and avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus. Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration is also important.
How to prevent the infection from Norovirus?
To prevent Norovirus infection, the following steps can be taken:
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, and always before eating or preparing food.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with Norovirus.
- Stay away from ill people’s close quarters.
- While you are ill, refrain from cooking or taking care of others.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
- Before consuming, roast oysters as well as other seafood thoroughly.
- If you have the Norovirus, wait 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided before handling food or providing care to others.
It’s important to note that no specific medication or vaccine exists to treat or prevent Norovirus. Maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding direct contact with ill persons are the most significant ways to prevent infection.
Treatment of the Norovirus
Treatment for Norovirus primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce the symptoms of Norovirus. Still, it is essential to avoid anti-diarrheal medications as they can prolong the duration of the illness.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and clear broths, oral rehydration solutions, frozen popsicles, or juice, will help to prevent dehydration. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially if there is a risk of dehydration. In these cases, fluids may be given through an IV.
