Norovirus infection

Description

Norovirus infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea that starts suddenly. Noroviruses are highly contagious. Commonly transmitted through food or water contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces. The norovirus can also spread through close contact with a person who has a norovirus infection.

Diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Norovirus infection symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days. Most people recover completely without treatment. However, for some people — especially the young children, older adults and people with other medical conditions — vomiting and diarrhea can be severe dehydration and require medical attention.

Norovirus infection occurs more frequently in the closed and crowded. Examples include hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, schools and cruise ships.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of norovirus infection can start suddenly and include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain or cramping
  • Watery or loose diarrhea
  • Feeling of discomfort
  • Low-grade fever
  • Muscle pain

Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after your first exposure to norovirus and last from 1 to 3 days. You may continue to propagate the virus in the feces several weeks after recovery. This detachment may last weeks to months if you have any other medical condition.

Some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. However, they are still contagious and can transmit the virus to other people.

When to see a docto r

Seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that does not go away within several days. Also call your health care provider if you experience vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain, or dehydration.

Causes

Noroviruses are highly contagious. That means that the norovirus infection can easily spread to others. The virus is shed in the stool and vomit. You can transmit the virus from the first time they have symptoms of the disease until several days after they recover. The norovirus can persist on surfaces and objects for days or weeks.

You can get norovirus infection by:

  • Eating contaminated food
  • The consumption of contaminated water
  • The touch of his hand to his mouth after his hand has been in contact with a contaminated surface or object
  • To be in close contact with a person who hass of a norovirus infection

Noroviruses are difficult to kill because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures and many disinfectants.

Risk factors

The risk factors for becoming infected with a norovirus include:

  • Eating in a place where the food has been handled by someone with norovirus infection, or the food has been in contact with contaminated water or surfaces
  • To attend school or a child care center
  • Living in tight spaces, such as in nursing homes
  • Accommodation in hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other destinations with many people in close quarters
  • To have contact with someone who has norovirus infection

Complications

For most people, a norovirus infection usually goes away within a couple of days and not life-threatening. But in some people — especially young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions or who are pregnant — norovirus infection can be serious. Norovirus infection can cause severe dehydration and even death.

Warning signs of dehydration include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dry moto ruth and throat
  • Apathy
  • Dizziness
  • The decreased production of urine

A dehydrated child may cry with few or no tears. Could be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Prevention

Norovirus infection is highly contagious. There are many types of norovirus. Thoughne can get an infection by norovirus more than once.

To prevent norovirus infection:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing food and eating or drinking. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus as the use of soap and water.
  • Avoid contaminated food and water, including foods that have been prepared by someone who was sick.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Cook seafood thoroughly.
  • Disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated. Wear gloves and use a bleach solution or disinfectant that is effective against the norwalk virus.
  • Use caution when traveling. If you're traveling to areas with a high risk of norovirus infection, consider eating only cooked food, drinking hot or carbonated beverages, and avoid foods sold by street vendors.

To help prevent the spread of norovirus infection, during the illness and for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms end:

  • Avoid contact with the others as much as possible.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Stay home from work. Children should stay home from school or child care.
  • Avoid the handling of food and items to be used by other people. Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a disinfects itnt effective against the norwalk virus.
  • Dispose of vomiting, and stool with care. Use disposable gloves, soak up material with disposable towels. Disturb the soiled material as little as possible to prevent the spread of the norwalk virus through the air. Place soiled items in plastic bags and place them in the trash. Remove and wash clothing and linens that may be contaminated.
  • Avoid travel up to 2 to 3 days after your symptoms have disappeared.

Norovirus infection

Diagnosis

Norovirus infection is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms, but the norovirus can be identified from a stool sample. If you have a weakened immune system or have other medical conditions, the doctor may recommend a test to confirm the presence of norovirus.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for norovirus infection. Recovery generally depends on the health of your immune system. In most people, the disease usually resolves in a few days.

It is important to replace lost fluids. Oral rehydration solutions can be used. If you are not able to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, you might need tor receiving fluids through a vein (intravenously).

Your health care provider may recommend over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication and medication to reduce nausea.

Self-care

If your family includes young children, it is a good idea to have commercially prewall with oral rehydration solutions in the hand. Adults can drink sports drinks, broth, or oral rehydration solutions. Drinking liquids that contain a lot of sugar, such as sodas and some fruit juices, can worsen diarrhea. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol.

Ease back into eating. Try eating small amounts of food frequently if you experience nausea. Otherwise, you gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice, and chicken. Stop eating,f your nausea returns. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days.

Remember that the infection by norovirus is highly contagious. Avoid contact with other people as much as possible during the disease and the for several days after recovery. Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces and objects. Do not prepare food for other people until your symptoms are gone.

Preparing for your appointment

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment:

  • Write down your symptoms, even when the onset of the disease and the frequency of vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Make a list of all your medications, vitamins or supplements, and dosage.
  • Make a list of your key medical informationon, including other health conditions.
  • Make a list of the personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.
  • Write questions to ask their health care provider.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What treatments can help?
  • How can I prevent the spread of the disease to other people?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, including:

  • How much time have you or your child has had symptoms?
  • How frequent are vomiting and diarrhea?
  • Does the vomiting or diarrhea containing mucus, blood, or a dark green liquid?
  • Have you or your child has had a fever?

Your doctor will ask additional questions based on their responses, symptoms, and needs. Prepare and anticipate the questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Norovirus infection