Norovirus | Norovirus infection | Gastroenteritis

 

Norovirus is the most common contagious virus. This virus can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms might be the same as the stomach flu, but their cause of infection is different. This Norovirus will spread easily through direct close contact or on contaminated foods and surfaces. But there is no vaccine for this norovirus, but the infection runs its course in less than 3 days of infection.

Usually, symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting begin after the 12 to 48 hours of exposure to the virus. Generally, the symptoms of norovirus infection will last up to 3 days. Most of the people with this infection can recover completely without having any treatment. But for some people, particularly young children, older people and people with other health conditions will face severe vomiting and diarrhea that leads to serious dehydration issues which need immediate medical treatment.

Usually, this type of infection happens most frequently in closed and crowded places. Some examples are where people spend their time together which includes hospitals, nursing homes, child care centres, schools and cruise ships.

Symptoms of norovirus

Symptoms are:

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Stomach pain.

you may also have other symptoms like:

• A headache.

• Fever.

• Body aches.

Usually, these symptoms will appear after 12 to 48 hours of virus exposure that last up to 3 days.

Causes 

A virus which comes from the family of Caliciviridae causes norovirus. This virus enters your body, it makes your stomach and intestines swell and become inflamed. This condition is called gastroenteritis, it will lead to symptoms of norovirus.

How do you get norovirus?

Noroviruses are very contagious so it can spread the infection to others. Usually, the virus is present in stool and vomit. You can spread the virus from the time of having symptoms of illness until several days after the recovery. Typically, these viruses can stay on surfaces and objects for days to weeks.

You can catch the infection by:

• Eat a contaminated food

• Or Drinking of any contaminated water

• If you touch your mouth after your hands have been in contact with a contaminated surface or object.

• Are you in close contact with a people who has norovirus infection

It is very difficult to kill the noroviruses because they can live in hot and cold temperatures.

Risk factors

Some of the factors that increase the chance of getting norovirus infection which includes:

• If you eat in a place where foods prepared by someone with norovirus infection or foods that have been prepared with contaminated water or surfaces.

• If you are attending preschool or a day care centre

• Living in close environment like nursing homes

• Or else you are staying in hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other places with crowds.

• Having Close and direct contact with someone who affected with norovirus infection

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional diagnoses the norovirus after knowing your symptoms. It's not necessary to test but your provider may test a stool to confirm your diagnosis. Usually, tests are necessary if you are undergoing any health condition which affects the ability of your immune system and your ability to fight infections.

Treatment

Usually, treatment for norovirus infection will focus on easing your symptoms, which typically goes away in 3 days. Because, there is no proven cure for this virus infection. You can manage the norovirus infection symptoms by :

• Drink a lot of fluids, especially fluids that contain electrolytes.

• Lots of rest.

• Eating bland and soft foods.

Complications of norovirus

If you are infected with norovirus, you will feel very sick. This infection causes vomiting and diarrhea. If you are very weak and unable to keep nutrients in your body, you will get dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration are:

• less often urination

• dark-coloured pee

• dry mouth

• weak or dizzy

• headache

Children will face the above symptoms along with:

• Crying without tears.

• Fussiness

• Feeling Sleepy throughout the day.

Norovirus will make it hard to eat or drink because of inflamed intestines and stomach will cause you to vomit or diarrhea. But you have to put more effort into eating or drinking. You can eat slowly by taking small bites and taking small sips of fluids. Your body may reject the intake of food, if you eat too fast and too much.

Prevention

Some precautions you can take to reduce your risk of getting norovirus include:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water.

• Wash your food ingredients like fruits and vegetables before eating it 

• You must cook seafood and shellfish foods to an appropriate temperature

• You must avoid having direct and close contact with people who got norovirus

• Make sure that you must clean and sanitise your frequently touched surfaces and objects

• You must wash your clothes especially if they’re soiled thoroughly

Using Hand sanitizer won't kill norovirus but if you are washing your hands with soap and warm water, it is very effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the first signs of norovirus?

Ans: Common symptoms of norovirus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.

Q2. Does norovirus cure itself?

Ans: Norovirus can be very unpleasant but usually clears up by itself in a few days. 

Q3. How do you confirm norovirus?

Ans: Diagnostic methods for norovirus focus on detecting viral RNA (genetic material) or viral antigen.

Q4. What food is norovirus found in?

Ans: Leafy greens (such as lettuce), Fresh fruits and Shellfish (such as oysters).

Q5. Can norovirus be treated with antibiotics?

Ans: Antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections because they fight bacteria, not viruses.