Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It typically lasts for 1-3 days and is generally not life-threatening.
Highlights
- Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is also known as the “stomach flu” or “winter vomiting bug”.
- Norovirus is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
- The virus can be found in vomit and feces and can survive for long periods on surfaces, making it easy to spread in places like schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and cruise ships.
- Symptoms of norovirus typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for 1 to 3 days. They include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fever, and body aches.
- There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but symptoms can be managed with rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like norovirus.
- Norovirus is generally not life-threatening, but it can be dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Prevention is key to avoiding norovirus. This includes frequent hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before eating or preparing food, and after caring for someone who is sick.
- It is also important to properly clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with norovirus, such as kitchen counters, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures.
More Info
Transmission
Norovirus is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can be found in vomit and feces and can survive for long periods on surfaces, making it easy to spread in places like schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and cruise ships.
Symptoms
Symptoms of norovirus typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for 1 to 3 days. They include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fever, and body aches. In some cases, people may also experience headaches, chills, and fatigue.
Treatment
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but symptoms can be managed with rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like norovirus. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Prevention
Prevention is key to avoiding norovirus. This includes frequent hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before eating or preparing food, and after caring for someone who is sick. It is also important to properly clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with norovirus, such as kitchen counters, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures.
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