Aug. 22, 2019 | You’ve got nausea, stomach pain, a fever and a headache. Maybe it’s a stomach bug or maybe it’s norovirus illness. Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by the influenza virus. Noroviruses are a group of related viruses. Norovirus symptoms last one to three days, and most people recover completely without treatment. However, for some people, especially older adults and people with an underlying disease, vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention. Norovirus infection occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, schools and cruise ships. The norovirus was originally called the Norwalk virus, after the town of Norwalk, Ohio, where the first confirmed outbreak happened in 1972.

Aug. 22, 2019 | Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is a condition called acute gastroenteritis. A person usually develops symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus. Other symptoms may include a low-grade fever and muscle pain. Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days. If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Signs of dehydration can include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat and a sense of dizziness when you stand up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. Some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. However, they are still contagious and can spread the virus to others.

Aug. 22, 2019 | Noroviruses are sometimes called food poisoning, because they can be transmitted through food that’s been contaminated with the virus. They aren’t always the result of food contamination, however. Noroviruses are difficult to wipe out because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures as well as most disinfectants. Infected food workers are frequently the source of outbreaks, often by touching ready-to-eat foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, with their bare hands before serving them. However, any food served raw or handled after being cooked can become contaminated with norovirus. Norovirus can spread through recreational or drinking water, such as when a septic tank leaks into a well or when a swimming pool does not have enough chlorine. You can also get infected if you touch an object or surface that has been infected with the virus and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes.

Aug. 22, 2019 | There is no specific medical method of treating people with norovirus illness. Antibiotic drugs will not help because they fight bacteria, not viruses. If you have norovirus illness, you should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea. This will help prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious problems. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for treatment with fluids given intravenously. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids that are lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Sports drinks and other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration. But, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals. Oral rehydration fluids that you can get over the counter are most helpful for mild dehydration. If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call a medical professional. While you can shed the virus for up to eight weeks, it is less and less infectious over time.

Aug. 22, 2019 | Most outbreaks of norovirus illness happen when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact, such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them. Food, water, and surfaces contaminated with norovirus can also cause outbreaks. To help prevent the spread of norovirus infection, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Always wash any raw fruits and vegetables before eating them. Dispose of vomit and fecal matter carefully to avoid spreading norovirus by air. Soak up material with disposable towels and place them in plastic disposal bags. And disinfect virus-contaminated areas with a chlorine bleach solution. Avoid traveling if you have any symptoms of norovirus illness. And if you’re sick, stay home from work, especially if your job involves handling food, since you can be contagious up to three days after your symptoms end.