Number of Norovirus Outbreaks Confirmed by reports
What Is Norovirus?
In the United States, norovirus is the primary cause of vomiting, diarrhoea, and foodborne illness. Norovirus can infect and sicken people of all ages, and it spreads swiftly and readily.
Because there are many distinct forms of noroviruses, you can acquire norovirus disease several times in your life. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you from infection with others. It is possible to create defences against specific types. However, it is unknown how long the protection will remain. This could explain why, during norovirus epidemics, so many people of all ages become ill. Your genes also influence your chances of contracting a norovirus illness.
What are the Symptoms of Norovirus?
Do you believe you have “stomach flu” or “stomach bug”?
It’s most likely norovirus, a common virus unrelated to the flu. The most prevalent cause of vomiting, diarrhoea, and foodborne sickness is norovirus.
The following are the most common norovirus symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Stomach painOther signs and symptoms include:
Fever
Headache
Body achesNorovirus causes stomach or intestinal irritation. This is known as acute gastroenteritis.
Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people recover from norovirus infection within 1 to 3 days, although they can still spread the virus for a few days thereafter.
If you have norovirus, you may feel really ill and vomit or have diarrhoea several times per day. This can cause dehydration, especially in small children, the elderly, and persons suffering from other conditions. Dehydrated children might weep with few or no tears and be particularly drowsy or cranky.
Dehydration symptoms include:
Decrease in urination
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing upHow to Treat the Norovirus
There is no specific medication to treat norovirus sickness.
Drink plenty of water.
If you have norovirus illness, drink plenty of fluids to replenish fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. This will aid in the prevention of dehydration.
Sports drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages can aid with minor dehydration. However, these beverages may not be sufficient to replace essential nutrients and minerals. For mild dehydration, over-the-counter oral rehydration fluids are most effective.
Dehydration might cause major complications. Severe dehydration may necessitate hospitalisation for treatment with intravenous fluids (IV fluids).
In children with norovirus disease, look for signs of dehydration. Dehydrated children may weep with few or no tears and be particularly drowsy or cranky.
Call your doctor if you believe you or someone you care for is very dehydrated.
In the United States, norovirus is the major cause of vomiting and diarrhoea from acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) in persons of all ages.