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All you need to know about norovirus
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What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a contagious virus commonly referred to as the stomach bug and sometimes mistakenly as stomach flu. It has been known to the medical world since 1929 and was named after an outbreak in Norwalk, the USA, in 1968.
The norovirus can affect people of any age, and infected patients can experience severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly infectious and can survive on a surface for even weeks.
Since norovirus is a group of constantly changing viruses, it is difficult to develop a vaccine for it, even for research in a laboratory.
A norovirus patient can be a carrier for several days, despite recovering from the disease. Staying hydrated is the best treatment for norovirus, as there is no direct vaccine or medicine for the same.
What are the Symptoms of Norovirus
Symptoms of norovirus include a few obvious ones, while a few others are uncommon. These include,
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Inflammation in the stomach and/or intestines
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fever
A person who had contacted norovirus experiences the symptoms within 12 to 48 hours. The symptoms last one to three days, and the patient generally recovers thereafter.
What are the Causes of Norovirus
Contamination and contact are the leading causes of norovirus infection. A person infected with norovirus releases particles that can infect a healthy person through surface contact or contamination. Direct contact with a patient increases the risk of infection. For instance, someone changing the diapers of an infected child can get in contact with the virus.
Consumption of food or drink exposed to norovirus can also infect a person with the virus. If you touch a contaminated surface and put your fingers in your hand without washing, it may carry norovirus into your body.
How to treat Norovirus infection?
There is no known norovirus treatment to address the infection. Symptomatic treatment is the best way of handling the illness.
As dehydration is a major threat from norovirus, the patient should always stay hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions are advisable as they contain important nutrients and minerals that strengthen the body. Apart from water, drinks that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol can be consumed to address mild dehydration. Intravenous fluids may have to be administered in case of severe dehydration.
Proper medical and hospital care is necessary to monitor patients facing severe symptoms of norovirus.
Precautions to take if you are infected with Norovirus
- To avoid norovirus infection, always wash your hands thoroughly. This is particularly recommended before and after taking care of children, aged people, and patients
- Food should be cooked well as norovirus can survive temperatures as high as 63 degrees Celsius. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, and children should be kept away from the food handling area of the house
- People who are sick should avoid cooking or taking care of others as they may infect other people with the virus
- All commonly touched surfaces inside the house should be regularly disinfected with bleach or other household disinfectants
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do people get infected with Norovirus?
How is Norovirus different from other COVID-19 variants?
How long does norovirus usually last?
Why do I need a health insurance policy for Norovirus?
Norovirus stays on surfaces and objects for days or weeks making it easier to get infected by the virus. A few common causes of norovirus infection are,
- Eating or drinking contaminated food or water. This also includes using contaminated water for irrigation or harvesting food items
- Touching a contaminated surface or object with your hand and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth directly without washing them
- Coming in close contact with a person infected by norovirus
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