Diagnosis and treatment of Norovirus

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Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach and intestinal virus. It is easily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. It can spread rapidly in areas such as hospitals, schools, and day care centers.

1. Overview of norovirus?

Most people can get a norovirus infection. This is a common disease of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus can also be a source of food poisoning, as you can get this virus by eating contaminated food. The result is the same no matter how you get it.
The telltale symptoms of norovirus are vomiting and watery, non-bloody diarrhea. These symptoms usually begin within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and can last up to three days. Most people recover completely.
There is no specific treatment except rest and rehydration. The most significant complication is dehydration. Norovirus can be serious and even fatal in very young people, older adults, and people with other health problems.
Because there are many strains of norovirus, getting it once won't stop you from getting it again. You can reduce your risk of spreading illness by washing your hands thoroughly and often
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation and infection of the stomach and intestines caused by any infectious organism, such as bacteria and viruses. go out. Norovirus is responsible for up to 21 million cases in the United States each year.

2. Diagnosis based on Norovirus symptoms

Symptoms of infection usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you are exposed to the virus. They can range from quite light to heavy. Some of the symptoms of norovirus are:
Nausea and vomiting Abdominal cramps or pain Watery stools or diarrhea Mild fever Chills Headache Body aches Symptoms usually last 24 to 72 hours. See your doctor if symptoms persist or if you see blood in your stool. Severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, should be considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of dehydration include:
Dry mouth and throat Decreased urine output or dark urine No wet diapers for 6 to 8 hours in infants No urine for 12 hours in children Sunken eyes Drowsiness and fatigue Headaches Dizziness Confusion and lethargy Tachycardia If your baby cries without producing tears, it is a common sign of significant dehydration. Please take the patient to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.
Dehydration can be life-threatening, especially for the following groups:
People with weakened immune systems People with health problems The elderly and young Children Organ or cell transplant recipients Stem cells It is estimated that in some cases, about 30% reliable at the time, the virus causes no symptoms, usually in children.

3. Norovirus treatment

There are no special drugs for norovirus. This is not a bacterial infection, so antibiotics won't help. Treatment is primarily supportive, with the goal of preventing dehydration.
Some self-care tips at home:
Rest Don't push yourself. Stay home and rest. Extra fluids Drink plenty of water. For electrolyte replacement, oral hydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, are recommended for all ages. They are especially needed in infants and children.
Sports drinks, popsicles and broths should only be given to older children and adults. Stay away from sugary drinks as they can make diarrhea worse. You should also avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol
Continue your diet
Infants should continue to breastfeed or formula while being rehydrated.
For children and adults, when appetite increases, some good options are:
Soup Plain Noodles Rice Pasta Eggs Potatoes Crackers or bread Fresh fruit Yogurt Jell-O Vegetables cooked Lean proteins such as chicken and fish Talk to your doctor. You can try an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medication, but that may not work if you have a fever, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools. Do not give over-the-counter medications to infants or children with vomiting or diarrhea, unless directed to do so by a doctor. See your doctor if:
If you have a fever If you cannot eat liquids If your diarrhea is severe or lasts more than three days If your stools are bloody If you have any serious health problems pre-existing If you normally take prescription medications but can't get relief Diarrhea that lasts more than three days can lead to serious complications from dehydration. You may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids.

4. Norovirus in infants

Infants and young children are especially susceptible to norovirus infections. Children are more likely to have serious complications than healthy adults.
Symptoms in infants and children may include:
Irritability or fussiness Drowsiness Vomiting Diarrhea There is a risk of severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. The younger the child, the less likely they are to vomit and have diarrhea. Take your baby to a medical facility right away if:
Under 6 months old and has vomiting or diarrhea Has had six or more watery stools in 24 hours Vomits >3 times in 24 hours Has pale or mottled skin No discharge tears Have sunken eyes Have a fever Coma or less responsive than usual Have bloody diarrhea Little or no urine - no wet diapers for babies for 6 to 8 hours or no urine for 12 hours in an older child Has had symptoms for two days Has another coexisting health problem Worldwide, approximately 200 million infections of norovirus of a reliable origin occur each year in children under 5 years old.
It is estimated that more than one million visits to children in the United States are due to norovirus. In the United States, 1 in 278 children needs hospital care for norovirus before their fifth birthday. Of these, 1 in 14 will need emergency room care, and 1 in 6 will need outpatient care.
Norovirus spreads rapidly among children. Infected children are not allowed to attend school, daycare or other activities. Children should be taught to wash their hands often, especially after using the toilet.

5. Prevention of Norovirus

Norovirus is very contagious and persistent. There is no vaccine to prevent this disease, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of transmission:
Use soap and running water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When caring for a sick person, wear gloves and use a plastic bag to dispose of soiled materials or diapers. Use disinfectant or chlorine bleach solution on contaminated surfaces. Handle contaminated clothing carefully and wash them immediately. Do not eat food or drinks prepared by the sick person. Wash hands before and after eating. Wash all produce before cutting or eating it. If you are sick, stay home. This is especially important if you work in food service, healthcare or education. Sick children are not allowed to go to school, daycare or other activities. Pause travel plans until you have fully recovered. Remember that you can still spread the virus for up to two weeks after symptoms subside. Since there are many different strains of the virus, being infected once will not protect you from getting infected again. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination, consultation and treatment services. comprehensive, professional disease; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, advice and treatment of digestive diseases, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or book an appointment on the website for service.

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