Everything you need to know about Norovirus

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

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.

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.
Most people can get norovirus. This is a common disease of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus can also be a source of food poisoning, as you can get it from eating contaminated food. The result is the same no matter how you get it.

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 24-72 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.
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% of the virus causes no symptoms, which is common in children.

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 drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol
Continue your diet
Infants should continue to breastfeed or formula while being rehydrated.
However, call your doctor:
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 other health problems Any serious pre-existing health problems If you usually 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.

By the time you're exposed to norovirus, you probably won't know it. You can pick it up from touching a contaminated surface or from something you eat. You can also get it from person-to-person contact. After holding it in your hand, you can easily transfer it to your mouth.
The mean time of origin between initial exposure and first symptoms, or incubation, is about 12 to 48 hours, with a median of 33 hours.
Some things can increase the risk of infection, such as:
Spending time in a hospital, nursing home, school or day care center. Viruses spread especially quickly in close periods of time. For this reason, your risk may also be higher on a cruise ship, hotel or in a resort.
Contact with someone who is sick, especially if you are caring for a sick person and come into contact with their vomit or stool.
Sharing food, drinks, plates, cups or utensils with someone who is sick.
Eating food or drinks prepared under unsanitary conditions.
In the United States, most Trusted Source outbreaks occur between November and April.

Norovirus is estimated to cause 60% of all cases of acute gastroenteritis due to known pathogens. A pathogen is anything that can cause disease, like bacteria or viruses.
Transmission is easy because only a small amount of virus can cause infection.
With its short incubation period, you can spread it before you even know you're sick. And you can be contagious for several days to months after the symptoms go away. If you have other health problems, you may be contagious for much longer.
Pathogens can tolerate extreme heat and cold and can live outside the body for several days.
The main mode of transmission of norovirus is the fecal-oral route, but it can also be spread through droplets of vomit. This can happen after person-to-person contact, such as when you shake hands. If you don't wash your hands thoroughly, you only need to touch your mouth once. It can spread quickly in healthcare settings.
Transmission can also occur indirectly, such as when food, water or surfaces are contaminated. Just touching an infected doorknob or cell phone can start a chain reaction. When someone vomits, the virus can get into the air, so if it gets into your mouth, it can get into your intestinal tract.

When you come into contact with the virus, you may either touch an infected light switch or hold someone's hand before touching your mouth or nose. That's when those tiny particles enter your body.
You don't know when the particles go down your esophagus. They pass through your stomach and into your intestines. The gut is the sweet spot for norovirus, where rapid reproduction seems to take place. Meanwhile, your immune system is alerted to the presence of foreign invaders. It directs an army of antibodies to destroy them.
Most of the time, your antibodies will declare victory over the virus within one to three days. But your body can continue to shed the virus for up to two weeks or longer.
Norovirus Recurrence
With some diseases, a single infection gives you lifelong immunity. But that is not the case with norovirus. There is no vaccine, and having it once won't keep you from getting it again. In fact, you can get it many times throughout your life.
If you have just experienced an episode of norovirus, it is not clear how long you will have temporary immunity. However, there are different varieties, so there's no guarantee that you won't have another batch shortly.
If the virus is moving around your home or workplace, take precautions to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or caring for someone who is sick. Wash your hands before preparing or eating. Wash your hands with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Try not to touch your face with your hands. Do not share eating utensils, cups or plates. Wash fruit before eating. Avoid raw seafood. When possible, stay away from infected people. Stay home when you are sick. If you have frequent vomiting or diarrhea, see your doctor to make sure it's norovirus. They may collect a stool sample to confirm the diagnosis.

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.

References
Black RA, et al, (2003). Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. aafp.org/afp/2003/0615/p2517.html
afp20030615p2517-t4 Centers for disease control and prevention. (2011). Norovirus in healthcare facilities fact sheet [Fact sheet]. cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/norovirus/229110-anorocasefactsheet508.pdf Cholera - Vibrio cholerae infection: Rehydration therapy. (2014). cdc.gov/cholera/treatment/rehydration-therapy.html