NOROVIRUS and Symptoms

Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea. It’s a very common illness and it’s very contagious. Norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months. The infection is the No. 1 cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It is also known as “Norwalk virus” as its first outbreak occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, USA, in a school in 1968. 

Is norovirus same as flu?

Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which some people may call the “stomach flu” The influenza virus causes respiratory flu, not gastroenteritis. Norovirus is very common. Globally, about 685 million cases are reported each year. Of that estimate, over 200 million cases affect children. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17703-norovirus) 

What are the causes of Norovirus infection?

Noroviruses are highly contagious. That means the norovirus infection can easily spread to others. The virus is shed in stool and vomit. You can spread the virus from the time you first have symptoms of illness until several days after you recover. Noroviruses can stay on surfaces and objects for days or weeks.

You can get norovirus infection by:

• Eating contaminated food.
• Drinking contaminated water.
• Touching your hand to your mouth after your hand has been in contact with a contaminated surface or object.
• Being in close contact with a person who has norovirus infection. 

What are the symptoms of norovirus? 

Signs and symptoms of norovirus infection may start suddenly and include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Watery or loose diarrhoea
• Feeling ill
• Low grade fever
• Muscle pain 

Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after your first exposure to a norovirus and last 1 to 3 days. You can continue to shed virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery.

When to seek medical help?

Seek medical attention if you develop diarrhoea that doesn't go away within several days. Also call your health care provider if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain or dehydration. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/norovirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20355296) 

What are the complications of norovirus?

When you’re unable to keep nutrients in your body, you’re at risk of dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Reduced urination frequency or dark coloured urine.
• Having a dry mouth.
• Feeling weak or dizzy.
• A headache.

Children may have the above symptoms, along with:

• Crying without tears.
• Fussiness. 

Sleepiness throughout the day. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17703-norovirus)